Ostuni a Mare

We weren’t sure what to expect as the photos and reviews were a little underwhelming but this place was amazing. Yes, it’s labyrinthine- very 60’s Italian resort vibes in the accomodation wings, and yes, some of the bathrooms are a little outdated, but the rest of the resort is beautiful. The pools are spectacular particularly the laghetto lake pool which is enormous. The beach is lovely and the walk is easy and charming (don’t let the whiners put you off because of that) it’s not far at all. The breakfasts were excellent and the food at the beach restaurant fantastic. Parking was easy and the reception crew sent us a kettle on request so all was perfect. Perhaps there could be a little more soundproofing between rooms but it didn’t impact on our sleep. The only thing I would find fault with is that the beds are really hard, and I ended up with quite a sore back. And it’s perhaps not clear how to get in and out of the resort (through the barrier arms) Other than that- it was terrific.

Although this hotel is lovely, very clean, with stunning pools and a nice restaurant, I cannot recommend it for families. The lifeguards were extremely rude to the children and seemed to dislike any noise at all. My children were not shouting or screaming, just splashing and playing, yet when we challenged the lifeguard, we were shouted at and told to leave the pool. We did involve the manager, who thankfully asked the lifeguard to back off, but the whole situation really put us on edge for the rest of our stay. The hotel itself is beautiful, but a car is an absolute must as there isn’t much around within walking distance.

Loved our stay here! We asked to move the first day as when we opened the patio doors to our terrace the traffic was quite loud, may not bother some people but I do like peace and quiet on holiday! Reception was very helpful and offered us a room of the same standard on the other side of the hotel. Not much the hotel can do about the traffic noise but be aware. The hotel was very clean, very tastefully decorated, a great chilled atmosphere, loved the local pottery everywhere. The staff are extremely friendly and so helpful. Swimming pools, there are a choice of 3, all brilliant, plenty of sunbeds to go around. The hotel has a private beach, you can walk there which takes 10 mins or get a lift in a golf buggy which was good in the heat! Beach was beautiful, lovely golden sand and the water was calm and very clear. There is a sand bank a few metres into the sea, which makes it safe for young children as it’s not deep for a long way out. We never struggled for a sunbed and you are placed in the rows according to your level of room/ suite. We loved our suite, very high specification, looked like it’s been recently refurbished. Was a great size with plenty of room for storage. Bathroom was extremely clean. We ate in the 2 restaurants a few times for both lunch and dinner. Food was of a high standard and the waiting staff and maitre’ d were all very helpful and friendly. Our only comment is that the menu is limited and after a few days, we had eaten most of the options, would be great if there were daily specials to give a bit more variety. Would be advisable to have a car to travel to the local sites, most places are only max half an hour away ie Ostuni city, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare. We also ate at a couple of lovely seafood restaurants in the nearby Villanova - Si Sea Villanova and Vicolo A Mare Ristorante & Pizzeria, both were great and lovely views across the sea. Tip: Ask for a room on the pool side as you can hear traffic from the other side of the hotel.