Leonardo Trulli Resort — Hotel in Locorotondo

I am really struggling with this review. Our arrival didn’t start off too well. We had been traveling around all day in a chilly rain, we got lost multiple times close to the resort trying to find the entrance because the signage is NOT obvious until you’ve already seen it once and Google Maps can’t find it. Then we got to reception, and the screen door was open but there was no one there, no note (we are thinking that we must have gotten buzzed through the gate by someone). Finally after almost 15 minutes, Giovanni arrived. He walked us to our trullo (oregano), then said he’d drive our car around. It was about another 20 minutes when he arrived with the car and helped us bring our luggage in. We travel pretty light-a rollaboard and secondary bag each, but the paths around the trullo are narrow and fairly overgrown (given the rain, we were brushing against wet foliage to get through the path-not a huge deal, but not a resort sort of experience). The trullo is small, which we expected, but very cool, with nice linens and reasonably comfortable bed but no place to sit other than the bed (it was too cold and wet to take advantage of the loungers nicely placed outside of the trullo). Nice electric pot for hot water. The room was clean and serviced well. Two quibbles with the room, though-one, it’s very poorly lit. If you need to do makeup, you’re essentially doing it in the dark. I realize there’s an atmosphere to be created, but this is a little too much. The second quibble is personal — the front door has full length hanging chains all the way across it. I have no idea what purpose they are supposed to serve, but they can’t be retracted, and getting out the door with a backpack or suitcase is a little ridiculous.||Giovanni was the only managing staff member we met during our entire 3 night stay, so the frequent comments in the reviews about owner Rasalba drew a blank. We did have two wonderful cooking classes with Chef Francesco, and also worked with Stefania and Leone from the restaurant, and they were all very good. ||It was difficult to resolve some discrepancies in the package we bought and paid for a year ago with management. We are not typically demanding guests, but feel like services offered and paid for should be provided (the first dinner was four courses and not the six paid for), or notice should be given that they can’t be. We went back and forth via WhatsApp with Giovanni to try to get closer to what we had previously confirmed (starting times, duration, purpose of the lessons) after we were told the day we arrived that plan had changed. Ultimately, we left relatively satisfied (the second dinner was seven courses 😎), the chef clearly stepped up the second lesson, which was excellent, but we had a fair bit of stress before that about scheduling our classes (we had day-long trips planned during those days; activities we had also already paid for and, frankly, did not want to miss). To us, it seemed that there was some disorganization at the management level.||Finally, if you are staying in one of the trulli, it’s more like glamping, as you will be walking through overgrown shrubbery to the restaurant for dinner and breakfast (both of which are lovely). There doesn’t seem to be any place in the main area like a lounge or sitting room, where one could relax or have a cocktail (if there is one, we weren’t made aware of it). There’s nothing wrong about this, of course, but people should be aware that this may not be what they think of as a luxury/exclusive resort. ||That said, with a few bumps along the way that some staff training in customer service and hospitality could resolve, it’s a unique and...

This was our first stay at the splendid Leonardo Trulli Resort and Spa. My mom who lives in this magical town gifted my husband and I an unforgettable 6 night stay at this beautifully appointed resort/spa to celebrate the traditional ferragosto holiday and San Rocco, the patriot Saint of the town together. We were completely mesmerized by its elegance, serenity and peaceful ambiance. Rosalba, the owner is the epitome of a true hostess and professional, introducing and welcoming herself to us with her exuberant personality and effervescent smile. Her passion and dedication to each guest is evident as she is physically present each day, greeting all her resort guests with that personal touch of a warm smile and genuinity. Her Team led by the always smiling and devoted Alessia in charge of operations was diligently on point each day, always with a cheerful ‘buon giorno’ and always making certain to inquire if there was anything we needed along with informing us of special events taking place that day. Her charisma and devotion in what she does was seen throughout our stay as she promptly organized bicycle rides, massages and made the appropriate suggestions based on our requests. Each morning awaking to a restful sleep amidst the calmness of the gardens and landscape was ethereal and scenic. It was a true feeling of tranquility in both mind and body but also nature. The Trulli and ‘Masseria’ dwellings which we were fortunate to experience are each unique and exquisitely appointed with delicate furnishings, luxurious beds and top quality sheets, towels and toiletries all locally sourced by the masterful eye and expertise of Rosalba. The grounds are meticulously maintained by local and experienced experts proudly looking after the property. However, the pool is the crowning jewel in this landscape, well created and inviting with its warm water and soft jets allowing for a perfect and complete day of pure bliss! Rosalba’s rigor in maintaining the roots of her heritage grows all the produce served, from the vegetables to the abundant fruit orchards all presented and offered at the resort’s all-day restaurant beginning with its delicious buffet breakfast. Francesco, the Chef proudly prepares traditional dishes of the region using all that is grown in the 0km gardens. His expertise is seen in the dishes he offers from the local honey to the homemade ricotta to the delicious freshly baked breads and focaccia presented daily. The young, eager waitstaff Team of Pierluigi, Michele, Matteo et all were prompt to ensure our breakfast and morning experience began well The buffet is well appointed offering freshly squeezed juices, delicious baked goods and savoury products satisfying all palates but keeping with tradition and freshness! Our stay couldnt have been more memorable thanks to the charismatic Rosalba and her Team. This spectacular jewel in Locorotondo is a must for total relax and recharge. No stone has been left unturned and Rosalba’s vision in creating and respecting the architecture is evident in every corner. She has integrated this gem of a property with great passion and pride always keeping within the integrity and tradition of her heritage. Thank you Rosalba for an incredible stay and your heartfelt hospitality. We cannot wait to visit again very soon!...

Leonardo Trulli Resort is something very special indeed. We have visited here many times over the years and it never ceases to amaze and impress us. There is such a beautiful calmness about this place as soon as you arrive. Leonardo is surrounded by lavender bushes, scented herbs, lots of olive trees, lemon trees and rose bushes. Beautiful stone paths lead you around the stunning grounds. On arrival, you will be greeted by either the fabulous Rosalba, Alessia or Giovanni with such warmth, kindness and a great willingness to help you on your arrival, be it with your lugguage or the offer of drinks and snacks, either outside by the amazing natural salt pool, or in the bar. After you have been shown to your beautiful room, you may even wish to go into the restaurant to have a delicious lunch. There is always someone available to help you. Leon is full of so much knowledge, a very kind, sweet and gentle man, or Stefania, Pasqua and many more lovely members of the Leonardo team always willing to help.|The food here is incredible, with the evening menu changing daily. The very talented chef Francesco will cater to your every need. Along with the amazing selection at breakfast all of the food is so fresh, seasonal and locally sourced; some of it will even come direct from the grounds of Leonardo itself. This year we were lucky to be able to watch the harvesting of their olives on site, which was quite a thrill. Leonardo staff show pride, passion and kindness in all that they do. The rooms are spotless and cosy, the beds are very comfortable.|There are many beautiful hilltop towns to visit, none better than the very local Locorotondo - a very pretty place to explore. We walked into Locorotondo for a bit of exercise one morning! So many cafes and restaurants to choose from if you wish to eat out. Lots of quirky little streets to investigate; a very pretty town.|The whole experience is one of understated luxury and tranquility, above and beyond our expectations.|We shall continue to return...