Castle Elvira

I’m honestly going to struggle for words to articulate accurately the weekend I’ve just had at Castle Elvira.

It is truly one of a kind.

The experience really started when we booked. Giacomo was so proactive, reaching straight out and helping us achieve what we really wanted from our holiday.

Massages, restaurants, beach clubs, transfers, awesome cocktail bars, he has options for everything and delivers them with utter charm and grace.

Now…. the castle. I mean wow. Harvey and Steve (the owners) have their exquisite taste stamped everywhere. From the utterly stunning art downstairs (the two of them in the office are originals from Harvey), to the restaurant and down to every unique ornament you find in the rooms. Personal touches everywhere.

They have an amazing approach to service, adorable staff who feel like a family and manage to be completely invisible whilst supremely visible via your Elvira whattsap group. My 3 besties and I could order what we needed; ask questions, tweak arrangements and sure enough, 3 little dots “with pleasure.” would appear. This style, which they’ve perfected, makes it feel like home - your very own castle.

The restaurant has a fantastic menu of Italian delights all locally sourced and authentically made. Our particular favorite was the Orecchiette with trio of tomato sauces; so simple sounding but utterly divine.

Every night on the roof Harvey and Steve hosted cocktails. They are so wonderfully fun and smart and warm. I have honestly never felt more comfortable or laughed as much or felt so grateful to have experienced something.

We will be back, just try and stop us.

Castle Elvira is absolute paradise! The attention to detail in both the design (down to every accessory & my goodness the art could be a whole review in itself!!) and the comfort/no faff factor (the check in is taken care of before you arrive, so there is no hanging around. You don't need to pay until the end of your stay - so no need to pay after dinners or drinks each day) is UNRIVALLED! The food is all locally sourced and simply delicious! The cocktails at sunset on the roof of the castle are a beautiful touch. Harvey and Steve are such thoughtful, fun hosts. Hands down the best place I have ever stayed! We will definately be going back!!

A blissful long weekend at Castle Elvira. A quick getaway with my favourite group of girls, and WOW! Luxurious accommodation, far too many amazing cocktails, fab restaurant within the private gardens, delicious food and attentive charming staff. Exactly what I needed and more. We will definitely be back even on my own just for the choice of pools, the Italian sunshine and the best massage I have ever had.

Our stay at this converted castle in Italy was enchanting! The castle's design, set amidst stunning natural beauty, strikes a perfect balance between history and style. The location is idyllic, and the staff's warm hospitality made us feel like royalty. This is a gem of a hotel, and we can't wait to return for another magical experience.

From the moment I laid eyes on the pictures of Castle Elvira, I knew that was where I wanted to go with my husband to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. We had planned on Amalfi and I insisted we change our plans... We are both so glad we did. Even before we left home, the attentiveness of the staff in helping us to plan our stay was exceptional. And then we arrived...
Castle Elvira is spectacular from the moment you turn into the drive and get the first glimpse of the Castle. Truly you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. Roberto and Sarah were waiting to greet us, take our luggage, park the car and lead us on a quick tour of the Castle and the grounds. There is no detail left unattended here. The amazing artwork, design, comfort, serenity, chic, are unparalleled, and yet there is no trace of snobbery - just warmth, beauty and friendliness inside and out.
We stayed in the Cottage, with two beautiful bedrooms and baths, a private garden with its own jacuzzi, and perfect location between the Castle, the Elvira Restaurant and the lovely swimming pool. Any question/need/request was easily transmitted through WhatsApp from anywhere on the property and attended to courteously and immediately.
Cocktails (thank you to the lovely Ismaela and all of the amazing staff) and spectacular sunsets on the Castle rooftop were a perfect way to start the evening. We enjoyed delicious dinners both nights of our stay at the Elvira restaurant - including a fun and yummy Pizza & Prosecco dinner the first night. After dinner the second night we had a private movie screening in the wonderful and cozy private theater "underground" at the Castle.
What can I say? After a beautiful morning of exploring nearby Lecce (lovely to visit; especially interesting Jewish Museum in the old city), we cut our touring short just to have more time to relax at the Castle. The owners - Harvey & Steve - and their warm, gracious and attentive staff make you feel like old friends and welcome guests in their home. We can't wait to go back!

A very special place where you are made to feel incredibly welcome by the fantastic owners and staff. The property has been beautifully renovated and is filled with incredible art, it all works perfectly. Our 3 days here were magical and we can't wait to return. Hands down our favourite stay during a 2 week tour of Puglia. Bravo Castle Elvira!

Castle Elvira is a truly beautiful place. There really is nowhere better to unwind and who wouldn’t want to have cocktails on a castle roof. Everyone who works here cannot do enough for you and gives a really personal service. I just cannot wait to return. It’s heaven!