Here the weather is getting warmer – last week there were even (Italian!) people sunbathing on the rocks by the Porta Vecchia beach! I love this time of year and have been enjoying putting away my winter clothes this weekend.

Foodies wax lyrical about the joys of seasonal produce, and I agree, but had got heartily sick of oranges, winter greens and cime di rape and am thrilled to be able to buy fresh broad beans, peas and strawberries in the market.

From now until the end of May is the perfect time to visit Puglia for food lovers, or those wishing to really explore the many beautiful towns the area has to offer before it gets too hot. A good time to explore the great outdoors too – there are wild flowers everywhere, including orchids specific to the region. With a bit of luck you will also be able to get an early tan, and enjoy a quick paddle, or even swim in the turquoise sea. Easter is celebrated with great pomp and ritual, religious processions, passion plays and, of course, special Easter dishes, such as the traditional scarcelle pastries.

News
Planning permissions for any building work here, especially pools, has been held up this year by the fact that a new set of rules came into play at the end of November last year… Nothing moves fast in Puglia and it has taken the local councils until now to work out how they are going to implement them. Finally we had the go ahead for the pool at Ville delle Ginestre, which promises to be truly beautiful – and I am now taking summer bookings as the pool should be finished in the next fortnight or so.

A couple of weekenough communal living space for larger groups – so ideal for family gatherings or friends travelling togethers ago I went to see the recently opened Masseria Zambardo, near San Vito dei Normanni and conveniently situated for exploring both the Valle D’Itria and the Salento with easy access from Brindisi airport. The sister Masseria to one of my favourite agriturismi Masseria Incantalupi, this one has been restored with the same care, but is made up of 1-2 bedroom self catering apartments – two of which provide enough living space for larger groups to socialise and eat together while having bedrooms elsewhere in the masseria – perfect for extended familes.

Special offers

Don’t forget to answer our questions and enter our prize draw.. Given the number of prizes, and relatively few entries there will now be two draws – one on the 31st of March and one at the end of April

We are pleased to offer 10% off all breaks (for 2014) on the following accommodation: Villa delle Ginestre, Masseria Zambardo, The Sanctuary (sleeps up to 12).See villas section on http://www.personalpuglia.com

10% off April breaks at Trulli Favola (sleeps 8-14)  and Trulli Vista (sleeps 2-4)  See villas section on http://www.personalpuglia.com.
20% off May breaks at Villa Delle Ginestre (sleeps 10).

Normal prices: Prices per week (before discount)

1500 – 3300  sanctuary

1100-2500  vista

2500-8000 favola

2000-4500  delle ginestre

Prices per night  (before discount)

Masseria Zambardo 90-100 per room, 170-190 per apartment (sleeping 4+2)

In addition to the above, the discounts from the January newsletter, for villa or hotel spring breaks still apply as well, subject to availability.