The property is stunning. The gardens are immaculate. The space is relaxing, tranquil and spectacular. As the first few days of our honeymoon this was the perfect first stop to our time in Puglia. Alasanndra and the staff are out of this world. So pleasant, helpful and genuinely lovely.

We didn’t have a car but we’re happy to wander locally and use the electric bikes on offer for free from the property to cycle to the coast. We used private transfer to and from Brindisi- in hindsight renting a car in Lecce was more problematic as we were looking to drop back to Bari but nonetheless it didn’t put a damper on our time here.

Loved the pool and beautiful garden, the service, friendly staff and all the details, such as the candles lit in the evenings in the outdoor areas, the comfortable furnishings in the garden and roof terraces, the variety of fresh baked items at breakfast, evening aperitifs with local snacks. Our room was spacious with a lot of storage for our personal items, so we felt at home. It felt like being in a private villa since there are many common spaces available for guests and only 6 guest suites. It was easy to reach many destinations in southern Puglia and both coasts.

A couple of days the hot water in the shower didn't work.

This hotel is like walking into a movie set. Every room is appointed beautifully, and all the common areas (library, cellar, drawing room) are all stunning. Breakfast is served on a gorgeous terrace and food is perfect. The gardens are inspirational. Cocktails of an afternoon that actually are proper cocktails, and wine cellar on an honesty system. Could not have chosen a better hotel for its proximity to see beautiful Puglia.

Another guest had a meltdown because of the town clock bell and insisted on the staff rectifying the issue. The staff did an amazing job of calming her down. But if you don’t cope with bells maybe ask for a room further away (we couldn’t hear them in our room!)

Don Totu is a truly special place and we had the most brilliant time there on our honeymoon. The staff were incredibly attentive, the hotel itself is beautiful and the food was amazing. It's tucked away in a small village so very much an "escape". However, it is still a great way to see the south of Puglia as there's many stunning places close by that aren't touristy.

The only downside was our bathroom was on the small side, but this is a small thing relative to how brilliant the hotel is.

Alessandra, Mary, and Davide make Don Totu an unforgettable place. A gorgeous retreat from the world with amazing attention to detail in all aspects. The decor is well thought through (Matisse themed), the grounds are gorgeous, and the hospitality is second to none. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to relax and be pampered. Some details for other travellers: San Cassiano (the town where Don Totu sits) isn't the busiest or prettiest, but its a good location to reach other towns. The gym is well equipped, with dumbells up to 10kg, and a weighted cable machine for chest, shoulders, deadlifts. An apperetiv is given each evening by the bartender Davide. Water, non-alcoholic drinks, and cake from that morning's breakfast are available from multiple fridges all day long.

I stayed with my wife in late May 2022 for a full week. The quality of the staff, facilities and food were all exceptional. Staff were very friendly, always nearby if needed but never intrusive. If you are on the premises in the afternoon be prepared to be offered a coffee or some delicious local gelato, although you can always help yourself to a range of coffee, soft drinks and water (and cake of the day) at any point. Our room was not the most expensive but was still spacious and with lovely views over the pool and garden area. The main building as an interesting maze of rooms, rooftop walkways and interesting areas. The gardens have plenty of shade and seating areas, all comfortable (we barely left the designer purple lounging chairs when at the pool) . The pool itself was a joy being cool and quite large, and the showers and toilets nearby spotlessly clean. Don Totu really benefits from having a small number of rooms and facilities for twice that number - you never feel crowded. Some reviews mark the location down by a star because it isn't in a typical tourist spot, but there is a perfectly good pizza restaurant around the corner if you don't want to travel, and a few essential shops. Yes you do need to hire a car, but if you travel no more than 5-10 miles there are numerous smart bars and restaurants to choose from, and the Don Totu staff will happily make a reservation at any of them for you - or give you a choice of recommendations depending on what you fancy that day. Add in that you can easily reach either the east or west coast in under 30 minutes for a day out the quieter location of this small town really pays off.

Honestly, nothing. This was easily the best place we have stayed for many, many years. I can't fault it in any way. Don't only go for 2 or 3 days, go for a full week and you won't regret it.

Don Totu is a haven. From the second we arrived we were made to feel so special. The service was exceptional, our room (suite) was spacious and beautiful and the gardens and large pool were a joy to be in. Breakfasts were as good as anywhere I've been full of fresh and homemade/baked produce. I would not hesitate to recommend this small boutique hotel.

The only negative for some would be that the town, San Cassiano is off the beaten track and you need a car to visit many of the places and restaurants around. This did not spoil our trip, in fact we loved being away from the hustle and bustle. We did use the hotel's bikes to get to Castro the nearest beach and they also provide the use of Vespas too.

The staff was excellent and helpful. The house excellent. Very good breakfast, a small but well-equipped gym. Yoga classes in the morning, with a very professional Teacher. Nice 18m pool. A small but lovely spa/hamam.

The only minor drawback is that you need a car 5-15 minutes to reach good restaurants.

I feel like a privileged visitor to an exquisite home where every room was furnished with personally chosen items. A privilege to be able to visit, a privilege to be able to make it feel like our home for the duration of our stay. The staff with whom we interacted were faultless, they went above and beyond particularly helping to deal with a minor medical crisis that arose. I’m really fortunate to have stayed in many of the worlds great hotels the last 50 years and I have to say that Don Totu stands out because of the effort that the owners have put in to make it so beautiful and so welcoming and in getting their staff to understand what great customer service really means.

Nothing

One of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed. It felt more like my own luxury home than a hotel. The staff made it so special and the little village has everything you need.