Uncover the Secrets of Torre delle Monache: Italy's Hidden Gem
Torre delle Monache: Italy's Hidden Gem…and My Chaotic Love Affair
Okay, so here we go. Trying to tell you about Torre delle Monache… deep breath is like trying to wrangle a flock of particularly flighty, gorgeous butterflies. It's a place. It's an experience. It's… well, it’s a bit messy, and I’m pretty sure I left a stray shoe in the spa. But, here’s my take, raw, unfiltered, and hopefully, enticing enough to make you want to book a flight.
First, let’s get the pre-amble out of the way. The stuff.
Accessibility: Alright, look, "fully accessible" isn't the word I'd use. This place is charming in its age, which means uneven paving stones and a few tight corners. They do have elevators, which is a major plus (see: luggage!), and they try. So, while Facilities for disabled guests are listed, it's worth double-checking specifics with the hotel directly if absolute accessibility is a dealbreaker. But, like, Italy is Italy – think charm, not pristine perfection. We’re talking about an old tower, people.
- Accessibility: Okay. The tower itself isn't designed for perfect wheelchair access. There are lifts, but I'd call it 'trying its best'.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where Torre delle Monache absolutely shines. Post-pandemic (or, you know, ongoing pandemic, let's be real), this is HUGE. They take hygiene seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products are REAL. The Daily disinfection in common areas is very obvious. I even saw them sanitizing the Shared stationery removed (which, let's be real, is a good thing). The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely concerned about your well-being, not just going through the motions. The Rooms sanitized between stays gave me serious peace of mind. Seriously, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I felt completely safe. A+ on the cleanliness front. And the whole Safe dining setup thing was genuinely well done. Not obtrusive, just… sensible.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Absolutely impeccable. It's obvious they take this seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh. My. Goodness. Where do I even begin? The Breakfast [buffet] is… well, it’s Italian. Expect a glorious, chaotic spread of pastries, cheeses, cured meats, and more coffee than your body is probably used to. There's Breakfast in room if you're still feeling the after-effects of Happy hour at the Poolside bar the night before (more on that later). They cater to different tastes, too. Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant (though I stuck with the local stuff), Vegetarian restaurant. Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant is excellent for dinner, but Room service [24-hour] is your friend for those late-night cravings after a long day of sightseeing. And the Snack bar is perfect for a quick bite. The Coffee/tea in restaurant is pretty great!
I have to tell you about a particular dining experience… Okay, I’m going to ramble a bit. So, here I was, day three, slightly hungover from the Bar (and the Bottle of water was a lifesaver in the morning. Seriously, thank you, the hotel!). I ambled down to breakfast. The Buffet in restaurant was a sensory overload. But, I spotted this beautiful, aged Italian woman, pouring coffee. I smiled at her, and her eyes lit up. “Buongiorno!” she boomed (well, probably not boomed, but I'm embellishing). I babbled something about needing caffeine. Long story short, she didn't care that I was in my pajamas and somehow, made me the best espresso I have ever had in my LIFE. It was this simple, pure, heartfelt connection. This hotel is packed with those little moments where you feel something real. It's not just about fancy food, it's about the people. Now, I know, it’s a cliché, but it was that kind of trip.
- Dining: Exquisite, chaotic, and full of unexpected magic.
Services and Conveniences: OK, the little things. Daily housekeeping is a godsend. The Concierge is incredibly helpful. Cash withdrawal is readily available. Dry cleaning is there. Laundry service is there. Luggage storage is there. Invoice provided: Thank goodness! Everything you’d expect, basically. They even have Air conditioning in public area (important in the Italian summer!) and… well, they have a Convenience store. Okay, it's a mini-mart, but you get the idea..
- Services: Convenient and generally well-handled.
For the Kids: I didn't have any kids with me, but the Babysitting service and Kids meal are listed, and the Family/child-friendly vibe is definitely there.
Getting around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, and Valet parking. Again, it's all there. Getting in, out, and about is easy-peasy.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hairdryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. – Well, a LOT of them. Honestly, the Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver. And the Extra long bed meant I could spread out and pretend I was royalty. And yeah, that Coffee/tea maker - thank goodness!
- Rooms: Generally well-equipped and comfortable.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Okay, this is where Torre delle Monache really gets you. Let's break it down, shall we?
Ways to relax:
- Body scrub: Didn't try it.
- Body wrap: Also didn't try it.
- Fitness center: Didn't even look.
- Foot bath: Nope.
