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OUR REVIEW
A truly wonderful start to the day
White towers, baroque palaces, churches, dry stone walls and above all “trulli” are all here, just outside the town. Martina Franca has a very characteristic historical centre: the lanes are narrow and full of “spigoli”, cul-de-sacs and hidden alleyways - a real maze amongst the tall houses. All around the Itria valley the temperate climate encourages the prolific growth of the olive groves. The majestic trees are all different shapes and with their thick trunks and varied branch patterns, they resemble real sculptures. The wondrous image of these trees will never be forgotten. You will surely feel the need to pause just to take a picture of these beautiful samples of nature. The olive trees here are perfectly aligned, unlike the rest of Italy’s groves, and are flourishing with thick silvery green foliage.
The elegant Relais is situated just outside the main town, surrounded by a peaceful park. The bedrooms are very spacious and the bathrooms boast hydro massage bathtubs and a carefully chosen courtesy set. The balconies and the variously sized terraces have views directly over the beautiful garden and swimming pool which is bordered by flowers and essential herbs.
The exclusive health centre has a refined Arabic atmosphere and also hosts a relaxation area. The guests are spoilt for choice between the delicious herb teas and an interesting selection of treatments and massages. Do book a shiatsu massage, as this will be an indescribable experience!
The top class restaurant will welcome you with soft lighting, a large open fire and the minimum amount of tables required for the select guests. The young, cordial staff pay attention to every detail and offer a service which is both formal and impeccable. The place settings have elegant white ceramic plates and large, deep soup bowls. The fragrant bread basket is laden with grissini, taralli and several types of bread, freshly made on the premises, and is constantly replenished.
The young and experienced sommelier has a rich and varied wine list which includes some interesting varieties of whites, with special attention given to the quality local wines. The locally produced “Moscato” is surely one to savour.
The excellent cuisine offers a creative menu and one will be able to sample local products such as the Martina Franca “capocollo” and a superb selection of carefully prepared risottos. The salt salmon and the sweet desserts are some of the many other delicacies that the guest really should sample.
The jewel in the crown at Villa San Martino is nevertheless breakfast – it really cannot be bettered!
Breakfast is served in the dining hall and the spectacular buffet is beautifully presented on the round tables. Cakes, fruit tarts, biscuits, all kinds of breads, jams, pastries, hazelnut cream, honey, chantilly cream and savoury tarts - all strictly homemade.
To follow, a variety of locally produced foods - cheeses, “burrate”, “salumi”, “capocollo”, mozzarella sweets and a large selection of oils, all prepared alongside the antique wooden sideboard.
Finally an inviting fruit buffet, champagne and prosecchi wines, fresh fruit juices and last, but not least, “grandma’s zabaione” - cooked on request and accompanied by a superb coffee brewed in the Moka directly on the hearth…….Good Morning!
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