Escape to Paradise: Masseria La Chiusa Delle More, Peschici, Italy Awaits
Escape to Paradise: (Maybe?) My Chaotic Love Letter to Masseria La Chiusa Delle More, Peschici
Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget crisp, predictable reviews. This is going to be a messy, rambling, and hopefully hilarious account of my recent stay at Masseria La Chiusa Delle More in Peschici, Italy. Think less Michelin star, more… me trying to remember what I even ate half the time.
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- Keywords: Masseria La Chiusa Delle More, Peschici, Italy, Puglia, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wifi, Family Friendly, Vacation, Luxury, Italy Travel.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and hilariously messy review of Masseria La Chiusa Delle More in Peschici, Italy. Featuring accessible amenities, spa experiences, food adventures, and a healthy dose of Italian chaos.
The Arrival (And the Immediate Search for Wi-Fi)
First things first: the drive. Spectacular. Think winding roads, sun-drenched cliffs, and the Adriatic Sea practically begging you to jump in. Then, you arrive at La Chiusa Delle More. It’s… gorgeous. That classic Italian farmhouse vibe, all stone and charm. And the first thought that raced through my brain? WIFI, WIFI, WIFI! (Sorry, world. I'm addicted.)
They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN". My experience? Worse than dial-up on a good day. Constantly dropping, requiring resets, and generally making me feel like I was back in the dark ages. This is where my first minor meltdown happened. I NEEDED to upload a picture of the view! It was crucial! The staff, bless their hearts, tried their best. Eventually, I just gave up and went outside… where it was somehow even worse. (Spoiler: It did get better, eventually. But the initial struggle? Real.)
Speaking of outside…
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, I’m not using a wheelchair, but I did take a good look around for an honest assessment. "Facilities for disabled guests", they list. And, to their credit, they’ve made a decent effort. There’s an elevator – a huge plus! - and ramps leading to various areas. The public spaces seem navigable. I saw a few wide doorways, and the ground was generally smooth. I can’t speak directly to the experience of someone with limited mobility, but I’d say it's worth contacting them directly for specific details on the rooms and facilities. (They did mention "Exterior corridor" for some rooms… take note!)
The Rooms: Pretty, But… (The Saga of the Bathroom Phone)
My room? Pretty. Really pretty. Think fresh linens, classic Italian design, and a surprisingly comfortable bed ("Extra long bed" they bragged, and yeah, it was). Air conditioning worked like a charm (a lifesaver in the Puglian heat!), and the blackout curtains were absolute godsends. There was a desk if you actually wanted to work (nope), and a mini-bar tempting you with overpriced snacks (tempted, always).
Then there was the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom. "Bathroom phone," they promised. I’m not sure why. I suspect it's for emergencies (like running out of toilet paper, which, thankfully, didn't happen). I didn't use it. I did appreciate the complimentary toiletries and the provided slippers. The shower was perfectly fine. The separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. My only real gripe? The lighting. It was dim. Trying to apply makeup in that dimness felt like a crime against vanity. (First world problems, I know.)
Things to Do (Beyond the Wi-Fi Battle)
Okay, so the internet was a bust. But there was SO MUCH ELSE to do! Let's start with the obvious: Swimming pool! The Swimming pool [outdoor]! Glorious. The Pool with view? Absolutely. I spent a shameful amount of time lounging by that pool, occasionally dipping in to cool off. It was bliss. They even had a Poolside bar, where I may or may not have developed a slight addiction to Aperol Spritzes. (Don't judge.)
Then there was the Spa, a real treat! I indulged in a massage (divine), and seriously considered a Body scrub, but chickened out. Maybe next time! They also had a Steamroom, Sauna, and a Gym/fitness center so I am told! I didn't use it. I was on vacation, dammit! But the fact that they had all those options? Impressive. The Fitness center was also available and, I am told, very good!
Food, Glorious Food (And The Occasional Digestive Disaster)
Food is a big deal in Italy. It's practically a religion. And La Chiusa Delle More doesn't disappoint (mostly).
- Restaurants: Yes! (plural!) They boast Restaurants and the food was great!
- Breakfast [buffet]: The best! A glorious spread of pastries, cured meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit.
- Breakfast service was offered as well!
- A la carte in restaurant was great, but it was a buffet in Restaurants.
- Dinner, drinking, and snacking: There was a Happy hour which was great, featuring tasty offerings!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant! Amazing!
- International cuisine in restaurant. Also amazing!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: all day long!
