Relais Villa San Martino

Despite arriving at 11.30pm, over 4 hours later than planned due to a delayed flight, we were met with a warm smile and efficient welcome by the receptionist who had stayed on with the night porter until our arrival. It typified the friendly staff who, without exception in all teams, gave 101% throughout the week to ensure we had a perfect break. Food was regional, plentiful and excellent throughout, whether for breakfast on the terrace, in the restaurant, Trulio di Nino, or poolside at lunchtime. We had a junior suite which was spacious, airy with high ceilings and enjoyed sunshine throughout the day on the large balcony. Doors on two corners allowed for a pleasant autumn breeze to flow through. There were two other restaurants within a few minutes walk which were good and the lovely town of Martina Franca within a brisk 30 minute walk. Luckily we were there with friends for 5 of the days who had rented a car which was great for exploring the region (itself a treat especially in the very good autumn sunshine we enjoyed). Public transport was minimal and a car is essential for more than a few days stay if you want to make the most of Puglia. For us, visiting during the quieter shoulder months was perfect, it did mean that not all of the hotels facilities/facilities were open and is worth noting although the staff more than compensated ensuring we had whatever we were looking for. Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the hotel to anybody seeking a peaceful break in paradise or base to explore the wonderful surrounding areas.

We spent 3 nights in this luxury masseria equipped with everything we could possibly desire, from free parking space to in-room espresso machine, to vegan breakfast, to spa and swimming pool in the green nature of Martina Franca (home of the famous Trulli). Before our arrival a very nice member of the staff, Alessandro, had called us to let us know that they had upgraded our room and moved us to a higher floor as there would have been a special evening in the hotel with many guests and music. They wanted to be sure that we could have a good night sleep and not being disturbed. The room was gorgeous with precious furnishings and a big balcony with a view on the swimming pool. The breakfast was magnificent, and the baker of the hotel had prepared, just for us, delicious vegan muffins (blueberry and chocolate), vegan chocolate cake, focaccia and plenty of fresh juices and fruit. For non-vegans the possibilities were even wider, from freshly made mozzarella to your choice of eggs, cheese, and cold cuts, to filled croissants and cakes. The staff was all super friendly and we are particularly grateful to Alessandro and Francesca that made our stay particularly pleasant. We highly recommend this resort immerse in the overwhelming beauty of Apulia!

We had the most memorable wedding weekend at Villa San Martino. The planning was smooth from start to finish, the team were extremely flexible with our requests and from the moment we arrived, the staff went above & beyond to ensure we had the best weekend! A beautiful venue with great amenities, amazing staff & delicious food & drinks. Our wedding was more than we could have wished for because of this outstanding venue & its team!

Return visit to this hotel and its a lovely as ever. Staff are very professional and helpful and always available to assist. Since out last visit four years ago they have opened up a first class NiNo restaurant and their tasting menu is definitely worth it - some of the best food I've eaten. Also very accommodating as I am a vegetarian and my husband a carnivore but this was not a problem and they took the time to ensure both our meals were presented with the Michelin star - they should be getting.

Excellent hotel. The best in the region. Great staff and suoer good food. We will be coming back. One evening we invited some 140 guests for a corporate event, and everything ran flawlessly. Very beautiful setting.

Beautiful location, rooms and views! The food is amazing and staff is very friendly. The garden and pool is beautiful. Very peaceful and relaxing. A hotel for the the classic Italian summer experience! We will come again!

We have just had the most wonderful 4night stay here. We stayed because my brother was getting married and had celebrations across 3 days and at each one the staff could not have worked harder or have been more friendly and lovely. We travelled with a 3year old and 11month old and so needed at times to ask for additional things and nothing was ever made to feel like too much trouble. From the moment we arrived whenever we were seen by a member of staff we were greeted in such a friendly manor. The way the hotel and staff worked around my brothers wedding was first class and this for a wedding venue I could not recommend more. It is not only a stunning location but the food was delicious with such an incredible variety. The hotel itself has a beautiful clean pool with comfy sun lounges and plenty of areas to sit and relax in as well. Thank you so much to everyone who made my brother and sister in laws wedding magical and our stay fantastic!!