- Gym/fitness: See above.
- Massage: YES. Oh, YES. I opted for a full body massage and I swear, I almost melted into the table. It was pure bliss. Best massage I've had in ages. Afterwards I was floating.
- Pool with view: Absolutely. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is seriously stunning, like picture-postcard stunning. And the Spa is… well, its a proper spa.
- Sauna: I did the sauna.
- Spa/sauna: Yeah, I think I went there.
- Steamroom: I steemed.
- Swimming pool: See above.
The Pool with View…it was that kind of pool. Crystal clear water, overlooking the rolling hills. You could swim and feel utterly, completely, and unapologetically relaxed. That’s something you can’t put a price on.
I’m going to be real with you. Okay, here’s something you wouldn't get from a normal brochure. I spent hours in that Sauna. I loved the Steamroom. It was one of those situations where you could get lost. Truly lost in the feeling of relaxation. This is a place to shut off your phone, and just breathe.
Things to do:
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine – Okay, the Shrine I walked past a couple of times! The Meeting/banquet facilities I noticed. I can't say I was interested in Meetings, but, hey, these things exist.
The Poolside bar: Back to that, as I promised. Happy hour is… well, it’s happy hour. Cocktails, snacks, sunshine, and the gentle murmur of Italian conversations. It's perfect for people-watching (because, let's face it, that's half the fun of travelling!). The Terrace. Oh, the Terrace. This glorious sun-
Baku's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Badamdar Hotel & Residences Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's perfectly planned itinerary. This is… my potential disaster/dream vacation at Torre delle Monache & Masseria La Maestà in Sannicola, Italy. Let's see if I can even survive this, shall we? (I'm already sweating just thinking about the luggage situation.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Italian Pizza Quest (aka, "Is My Luggage in Sicily?")
- Morning (Let's be optimistic and say… 10:00 AM): Land in Brindisi. Pray to the travel gods that my suitcase actually made the flight. Honestly, the baggage claim is usually where my anxiety peaks. I envision a scene from a Fellini film: me, frantically shoving people aside, waving a crumpled boarding pass, and screaming, "MIO BAGAGLIOOOO!" (Okay, maybe not screaming. Probably just muttering incoherently.)
- Mid-Morning (If the luggage gods are feeling generous… 11:30 AM): Hire a transfer to Torre delle Monache. This is when the romanticism of it all hits me… maybe a little too hard. I'll be staring out the window, a wistful expression plastered on my face, imagining myself as some lost character in Visconti's "The Leopard."
- Early Afternoon (Assuming I haven't gotten lost in a roundabout): Arrive at Torre delle Monache! My first impression? "Holy moly, is this real life?!" I'll gawk at the architecture, probably take a million photos (and then delete half of them because they're blurry). Check-in. Try to locate a decent Wi-Fi signal (a necessary evil, sadly).
- Late Afternoon: The Pizza Pilgrimage: This is the most important thing. I NEED pizza. Like, a life-or-death situation. I've researched the best pizza places in Sannicola (don't judge, I need a plan!), and the first mission is to find the perfect Margherita. It'll be a quest. I'll taste test every damn pizza slice until I find it. There will be flour on my nose, garlic on my breath, and pure, unadulterated joy in my heart. If the pizza is bad? Well, let's just say there might be a minor meltdown. (I'm a pizza purist, what can I say?)
- Evening: Dinner. More glorious Italian food! Maybe pasta. Maybe wine (definitely wine). I'll probably feel like I've eaten a small farm by the end of the night, but it'll be worth it. Crash into bed, dreaming of tomatoes and basil.
Day 2: Coastal Chaos and Cliffside Contemplation
- Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Wake up. Wander through the Masseria La Maestà's grounds, and try to find the cows. (Okay, maybe not. But I will appreciate the bucolic setting.)
- Mid-Morning: Drive to the coast! This is where the real adventure begins. I'm envisioning turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and me, looking effortlessly chic in a swimsuit. (The reality? Probably a near-drowning experience and a burnt nose, but hey, it's the thought that counts!)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Find a beach. This probably involves navigating tiny, winding roads that seem to lead absolutely nowhere. I'll be swearing at the GPS, muttering about the lack of parking, and questioning all my life choices.
- Afternoon: The Cliff Dive (Maybe.): I've always wanted to dive off a cliff. Will I actually do it? Probably not. But I'll definitely stand on the edge, get a little lightheaded, and take a photo that proves I considered doing it.