- Soup in restaurant. Yes!
- Vegetarian restaurant. Nice!
- Western cuisine in restaurant. Always!
I ate my weight in pasta and pizza, and I have zero regrets. I experimented. I tried new things. And, occasionally, I overdid it. (Let's just say I wasn't always feeling the healthiest, but hey, it's all part of the experience, right?) The coffee/tea in the restaurant was superb. They even had a Coffee shop, which was convenient for my multiple caffeine fixes. They also offered Bottle of water and the occasional Snack bar. I loved it all!
The Quirky Stuff (And the Stuff I Forgot to Photograph)
- Cashless payment service: Thank goodness. I hate carrying cash.
- Doorman: Always helpful, opening doors for me.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Amazing, always available.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! They were taking cleanliness very seriously.
- Laundry service was great.
- Pets allowed unavailable: That's a bit sad, I want to bring my dog next time.
- Room decorations: Nice and charming.
- Safety/security feature: I noticed the CCTV in common areas.
- Smoking area: I did not try it.
- Terrace: Amazing to sit and relax at the end of the day!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Modern Italian Touch
They’re clearly taking COVID seriously. Lots of Hand sanitizer. Staff trained in safety protocol. They provided Individually-wrapped food options, and there was Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (mostly). Daily disinfection in common areas and they used Anti-viral cleaning products. I'm not always the best at remembering to take pictures on vacations and I regret not taking more.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Despite the Wi-Fi chaos and the occasional digestive rumble, yes. Absolutely. Masseria La Chiusa Delle More is a beautiful place with fantastic food, a lovely pool, and a genuine charm. If you're looking for a picture-perfect experience, it might not be a perfect fit. But if you embrace the imperfections, the occasional hiccups, and the pure joy of Italian hospitality, you’ll have an unforgettable time. Just, you know, maybe download some movies before you arrive… and pack a book. Just in case.
And next time, I'm definitely trying that body scrub.
Escape to the German Alps: Your Cozy Willingen Terrace Awaits!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! We're going to Masseria La Chiusa Delle More in Peschici, Italy, and trust me, you're in for a ride. This isn't a perfectly polished travel brochure, it’s a… experience. Prepare for some serious chaos, questionable choices, and a whole lotta love for olive oil.
MASSAGE OR MADNESS: My Peschici Pilgrimage (aka, The Itinerary That Didn't Actually Stick to Any Schedule)
Day 1: Arrival and the Urgent Need for Aperitivo
- Morning (ish - because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Arrive in Bari airport. Honestly, the first thing I saw was a sign for "Caffè" and my blood sugar just about gave a thumbs up and hit the gas pedal. Finding a rental car? Hah! The budget car rental place was like a scene from a very disorganized Italian family reunion. Let’s just say my Italian vocabulary quickly expanded to include phrases like "Where's the damn car key?" and "Is this thing even running?".
- Afternoon: The Scenic Drive of Death (and Beauty): The drive to Peschici. Gargano Peninsula, baby! Google Maps promised a "coastal route." Google Maps LIED. It was a winding cliffside road that would make even a race car driver question their life choices. But DAMN, the views! Cobalt water, craggy coastline… breathtaking. I might have accidentally driven on the wrong side of the road at one point, just briefly, for about thirty seconds. No one saw, I swear. The anticipation was palpable.
- Late Afternoon. Masseria La Chiusa Delle More - FINALLY: Pulling up to the Masseria! Pictures don't do it justice, it's like a fairytale barn conversion, nestled amongst olive groves. Rustic chic meets "I want to live here forever." Check-in was chaotic, in the best way possible. A flurry of Italian, laughter, and the smell of fresh bread. Suddenly, I was offered a glass of prosecco as a welcome drink, and my exhaustion evaporated.
- The Aperitivo Imperative: Right, so, no time for unpacking. Aperitivo hour is sacred. Found a little bar in Peschici town. Ordered a Negroni (because, Italy) and a plate of olives and bruschetta. The olives. I dream about those olives. Salty, briny, perfect. Watched the sunset over the Adriatic… maybe shed a single, happy tear. Pure bliss.
Day 2: Olive Oil Obsession and Culinary Adventures
- Morning: Olive Grove Immersion (aka, I attempted to be an olive farmer): Okay. So, the Masseria has its own olive groves. I decided I was going to participate in a tour and learn everything about olive oil production. The passionate stories, the ancient traditions, the simple elegance… It's truly mesmerizing, and the woman was so graceful as she demonstrated the harvesting techniques that I wanted to become one of them! I swear, I was so close to bringing home a suitcase filled with unfiltered olive oil.
