Meet the people behind the place - Calitro Mare

Located in the picturesque Torre Ovo, Calitro Mare is more than just a beautiful accommodation; it’s a passion project of an entrepreneur who, along with his wife Veronica and their two children, has created an ideal place for relaxation. With a background in various family businesses, including a winery, he aims to offer guests a unique experience close to the Ionian Sea.

In this interview, we explore the inspiration behind Calitro Mare, its unique features, and the unforgettable experiences guests can expect. With a private beach, breathtaking sunsets, and a warm, welcoming vibe, Calitro Mare is the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside vacation in Puglia.

Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

I'm 40 years old and live in San Marzano di San Giuseppe, a small town in Apulia (Italy) with my wife Veronica, a dental pratictioner, and my two children Ambra (8 years old) and Gigi (7 years old) . I love design, fashion, travel, sport and wine.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

I'm the owner of several family business operating in different sectors: chimneys, construction, hospitality and wine. Calitro is also the name of my winery. My favourite activites are mainly sport related: I'm a padel player and also love canoeing at sunset in the bay in front of Calitro Mare. Also my preferred holiday places are by the sea, mainly islands.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

My family and I were searching for an house near the sea for private use. We already owned two houses in sea locations but not close to the water. Once found the building, we tried to allocate the spaces for our needs. The entire structure was too big for us and we realized that there would be the risk to leave two apartments empty and abandoned or under priced. At that point, we decided to realize Calitro Mare and transform the entire building in a modular accomodation facility furnished as our own ideal house. Apartment 'THE VIEW', in particular is my dream house.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

The longest part were paperwork to obtain all permits to start refurbishment. After that, thanks to excellent work team composed by architect Luca Zanaroli, engineer, our workers we have realized everything in 9 months. The choice of furnishing is the result of a dialogue with Luca, while garden has been designed by landscape architects of Studio Paz and recreates scents and plant of coastal dunes.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

For me, Calitro mare gives a special sensation of calm and relax, thanks to the materials and the colour chosen for the interiors. Here, you may feel at Maldives, with your house on the sea, feet in the sand and unmissable sunset.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

Calm, relax and tan: all textile and furniture recall the colours of the sand and foam. Also soft lights are studied to enhance the sensation of peace. Attention to any details to make our guests feel at home with 5 star services.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

The rooftop terrace with wine cellar, honesty bar and professional kitchen for private chef. Once you arrive at the end of the stair and reach this space you feel like on the balcony of a cruise ship. And of course apartment THE VIEW, with one of the two bedrooms with seaview. Here you may awake in the blue of Ioanian sea.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

Torre Ovo is a small town out of popular tourist tour and is the sole location in the area with a sefront promenade. Torre Ovo is located on the Ionian sea and therefore the sun dives into water at sunset offering an unique show. Several local shops of artisanal product and fresh fruit and vegetables complete this picturesque landscape.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

All the materials used for linen and texile are natural as well as toiletry set. We encourage all guests to practice differentiated waste collection. The electric energy is provided by solar panels.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests? 

I travel a lot for work and pleasure and once abroad I search for design and comfort locations. My aim is offering to my guests the opportunity of feeling home with 5 stars hotel services.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

An ideal day starts with a massage on the roof terrace of Calitro Mare. Let yourself be really kneaded against the backdrop of the Ionian Sea. It doesn't get any better than this! Then the relaxation continues on the beach. The children build sandcastles, the adults venture out on a SUP to explore. A wine tasting awaits in the afternoon, before the evening ends with dinner in one of the restaurants in Campomarino: the flavour of fresh seafood at sunset cannot be beaten.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

WE ARE NOT NEAR THE SEA. WE ARE IN IT. This is our claim. Calitro mare is the unique location in Taranto area directly on the sea equipped with private beach for guests only.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

I can mention several:

The only problem with this place is having to leave.

I've used no shoes during all the stay.

You feel like leaving on a boat.

You feel like owner of a 5 star hotel during your holiday.

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

I hope they will remember the sunset on the beach or on the rooftop terrace drinking a glass of an excellent apulian Calitro wine and the scents of mediterranean herbs such es thyme from the garden and the saltiness of the sea.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

If they really want to go outside and visit surrounding places, my suggestion is to come back in the afternoon and enjoy sunset spectactle.

 

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