For our holidays we have never considered, before this year, the idea of spending them in a tourist village where, from the morning on the beach until the evening with dinner and entertainment, it was all planned. We have always seen it as a solution more suitable for families with children and not for us, couples with dogs and without children. In addition, until recently, animals in this type of resort were either not allowed or poorly tolerated.
On holiday with Otto
But in the era of increasingly personalized and customized holidays there is also space for those who do not want to leave any family member at home, including those with fur and four-legged.
This is the case at La Casarana Welness Resort & SPA, nestled in the Regional Natural Park “Litorale di Ugento”, where pampering and relaxation are guaranteed to everyone: families, couples, friends and animals.
The special attention of the Spa is also reserved to bipeds and quadrupeds: there is the Ibiscus, the one dedicated to the first ones with the wellness path that includes a spa kit (slippers, towel and cap), the Finnish sauna, the emotional chromotherapeutic showers, the Turkish bath, the Kneipp path, the heated swimming pool with hydro-massage beds, the isotonic path, the ice fountain, the halotherapy with pink Himalayan salt, the relaxation corner with readings and herbal teas, as well as the treatments and massages for which they are used local organic products.
While for dogs there is the Dog Spa where you will find everything you need not only to treat the fur of our four-legged friends but also to cuddle them with a relaxing hydromassage.
But there are several strengths aimed at hairy friends such as small villas, like the one assigned to us, with a patio equipped with a small gate where Otto could sit in complete freedom. Located on the ground floor with a furnished terrace and private parking space on the back, our villa in the Grecale area has guaranteed us ample space divided into two communicating rooms with living room with sofa bed and double bedroom, in hotel formula with daily cleaning and tidying. The air conditioning guaranteed by a very silent machine was very much appreciated, which allowed us fresh sleep, together with the wifi, the mini fridge to keep water and drinks cool, TV with Sky and courtesy items. All around, only nature: every corner of the resort overlooks the Salento countryside.
Upon his arrival Otto, like all four-legged friends, found a kit equipped with an absorbent sheet to cover the sofa or bed, hygienic bags for needs, the gate to close the patio of the house to be able to stay out in peace , an energizing hygienic towel.
On the fine sandy beach of the Bora Bora beach in Torre San Giovanni, we were greeted every day by Federico, who put up chairs and umbrellas in the equipped area that welcomes dogs, which can also travel on the shuttle bus for the beach, but in the carrier, so we gave you up given the size of Otto, preferring to move with our car and taking advantage of free parking.
Leaving the car near the pine forest, a short and pleasant walk through the green of the fragrant trees accompanied by the chirping of cicadas, leads up to the dunes that anticipate the beach and the crystalline sea with colors that take your breath away.
And it is an endless joy to run with your dog on the shore, to play ball in the waves, to walk together along the paths in the Mediterranean scrub and make friends with other people who love the four legs, always respecting everyone and without causing damage or hassles to others. A tip for next year? Drinking fountains and showers to rinse their hair after swimming in the sea would be welcome.
To these benefits are added, for those of us who have a dog in tow, the possibility of dining at the gourmet restaurant Etesio, enjoying the extraordinary suggestion of the tables near the pool, as well as having breakfast in the room at no extra charge, choosing the menu and deliver it by 6.30pm the day before to reception.
But we have always preferred to do it at the restaurant, leaving Otto in the room, so as not to miss the opportunity to be greeted by the smile of the girls in the dining room and the exquisite delicacies, many of which are freshly prepared such as omelettes, crepes and waffles.
At this point we tell you about our pleasant and relaxing week at La Casarana Welness Resort & SPA together with our Otto to confirm the reasons why this village is the leader in Salento in welcoming families with dogs in tow.
We have dedicated ourselves to relaxing walks in the pine forest and Mediterranean scrub that frame the wide open spaces of the resort and Otto has also participated with commitment in the parade together with the other dogs of the village that was held after the mini demonstration show of local canine association “Amici del Cane” which once a week honors those who stay at La Casarana with behavior and grooming lessons.
In the election of the cutest dog he came second, having his beautiful certificate of participation, while the first prize cup went to Blu, a beautiful specimen of Scotch Collie.
We have noticed great attention that it is also dedicated to children with spaces and activities for every age group, full of fun, creativity and sport, guaranteeing full relaxation for parents who can count on the professionalism of the animators. And that can challenge each other in the “life path” in the pine forest.
The days pass with a pleasant rhythm in La Casarana. After the sea there are many alternatives and they range from being lulled in the warm sun of the late afternoon by the pool, entering the equipped SPA and being pampered or be in touch by the kind and professional staff led by Dr. Matteo Alibrando with aperitifs and tastings of typical products.
But also take advantage of the advice of the receptionists under the watchful eyes of the Marketing Manager Aurelio Trianni to organize guided visits to the delightful surrounding villages. We were in Presicce where, accompanied by the talented Claudia Ratta, we explored the extensive and suggestive underground oil mills in the bowels of the village.
And then, every evening, there is the pleasure of arriving in the elegant restaurant for dinner, where the Maitre Fernando together with the dining room boys make you feel at the center of all their attention and the chef delights you with his delicious reinterpretations of the traditional local cuisine. Cuddles also for Otto: bowl of fresh water always ready and white rice for not making him feel neglected.
After dinner, then, space for engaging shows organized by the tireless animation guys: from fashion shows to theme nights like the one dedicated to Pizzica.
For us a super relaxing week guaranteed by the comforts that this structure offers to its various types of customers and thanks to the staff always ready to fulfill the requests of all, including furry. It may seem a little but it’s a lot, especially for those who want to share their vacation time with their whole family!
La Casarana Wellness Resort & SPA
SP 193 – Lido Marini (LE)
Info: +39 0833 530507
www.lacasarana.it