- Late Afternoon: Explore the quaint towns along the coast. Get hopelessly lost. Admire the pastel-colored buildings. Drink a gelato that will probably drip down my hand immediately (this is inevitable).
- Evening: Seafood Extravaganza: Dinner. The plan is to find a tiny trattoria by the sea and devour some fresh seafood. I'm picturing myself, surrounded by boisterous locals, slurping up spaghetti alle vongole, and feeling completely, utterly content. (Again, a hefty dose of wine is probably involved.)
Day 3: History, Hiccups, and a Hidden Gem
- Morning (Maybe a lie-in?): Explore Sannicola itself! Maybe stumble upon a hidden piazza. I'll be awkwardly attempting to speak Italian, probably butchering every word, but trying anyway. The thought of practicing Italian with local people is almost as terrifying as cliff diving.
- Mid-Morning: The Museum Challenge: Visit some local museum or historical site and pretend to understand something. Probably take a bunch of photos and later Google "What did I actually look at?"
- Early Afternoon: The Olive Oil Revelation: I signed up for a tour of the olive groves. I'm expecting a life-altering experience. I want to taste the real olive oil, the kind that makes you weep with joy. (I'm easily impressed, okay?) There will be photos of olive trees, and me dramatically sniffing olive oil.
- Afternoon: The "Lost in Translation" Incident: I will inevitably get lost. I am known for my spectacular lack of direction, and I will get the town's name wrong. There will be a funny story, maybe the taxi man will tell the story on the way back to Torre delle Monache.
- Evening: Dinner. Find a restaurant. Be prepared for some surprises, like the local menu only being in Italian.
Day 4: Chill Day Before Departure (or, "How to Not Get Eaten by a Tarantula")
- Morning: Sleep in. Maybe finally read that book I've been lugging around. Or, you know, just stare at the ceiling and reflect on the sheer beauty of doing nothing.
- Mid-Morning: Wander around the grounds of Torre delle Monache trying to find a quiet spot of shade and be still.
- Early Afternoon: Pool Time and Panic: If there's a pool at the Masseria (and let's hope there is!), I'm claiming a sun lounger and attempting to relax. (Note: my definition of "relax" involves constantly checking my phone and worrying about what I forgot to pack.)
- Afternoon: Pack. Honestly, packing is the WORST. I'll leave it until the last minute, throw everything in a suitcase, and then realize I forgot something crucial (probably my toothbrush, because I always do). I'll curse my organizational skills as I try to jam everything back in.
- Evening: Farewell Feast: A final, glorious Italian meal. A heartfelt toast to Italy. Maybe a few tears (happy ones, hopefully). And a promise to return as soon as humanly possible. The pizza is calling my name, and I need it.
Day 5: Departure (and the Eternal Luggage Saga)
- Morning (Again, let's be optimistic… 9:00 AM): Check out of Torre delle Monache. A wave of sadness will wash over me as I bid farewell to this slice of paradise.
- Mid-Morning: Transfer to Brindisi Airport.
- Late Morning: Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is airport security.
- Afternoon: Board the flight. Pray the airline doesn't lose my luggage. Again.
And that, my friends, is my very rough outline of my potential adventure in Sannicola. It won't be perfect. It might be messy. It will definitely involve a lot of food, a lot of wine, and a lot of laughter (and maybe a few tears). But hopefully, it will be an unforgettable experience. Wish me luck! (And please, send pizza.)
Escape to Paradise: Unwind at Sanbangsan's Hot Springs!
Okay, so, Torre delle Monache... Where *is* this place? And why should I care? Seriously, is it even worth the hassle?
Alright, alright, settle down, travel-weary soul. Torre delle Monache (Tower of the Nuns, if you’re fancy) is tucked away in... well, let's just say the heart of Italy, a lovely little spot that I'm not even going to spoil *completely* for you. It's in a region you probably haven't heard of, somewhere off the beaten tourist track. That's the *beauty* of it, right?
Why care? Because you're probably sick of the Colosseum crowds, the selfie sticks, the general chaos of the 'must-see' spots. This is different. This is... *tranquil*. Okay, mostly tranquil. There might be a slightly grumpy old man who yells sometimes, but more on that later. Think rolling hills, vineyards (wine!), cobbled streets, and a pace of life that actually lets you *breathe*. It's a place to *feel* Italy, not just *see* it. And yes, it's *absolutely* worth the (sometimes slightly difficult) journey.
