Tenuta del Barco WineRestaurant and Hospitality

Wonderful surprise near Lizzano This is truly a unique property, totally unexpected for its location. The pool is beautifully elegant and the classy restaurant serves excellent food. The breakfast offering was great. The staff was always friendly, helpful and perfectly attired. We loved it!

This could be wonderful but it is let down by some small - but important - touches. On arrival we were given a lovely bottle of wine. We got to the room to find that not only was there no bottle opener but there were no glasses. We talked to others and this was the same in for every room. Our room was large and spotlessly clean. It had been a cow shed in a previous existence but had been renovated to provide impressive hotel accommodation. The bed was enormous, with beautiful, crisp sheets. It was my first experience of a memory foam mattress; it was actually rather comfortable. The bathroom had everything, including a decent shower. Unfortunately the cistern screamed when flushed, a hideous noise so not to be recommended at night. It might have been October but the daily temperature was around 28degs C. There were no sun loungers. Anywhere. I accept that the pool was closed but a lounger in the courtyard would have been appreciated. No bar. Seriously! We were in the middle of nowhere but we couldn't get a drink. The cans in the fridge didn't quite cut it; a single beer a single cola; a single . . .etc, etc - you get the picture. No kettle. This was weird because there were two old fashioned cooking rings but no kettle. We tried heating water in one of the two enormous cooking pans but, apart from heating up the whole sink unit - and the taps - the electric rings weren't very efficient. There was a coffee pot but I don't think it had been used in a few years judging by the smell. You will need ear plugs because the silence of the rural night is split by the incessant sound of several unusual owls and then, at around 02:00 we were awoken by baying dogs, which was rather unnerving. However, in its favour, the staff are all very friendly and helpful; the restaurant is good; the wine from the onsite vineyard is excellent. If they would just address the tiny details it would be fabulous. Remember: glasses; bottle opener; kettle; bar and access to sun loungers. That's all you need to make it a good 4 stars.