- Midday: Cooking Class Catastrophe (and Victory): The Masseria offers cooking classes. Thought: Easy peasy! Reality: My nonna would have been horrified. We were making orechiette pasta, which is a tiny ear-shaped pasta. My pasta, it resembled more of a… a deformed amoeba. But, somehow, when the instructor was making her version of the pasta look so easy and beautiful, I understood that this was not about perfection, but about love and fresh ingredients. The sauce? Perfection. The pasta? Well, it tasted amazing anyway, even if it did look a bit… avant-garde. That night, I dreamed of pasta-shaped amoebas.
- Afternoon: Beach Day! (Almost): Went down to a beach, it was beautiful. Got about five minutes of sunbathing, before I gave up my place, I just couldn't fight the urge to go to the sea, the waves were too inviting.
- Evening: Peschici Exploration and Gelato Regret: Explored the actual town of Peschici. Pretty, charming. Went gelato hunting and found a little gelateria. I picked a flavor called "pistacchio". I should have picked two. I should have bought two. I'm still haunted by my single scoop. I should fly back just for the gelato at this point.
Day 3: Coastal Capers and a Dive into History
- Morning: Boat Trip Bliss (and Near-Death Experience): Went on a boat trip with a local fisherman. He spoke no English, I spoke very little Italian, but we communicated beautifully through hand gestures and laughter. Sailed along the coast, saw secluded coves, and emerald waters. The highlight was an amazing rock formation, I really thought that it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. However, the sea was slightly rough, and I swear I saw the boat lurch a few times. A tad scary, but the views made up for it.
- Afternoon: History Lesson and a Surprise: Spent the afternoon exploring the old castle of Peschici. So much history, so many narrow streets, and it was so much fun. I think that the stories of the old times are so much more interesting than the stories we have today. Then, I stumbled upon a tiny artisan workshop and found a guy making ceramic jewelry. It’s the most extraordinary thing I have seen!
- Evening: Dinner and Stargazing Serendipity: Amazing seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor. I decided to go eat pasta, I got a seafood pasta and a bottle of the local wine and that was the night of my life even if I didn’t like that bottle of wine at all! After dinner, I went back to the Masseria and did some stargazing. The sky was so incredibly clear, and the stars were twinkling, I never have this type of thing in my home city!
Day 4: Departure Depression and Olive Oil Overload
- Morning: Farewell Breakfast and the Pain of Parting: The hardest part: the farewell breakfast. Freshly baked bread, local honey, and the most incredible coffee. I didn't want to leave. I could happily live there for a year (or forever). And, of course, I spent an hour buying olive oil, because let's be honest, I am now an olive oil aficionado… and I was now prepared to bring back as much as I could!
- Afternoon: Airport Angst and Reflections: The drive back to Bari. Winding roads, teary eyes. The memory of those olives, the pasta that looked like an amoeba, the charming boatman, and the stunning view… everything was going through my mind.
- Evening: Back home, with Olive Oil and Memories: Landing back home. Back to reality. But, hey, at least I have a suitcase full of olive oil, right? And the memories, of course… the slightly messy, gloriously imperfect memories of Peschici. I’ll be back. Oh yes, I will be back. Ciao!
Escape to Paradise: Masseria La Chiusa Delle More – Seriously, Is It *Really* Paradise? (And Other Burning Questions)
Okay, so... Peschici. And La Chiusa Delle More. Is it actually as idyllic as the Instagram photos suggest? Because, let's be honest, everyone's filter game is strong.
Alright, let's get real. Instagram? Lies, damn lies, and... well, you know. Peschici IS stunning. The white buildings clinging to the cliffs, the turquoise water... it's genuinely breathtaking. La Chiusa Delle More? Okay, *that's* where the Instagrammers get it right. But even paradise has its quirks, yeah? My first thought was, "Wow, this is...rustic." Which is fancy Italian for "slightly rough around the edges" but charming as hell. Think less minimalist hotel, more lovingly-restored farmhouse with a splash of "we really *like* antiques." The pool? Gorgeous. The views? Unforgettable. The wifi? Well... let's just say you might *actually* disconnect. Which, honestly, is part of the charm.
What's the food situation like? Because a girl's gotta eat (and preferably not just bread and regret).
