Where do you start when writing a recommendation for the Villa Cappelli? We just finished a week long celebration at this magical place for our friend's 50th birthday. He had coordinated our group having the entire Villa to ourselves. It is actually the preferred way by the owners to book time at the Villa and it is the best way to experience time there... the hosts Paul & Steven are amazing, they are gracious, have a wonderful and deep sense of the history of the region which they are more than willing to share. The Puglia region is the fastest growing tourist region in Italy and they know all the places to send you! They coordinated a series of day trips with a bus for our group to Trani, Matera, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello, all interesting towns filled with rich history. They arranged a lunch at Antichi Sapori in Montegrosso, a gluttonous 24 course event.... But honestly, the absolute highlight of this week for me was all the time we spent on the property, whether it was wandering the gardens looking for a new photo op in the right light, swimming in the pool, breakfast in the intimate kitchen, wandering through the wine cellar with Paul, playing cards by the pool, touring the "new" cave discovered under the Villa which has been dated to 2000 BC, walking through the olive groves, or just reading a good book which turned into many naps in our suite, each experience was unique and nothing you'd ever get on your typical "vacation." With all that said, what I haven't told you about yet is the food! (&drink) We had 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners, all expertly prepared by Steven, one of the owners, and executive chef for the Villa. Each experience was unique and special. Breakfasts were typically what one would think of as "continental" in style except Steven always had some warm dish which was prepared from left overs of the the prior night's dinner which were exquisite! The lunches were also varied with a range of pastas, salads, and vegetables, and of course a delicious red wine bottled directly at the Villa. They have plenty of water, soda, etc for options, but once you have the Villa's wine you will discount any of the other options... As for dinner at the Villa, well it was nothing short of pure magic... Cocktail hour in the bar was filled with the laughter and conversation of good friends sprinkled with the snappy repartee of Paul who is always quick to give everyone a reason to laugh while showing off his incredible mixology skills.... the dinners were like episodes of Downton Abbey, after the cocktail hour we moved to the dining table which most nights was outside under the olive trees. The meals were all authentic Italian cuisine, varied, and exquisitely prepared by Steven and filled with ingredients grown right on the Villa grounds. Watch out for the chili pepper flakes and take Paul's recommended dosage and not a speck more. Paul & Steve made sure each night was unique and tastier than the night before. They were also very accommodating of dietary issues and our desire to have props at some of the dinners... A special bonus if you have the chance is cooking lessons from Steven or possibly even Mama Cappelli... they have to be prearranged but are sure treats to add to the experience. On our trip Mama showed us all the right way to make a brasoille In summary, if you are looking for a customized and magical vacation experience for your family or a group of friends, then make the Villa Cappelli the center of your adventure. You won't be disappointed! read more

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