Unfortunately my daughter made the mistake of booking her wedding here. The hotel and surroundings may look nice but the two people in charge are definitely not and made all of the arrangements for this three day event very difficult and stressful. They changed agreed arrangements for their convenience and were never around to discuss at the time so we were left trying to sort out with the other staff who did not know what had been agreed meaning that we missed time with our guests (who also commented on where the ‘wedding coordinator’ was). The ‘unlimited soft drinks’ that were included in the package were made as difficult as possible to get and we had to constantly ask for bottles to be brought to the tables – apparently guests are expected to know that they can ask for drinks and they will bring them one at a time which is ridiculous when there at 70+ guests. Soft drinks consist of coke and water if you are lucky – if you want anything else you have to wait an hour as apparently the other bottles were too warm and the staff didn’t know where cold bottles were. Wine service was the same, rose put on the tables but anyone wanting red or white wine were expected to know that they could ask for it. Coffee at end of the meal was not served at the table – yet again guests expected to ask at the bar and then it was served in paper cups. No prosecco served for toasts. All very five star ‘Luxury’, not. The wedding cake they provided was a polystyrene covered structure which we had not been made aware of and the agreed chocolate layer of wedding cake never materialised. We were told that we could use their speaker to play music but it wouldn’t work. We were told that tables would be re-laid before the wedding banquet (as we had to use the tables for the antipasti buffet beforehand) but they weren’t so all looked messy with missing cutlery. There were even more issues on top of this which just spoilt the occasion for us and caused no end of stress trying to deal with the management team. Air conditioning in the bedrooms was either freezing cold or boiling hot and you can’t control from your room, it is all done via reception. Hot water kept running out. All water stopped on two occasions in the rooms – apparently not the fault of the hotel, it was something to do with the water company but the hotel down the road where some other guests were staying didn’t appear to have the same issue. Trying to get them to open the pool bar so that guests could buy drinks took 2 hours. They say you can’t drink your own drinks around the pool which is fair enough but then don’t provide any option to actually purchase from them. There is no room service or option to buy any food outside breakfast time (unless pre arranged for events etc). We never saw more than a handful of guests on our various visits hence the lack of facilities as they don’t want to pay staff to provide pool bar service for two or three guests. There is absolutely

Villa San Martino holds a very special place in our hearts. My Husband and I got married here and held a 3 day event for 80 of our family and friends this July, half of which stayed onsite with us at Villa San Martino and the other half stayed short by at another hotel. Words don’t really do it justice for how amazing this place really is - you have to see it for yourself. For those who are considering a wedding in Italy, you really should look no further than Villa San Martino. Not only do you get to be wed in the most stunning place ever with multiple areas for your guests to move throughout your wedding, each as amazing as the last, but you also will get the best experience possible from the moment you enquire until the wedding day itself. Giulia, the wedding coordinator, is nothing short of outstanding. She has been the kindest, most professional, friendly, and fun person to help us plan our dream wedding and everything went perfectly - we wouldn’t have changed a single thing. I fully trusted her from the beginning and she certainly delivered. Giuseppe was so wonderful - he truly made our wedding incredible with all of the amazing food, wine, cake and service. We are so grateful to him and the kindness he showed to us and our guests. We also wanted to thank all of the other staff who worked to make our wedding event so perfect - they were all so great. The reception staff were also so amazing, kind and helpful to us and all of our guests - thank you so much to all! We opted to host a welcome dinner at the Trullo which was an amazing experience for our guests - the food and fine was exceptional. We also hosted a brunch and pool party on the day after the wedding which was so much fun - the pool is really incredible. The rooms are absolutely beautiful and the aircon is exceptional. I’m running out of adjectives but the breakfast was outstanding as well. I only have the most positive things to say about Villa San Martino. I would highly highly recommend this beautiful place for holiday or your wedding. Make sure you see this place in your life!