Villa Amica

Combining the charm of traditional Trulli houses with contemporary elegance, Villa Amica is comfortably nestled in southern Italy’s glorious Puglia region and offers an authentic experience for the most discerning holiday-goers.

The unique property is located on the peninsula, taking in sunlight all day long, and is surrounded by gardens and terraces with a cinematic view over the green valley below. Guests can choose between the main villa – a white-washed cubist house designed in a rectangular shape with steps leading onto the roof – and the ancient, square-shaped building called a ‘Lamia’ in the local dialect. The main villa is open plan with a sun-flooded living room, sleek kitchen and five open steps leading up to a master bedroom complete with vaulted ceilings and large windows that look out to the vineyards and olive trees. Downstairs, the four beds inspired by wagon lifts are the perfect place for children and teenagers who wish to relax uninterrupted.

But it is outdoors where the real magic happens. Retreat to the veranda which connects the two houses together, and enjoy a glass of wine and antipasti while watching the sun soften over the rural landscape. There are many spots to soak up the sunshine – notably, the infinity-style pool is surrounded by a large terrace with sun loungers and a shaded pergola. Alternatively, grab your favourite book and secure a spot at the vantage point – with rustic Trulli houses below offering a unique panorama, getting lost in a romantic novel will be easier than ever. 

Known for its olive oil, crisp wine and limestone cliffs framing the sparkling turquoise ocean, the Apulian region feels like an island. The Itria Valley where Villa Amica resides spreads over the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto and is home to established estates, vineyards and rolling grazing areas offering hours of uninterrupted exploring while also being close to the dazzling coastline. The closest village is only a 5-minute drive away, conveniently located for a morning coffee and pastry from one of the family-owned bakeries or an afternoon stroll through cobbled alleyways and backstreets that almost always ends with an Aperol Spritz in the sun.

Visiting Ostuni, with its white citadel on top of a hill, must be on your bucket list, being only a 15-minute drive away. And just over a 30-minute drive away, Monopoli is a charming seaside town populated with shops and gorgeous buildings in a historical centre which faces the sea.

Villa Amica is nestled in the rural fields and farmlands of Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot caught between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Sprinkled all over with Trulli houses and close to many notable cities, charismatic villages, and the lush Adriatic coastline, it’s an excellent base for exploring this region. 

Take a short drive or a scenic walk to Cisternino to stock up on fresh produce – in the mornings local women sell homemade maccheroni and orecchiette pasta on the streets alongside fresh vine tomatoes – before settling down in one of its many cafeterias for a refreshing affogato. This town was listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, and is only 2km away.

The closest city is Ostuni, located just over 15 minutes drive away. It is filled with boutique hotels, shops and Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Osteria del Tempo Perso, set in a giant cave. Get lost in a labyrinth of arched alleyways and lime-washed houses while admiring its many ancient churches and typically white-painted architecture.

In sun-washed Puglia, the warm glow of summer kicks in long before the high season, and the best places to enjoy the Italian sunshine are undoubtedly located on the east coast. Both Monopoli and Polignano e Mare are just over half an hour’s drive away and have a rugged coastline full of mysterious coves, limestone cliffs and pretty town centres made for wandering around. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Alberobello is less than 30 minutes drive away and is filled with 1500 Trulli houses where you can find out more about Puglia’s fascinating history. 

In just one hour by car, you can visit the red-stone Aragonese Castle standing on a small island at Brindisi harbour’s entrance and the Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – a rudder-shaped limestone memorial to sailors with breath-taking views. 

Known for its baroque architecture and Roman ruins, Lecce is also a one-hour drive away, making it an ideal one-day city break. Stroll around its cobbled alleyways and take in the ancient atmosphere in its historic centre, with the Basilica di Santa Croce not to be overlooked – carved and sculpted in a wealth of fauna and flora, it offers panoramic views over the historic centre when you climb all the way to the top. From here, you can admire the town’s many squares, domes and the ancient Roman amphitheatre before descending again to explore an array of delicious restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The region’s capital city, Bari, can also be reached in one hour by car and is full of traditional restaurants, bars, trendy shops and local lidos offering the ultimate amalgamation of southern Italy’s culture. 

Villa Interior (120m2)

Main Villa 

Ground floor 

- Living room with a sofa and dining table seating eight guests
- Kitchen with a hob, oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, kettle, toaster and coffee machine
- Doors leading to the outside terrace

First Floor (accessed via open staircase)

- Master bedroom with a double bed, desk and en-suite bathroom with a large tub, overhead rain shower and WC

Lower Ground Floor (accessed via open staircase)

- Four wagon-style bunk beds
- Bathroom with a shower and WC

Lamia

Ground Floor 

- Bedroom with twin bed that can be joined into a double bed
- Small open-plan kitchen with hob and sink
- Bathroom with a shower and WC

Outside Grounds

- Private pool (14m x 3.5m) open from approximately May to end-October
- Garden
- Pool furniture
- Patio furniture
- Covered pergola with lounge furniture
- Hammock
- Outdoor dining table seating eight guests
- Barbecue
- Private parking
- Private vineyard
- Vegetable garden

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Cable/Satellite TV
- CD stereo player
- Air-conditioning
- Central heating
- Desk
- Washing machine
- Hairdryer

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning 
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
- Bike hire

Extra available at this property(payable locally):

- Extra cleaning and linen change

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
4.00-9.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time, if approved by owner, is subject to an extra cost, €50 to be paid locally in cash. Please note that this amount can change without notice. Please enquire for more info.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pets welcome?
Not allowed.

Other Ts and Cs
Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted.

Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information.

Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager.

Please note that due to the property’s many open staircases and uneven stone surfaces, children should be supervised at all times.

The stairs leading to the unfenced roof are open and very narrow, so children should not be left unsupervised.

Changeover day
Flexible.

End of stay cleaning available?
Mandatory extra €200, payable locally in cash. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Other 2
Please note that for water consumption, fair usage policy applies. Excess charged at €60 per 14,000 litres.
Please note that four of the beds are wagon-style bunk beds, better suited for children or teenagers.

Other 3
A cot is available upon request, free of charge.

Minimum stay
5 nights. All other durations on request.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Tax
Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet access included.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open from approximately May to end-October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.

**Stag & Hen Do Allowed? **
No.