Puglia has been put firmly on the map in recent years and this year we switched up our usual two weeks in Greece for two weeks in Southern Italy. The second week we were staying with friends in a villa in Carovigno but we split our first week 4 nights/3 nights between two beautiful small hotels.

The first place we stayed was Borgo Sentinella, a beautiful small hotel in Southern Puglia. I received lots of messages on Instagram about where we were staying and whether we would recommend the hotel and the short answer is yes we would.

First Impressions: Warm Welcome in a Tranquil Setting

As we drove up to Borgo Sentinella, we were immediately struck by the serene setting. Surrounded by olive groves and traditional whitewashed buildings. The property exuded a sense of calm, which we didn’t feel due to the usual unhappy experience with car hire and having huge amounts of luggage on our knees, however this was instantly gone as we crossed the threshold.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the staff, shown how to access the car park, and our bags were taken from us to the room. The check-in process was seamless, and within minutes, we too were shown to our two rooms.

Spacious and Comfortable Accommodation

Our family of 5 stayed in two apartments. The kids apartment which was the larger of the two was huge with a mix of traditional and modern elements. Their apartment featured a well-equipped kitchenette, a dining area, and where there would have been a sofa, there was a sofa bed for the third/ third and fourth person.

Our apartment was much smaller but both apartments had a private terrace area. Ours overlooked the pool and the girls was more private and screened but didn’t have such a nice outlook.

The beds were comfortable, and the rooms were kept cool with air conditioning, which was definitely needed. The girls apartment also had ample storage space, whereas our apartment felt a tad cramped once all the luggage was in.

Child-Friendly Facilities?

Was Borgo Sentinella child-friendly? Yes and no. Our girls are 12 and 13 now and like reading and swimming. Had they been younger I think I’d have felt like I needed to keep them quieter. The pool was a beautiful haven, pretty quiet and serene. Amazing for us and them, but perhaps not for everyone.

We spent many afternoons lounging by the pool (on very comfortable sun loungers), and there was a good amount of shade, drinks service and bar snacks for lunch and dinner too.

There was some younger children staying whilst we were there and no-one asked them to be quiet, I just think personally I’d have felt a bit uncomfortable if mine were running about. The pool was also well-maintained, with a shallow end which was perfect for younger children to splash around in.

The property also had plenty of outdoor space for younger kids to run around.

Food

For breakfast, you can either use your kitchenette if you have one, or book to have the breakfast buffet prepared by the team. This was one of the highlights for me, with kellogs cereal boxes on offer for the small ones, fresh fruit, jams and pastries. Cheese and meats and fresh focccia and other breads too.

I’d read on some of the other reviews that Borgo Sentinella didn’t do lunch or dinner but that wasn’t the case. They don’t have a huge menu, and food service does stop at 9, but there are pizzas, salads and small bites to have around the pool which we really enjoyed. You can also bring back pizza takeaway which we did one night too. Doesn’t it look stunning at night.

The Personal Touch: Exceptional Service

What truly set Borgo Sentinella apart was the service. The staff went out of their way to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. They were always on hand to provide recommendations for family-friendly activities, help with restaurants, or suggest beach clubs. We felt genuinely cared for, and the personal touches made a big difference in our overall experience.

Borgo Sentinella’s Location

Borgo Sentinella’s location was just a short drive away, from Torre dell’Orso and in my view you do need a car to make the most of this location. Whilst the sandy shores and gentle waves make the beach at Torre dell’Orso perfect for families, in August they were incredibly busy, overrun and not fun.

We did however discover a really fun beach club, Lido Yorke, close by which gave me sixties Italian vibes. Much quieter and much nicer.

For a change of pace, we also took a day trip to the historic town of Otranto, which was only a 20-minute drive from Borgo Sentinella. The kids were fascinated by the medieval castle and the narrow cobbled streets lined with colourful shops and cafes.

Local Cuisine

One of the joys of traveling in Italy is the food, and Puglia did not disappoint. Borgo Sentinella provided us with a well-equipped kitchenette, which allowed us to prepare some easy lunches meals ourselves.

We did however really enjoy the nearby trattorias. The kids quickly developed a love for orecchiette, Puglia’s signature pasta, often served with a simple tomato sauce. The family-friendly restaurants in Italy are a huge win for families. The Italians love kids rather than just accommodating them.

Overall

Overall we loved our four nights at Borgo Sentinella and could easily have stayed for the full week. Maybe next time!