ASLI ILKBAHAR
Co-founder of Blinq Bags

YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION?

One of my favourite destinations is Puglia in Italy. Puglia is about many things, but most of all the miraculous olive trees, which are hundreds of years-old and last for kilometres. I feel like with their tremendously shaped bodies, their souls seemed to come alive and speak. Puglian countryside is fascinating, you can fall in love over and over again.

TELL US ABOUT THE STAY? WHERE AND HOW WAS IT?

We combined our stay in two different places; first one was Palazzo Guido in Lecce. We preferred Lecce because we wanted to explore the southern part of the land first. Palazzo Guido is a 500 years old palace once was an aristocratic mansion then converted to a small Boutique Hotel. We stayed in one of the suits where you can have a delightful view over the church of Le Alcantarine. Inside this Palazzo you can easily dream, how they used to live in this city, centuries ago.

For the next few days, we have chosen one of the amazing Masserias in Torre Canne. There are few other Masserias that you can choose from. But this one was kept with it’s original architecture to provide the feeling of the green olive trees and the red soil of this region as it would have been two centuries ago. The masseria is run by a very sweet couple and is a heritage from Maria’s family.

When you stay in one of the Masserias, there is no way to not to enjoy freshly prepared food from the farm. I cannot forget the smell of the tomatoes from the garden..

ANY GREAT FINDS FROM THAT LAND?

Beautiful handmade ceramic plates.. Loved loved loved them..
..and many many Stracciatellas to eat together with the most amazing tomatoes and fresh basil from the land.

SHARE SOME UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES WITH US

Puglia has long been known for its celebratory attitude, and for its penchant for putting up flamboyant lights. Some festivals are almost like an illumination competition. Unfortunately, we’ve missed the actual night but came across the night before with the one in Borgo Egnazio and saw all the pre-work, which was also amazing. So the next time before booking some holidays in Puglia, please check the festivals;

https://borgoegnazia.space/en/puglia-hotel-events

YOUR PLAYLIST OR FAVORITE SONG ON REPEAT?

Waves - Robin Schulz

MUST VISIT?

So difficult to choose a must visit place in Puglia.. It’s better to stop by in all villages J But if you have to choose one then Alberobello would be the one to see the Trulli houses..

GREAT FOOD? WHERE?

Dinner we had at Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni was amazing. It was a dreamy mood, where you can have the most amazing food in perfectly handmade ceramic plates and being in 500 years old cave lighted with candles.

WHAT DID YOU PACK?

Fine linen dresses, any sandals, sun glasses and giant beach bags..

WOULD YOU GO BACK? WHY?

Definitely. Explore more more villages and waking up in a Masseria to start the day like the people who were living there hundreds of years ago.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEXT DESTINATION AND DREAM DESTINATION OR JUST DREAMS:)

Ionian Islands! Hopefully soon..

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