It’s almost painful to write about Borgo Donna Canfora because I hate to let the secret out about such a wonderful gem of a find on the Capo Vaticano. After tacking Calabria onto the front end of our trip as a very last minute decision, the first item of business was the four hour drive from Bari since the flights couldn’t be moved. Maybe it was the long drive, maybe it was the exceptionally reasonable price point, but when we pulled up to the rotund lobby with sweeping views of the sea below and Stromboli island in the distance, we both couldn’t believe our luck and were equally surprised about how nice the place was.

The pool had maybe the comfiest pool chairs of any I’d ever tested (and that had been a few). Being the shoulder season, it wasn’t crowded and we had our pick of the litter.

We opted for the slightly rocky chair island and it’s prime real estate in the mid-pool district.

The grounds of the resort hit far above it’s four star label (and three star price point), with gorgeous white washed buildings and impeccable foliage.

Our basic room was it’s own attached house which gave the stay even more of an elevated air.

The bedroom was spacious but basic in amenity, perfectly suitable…and clean.

There was a small kettle area and desk and most importantly, plenty of room for open luggage, always a thoughtful touch.

While the ground floor and open windows probably weren’t the smartest for safety, the safe bolted in the closet made things feel secure enough.

The fridge was a good touch and offered one sad bottle of water for two to share. However, the bar was just nearby and sold $15 bottles of prosecco as well as a few local goods, so things were quite well positioned.

While the bath was spacious, it lacked counterspace, but nothing a rearranged desk chair couldn’t fix.

There was a double shower which is something I haven’t experienced in any hotel room, and maybe just a gym. It was a fun contest to see whose swimwear harbored more sand at the end of a shower.

Outside of the room, a path meandered through the resort and down several stories to the beach level.

The foliage was incredible and impeccably kept including my favorite, these monochromatic birds of paradise.

The views at the top of the path were so lovely, I debated even the need to head toward the bottom.

But, of course we did and the beach there was as well kept as the gardens above. While the hotel had it’s own lounge chair area, the sister hotel (Il Gabbiano) was a slightly better stance and of course, a well-frequented beach bar.

….said beach bar…

Borgo Donna Canfora ended up being the great surprise of the trip, and a hard act to follow.