Trust me, I was skeptical. I’d heard about it from a friend of a friend who claimed it was ‘life-changing.’ Right... Well, turns out, she wasn’t *entirely* wrong.
Sounds lovely, but how do I *get* there? Because, let's be honest, some of these 'hidden gems' are hidden *really* well.
The journey is part of the adventure, they say. And in this case, that’s *partially* true. Getting to Torre delle Monache involves a few steps. First, fly into a major airport. Then, probably rent a car. Public transport? It *exists*, I think, but, it's a total crapshoot. You'll be waiting longer than your entire holiday to get the connection.
Driving is the key. And here is the thing. Italian driving! It’s… an experience. Try to avoid rush hour if you can, because the highways can turn into an absolute parking lot. My advice? Embrace the chaos. The Italians are *fantastic* at weaving through traffic, so best to just go with the flow and use your horn liberally. Seriously, horns are practically a language there. A very *loud* language.
GPS is your friend, but don't rely on it *completely*. Sometimes, it'll lead you down what looks suspiciously like a goat track. Just remember: if you feel lost, you probably *are* lost. But you'll find your way, eventually. That's part of the fun, right? The ‘adventure’ part? I’d say it's 80% adventure, 20% screaming into the wind.
Once I'm *there*, what is there to *do*? Other than stare at picturesque scenery, I mean.
Okay, here’s where I confess: the 'doing' is less frantic than in, say, Rome. That’s the point! But still, there *is* stuff.
First and foremost: *eat.* Seriously. The food is incredible. Each family had the recipes for things like lasagna and pizza. I spent a truly unhealthy amount of time eating pasta. And the wine is… local. *Very* local. So, like, *actually* local. If you’re offered a glass, say yes. Even if it's served in a chipped glass. It's probably delicious. Maybe a little bit strong, but delicious.
Then, wander. Explore the tiny streets, discover hidden cafes. Visit the local market (if there's one). Talk to the locals - even with my terrible Italian, I still managed to have some lovely conversations. Many of whom will offer you food. Take it. Always.
There's also hiking (if you're feeling energetic – I'm not always!), visiting nearby historic sites (there's a castle somewhere… I think), and generally soaking up the atmosphere. It's about slowing down, people. And you might find yourself doing absolutely nothing, and loving every minute of it. It's a *very* easy place to just… be. I spent an entire afternoon just sitting in the town square, watching the world go by. Best afternoon ever?
Tell me about the accommodation? Is it all quaint B&Bs, or are there any actual hotels? And will I be sleeping with spiders? My biggest fear.
Okay, my friend, let's talk about the thorny issue of where you'll lay your weary head. Forget the glitzy hotels. This isn't that kind of place. Think charming, rustic, and sometimes… well, *rustic*. Most lodging leans towards the B&B or small guesthouse style. They’re usually family-run and bursting with character.
I stayed in a B&B, and it was like, someone's actual *house.* Charming, in a slightly ramshackle way. The decor was… *eclectic*. Think antique furniture, flowery wallpaper, and a bathroom that had a shower that didn't *quite* work right. But the family were so lovely, it didn't matter. They left a slice of homemade cake outside my door every morning.
Spiders? Look, let's be honest, you're in the countryside. There will probably be spiders. I may or may not have encountered a particularly large one on my first night. It was an experience. My internal scream probably woke the neighbors. But after a quick scream and the owner coming to save me, it was all okay.
The key: Embrace the imperfections. It's part of the charm. And pack some bug spray (just in case!).
Any tips for navigating the local language? I only know how to say "hello" and "thank you". And maybe "ice cream".
Right. So, you're a beginner. Don't panic! It's Italy, and the Italians are usually *very* forgiving of clumsy attempts at their language.
Knowing "hello" (Ciao/Buongiorno) and "thank you" (Grazie) is a good start. "Ice cream" (gelato) is also essential. Add "please" (per favore) to your repertoire. Bonus points for "una birra, per favore" (a beer, please).
Learn some basic phrases. "Do you speak English?" (Parla inglese?) will come in handy. So will "How much?" (Quanto costa?). Even if you mangle the pronunciation, people will appreciate the effort.
And if all else fails, there’s always the universal language of pointing and gesturing. Be prepared to mime everything. Ordering food is always an adventure. I once tried to order a salad and ended up with a plate of fried zucchini flowers. Delicious, yes, but not *quite* what I intended. But that's what makes travel fun, isn't it?
Food! Tell me about the food. Is it all pizza and pasta, or are there any other culinary delights? And will I need to bring antacids?