Oh, the food. Prepare to loosen your belt. Seriously. You're in Puglia, people! Expect mountains of pasta, fresh seafood that practically jumped out of the sea onto your plate, and enough olive oil to make you glow. The breakfasts at La Chiusa Delle More? A glorious assault on the senses. Freshly-baked bread, homemade jams (fig was my downfall), local cheeses, cured meats… and the espresso? Forget about it. I swear, I had about five cups every morning. And the dinners? Often a set menu, featuring regional specialities. One night, I had this pasta with seafood, and I swear, I almost cried. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Okay, maybe I *did* cry a little. Don't judge me! Just… be prepared to waddle home.
The rooms... are they actually nice, or are we talking "tiny, with a view of the parking lot" nice?
Okay, confession time. I'm a bit of a room snob. I NEED a decent bed, and a good view helps. The rooms at La Chiusa Delle More? Okay, *mostly* nice. They're all individually decorated, which is a plus. Some are bigger than others. Some have balconies. Mine was a decent size, with this glorious view of the olive groves and the sea in the distance. The bed was comfy, thank the heavens above. The bathroom was… functional. Not super-luxe, but clean and with decent water pressure (a win!). I did have a slight panic attack when I saw the mosquito net. I'm not a net person. But honestly? I got over it. And I actually *liked* it. It added to the whole rustic charm. Just… check the size of your room before you book if space is a huge concern. I heard some of the smaller ones can feel a little…cramped.
Is there anything to *do* besides eat and sunbathe? I get restless, you know?
Oh, honey, yes! Though, to be completely honest, I did spend a *lot* of time eating and sunbathing. But, yes, there's stuff. Peschici itself is gorgeous. Explore the medieval town, wander the narrow streets, get lost (and then find your way back with gelato). Go to the beach! The water is incredible. Take a boat trip. Visit the Tremiti Islands (worth it!). Rent a scooter and zoom around the Gargano Peninsula (be warned, Italian drivers are... enthusiastic). I spent a day exploring Vieste, which is also beautiful. Honestly, the hardest part is choosing! I wished I had more time. You could easily spend a week or two just exploring that area.
And here's a tip: the owner, Sergio, is super helpful. Ask him for recommendations. He knows all the best hidden gems. He sent me to this tiny little trattoria in a nearby village, where I had the best orecchiette of my life. I still dream about it. I felt like I unlocked a secret level of authenticity there, and then walked out with sauce all over my hands.
How is the staff? Are they friendly or are they the 'surly hotel staff' kind?
The staff? Lovely. Truly. It's a family-run place, and it shows. They're genuinely friendly, helpful, and always smiling. They'll try their best to help you, even if your Italian is as terrible as mine (spoiler alert: it is). They made me feel welcome, which goes a long way. I had this one server, Marco, who was just a delight. He always remembered my coffee order, and he was such a good sport about my attempts at conversational Italian. The front desk lady was also great; helping me with everything, and she was a total sweetheart. It's not a slick, impersonal hotel experience. It's a place where, by the end of it, you feel like you've made some new friends. That’s just… nice, you know?
Let's talk about the pool. Is it as epic as it looks?
Okay, the pool. The heart of La Chiusa Delle More. The Instagram bait. And… yes. It's pretty damn epic. It's an infinity pool, overlooking the olive groves and the sea. Picture this: you, a sun lounger, a book (or, let's be real, your phone), and a cold drink. Bliss. The water is cool, refreshing, and perfectly clear. It's the kind of pool you could spend all day in, and I pretty much did. I even saw one of the staff members cleaning it meticulously one day. It was seriously clean and well maintained. My only complaint? Finding a sun lounger! They can get snapped up pretty quickly. So, my advice? Wake up a bit earlier, grab a spot, and settle in. Because believe me, you *will* want to spend as much time there as possible.
Any downsides? Because nothing's *perfect*. Though, I'm still holding out hope.
Okay, let's be honest. It's not *all* sunshine and rainbows. The wifi, as I mentioned, can be patchy. Embrace the digital detox, honestly. The location, while beautiful, is slightly remote. You definitely need a car to get around and explore. And, like I said, the rooms aren't super-luxe. I also heard that the mosquitos can be brutal, but I somehow escaped unscathed. My friend, however, was not so lucky. Pack the bug spray! Finally, and this is a small thing, but the air conditioning can be a little temperamental in some rooms. It worked fine in mine, but I heard complaints from others. But honestly? These are minor quibbles. The pros far outweigh the cons.
