Five of us, myself, three eighteen year olds and a thirteen year old, had an unforgettable week’s holiday at Trulli Vista, in the hills above Monopoli in Puglia. Despite the fact that the boys pounced in glee on the iPod dock and sound system (speakers in the pool area and the outside dining and lounging areas) as soon as we arrived we had an incredibly peaceful and relaxing stay. Swimming in the beautiful infinity pool, designed so that you have the horizon and the sea at eye level as you do your lengths, then throwing yourself down on the grass, in the shade of an olive tree, to watch the butterflies flitting from flower to flower was bliss.

We chose the villa for its proximity to Monopoli which we love but, as the week went on, we went into town or to the beach less and less. Long lazy meals, prepared in the outdoors kitchen or on the barbecue, lying reading or chatting on the comfortable divans in the outdoor ‘living room’ gazebo, watching the sun going down while sipping Bellinis made with freshly picked apricots from the garden – it was just incredibly relaxing. There was a heat wave when we visited and the elevated position of the villa also made the garden appreciably cooler than in town or at the beach and there was always a breeze from the sea.

The interior of the trulli was comfortable and tastefully furnished – I particularly liked the shower which was paved with smooth beach pebbles set into the floor. The fact that trulli are by their nature, shall we say compact wasn’t an issue. Even though we were using the sofa bed so that effectively we didn’t have a living room it was fine as we spent all our time outdoors. Keeping the shutters closed, and the thick stone walls, kept the house pleasantly cool at night with no need for air con. The boys predominantly used the adjacent shower room /laundry room in the small annexe.

I definitely wish we had stayed longer. The villa is ideally situated for exploring Puglia and close to some beautiful beaches but we barely moved! The villa would also be perfect for a romantic break, two couples or a couple with two children. The only nearby villa is also available to rent, shares the same view, has a hot tub rather than a pool and sleeps 8. Taking both for a larger group would be perfect as both have outdoors dining and lounging areas big enough for 12 people.

I  loved this villa so much that I have added it, and the neighbouring Casa Anna to my portfolio of  gorgeous hand-picked villas and hotels in Puglia. See http://www.personalpuglia.com