The best hotels in Puglia
Mention rural Italy and the eyes of those who have stayed in one of the best hotels in Puglia begin to sparkle. It’s a region that easily makes you fall in love with a slow-paced lifestyle, wildflowers and the scent of lemons, rosemary and sun-ripened figs. Here, the untamed Mediterranean scrub stretches down towards the three seas that embrace the region. Its distinctive shape forms the heel of Italy’s boot, where sandy beaches, jagged cliffs, and rocky bays alternate with vast olive groves and whitewashed villages perched on sun-drenched hilltops. Heritage and design collide in the most seductive way. Masserie, once humble farmsteads, have been reimagined as chic retreats, and centuries-old palazzi now house boutique hotels with sun-drenched courtyards and hand-painted tiled floors. Whether you come for the restaurants, the scenery, or the sheer romance of it all, Puglia has a way of getting under your skin and, once you’ve been, you’ll find yourself longing to return. These are the best hotels in Puglia.
For more recommendations for where to stay in Italy, visit:
- The best Airbnbs in Puglia
- The best villas in Puglia
- The best trulli in Puglia
- The best hotels in Italy
- The best villas in Italy
- The best Airbnbs in Italy
- The best hotels in Positano
- The best hotels in Sicily
- The best hotels in Sardinia
- The best hotels in Lake Como
How we choose the best hotels in Puglia
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
Masseria Borgo Ritella
The exterior of Masseria Borgo Ritella is exactly what you’d expect from any Apulian masseria: a blindingly white façade, framed by vibrant pink bougainvillaea in summer, and an azure swimming pool set under the shade of centuries-old olive trees. Located in the wild landscapes of Fasano, in the heart of the Itria Valley, this family-led property is one of the region’s few remaining masserie still run with deep-rooted tradition. After years of teaching in Rome, Paola returned to her homeland and, alongside renowned interior designer Pino Brescia, lovingly restored her grandfather’s masseria. At Masseria Borgo Ritella, refined yet relaxed contemporary design meets a relaxed approach to hospitality. The true luxury lies in the untouched nature, idyllic mornings filled with birdsong, and a warm, authentic welcome. Each of the 17 rooms and suites follows a neutral, earthy colour palette, enriched with high-quality, luxurious materials that capture the essence of Puglia. The cashmere bed throws are irresistibly cosy, but the draped canopy fabric makes you want to linger in bed all day. As for the cuisine, expect Apulian classics such as friselle, panzerotti, focaccia, and those dishes that capture the heart of a traditional Puglian home. When you’re not exploring the surroundings or splashing around in the pool, retreat to the spa for a deliciously relaxing massage or some well-deserved you-time over herbal tea.
Address: Contrada Sant'Elia, 50, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy
Raffaele CentonzePalazzo Zimara
One of the latest properties on the scene in Puglia, Palazzo Zimara opens its doors, or rather, its beautifully weathered wooden entrance, in the historic centre of Lecce. Originally built in the 16th century, this former residence of renowned doctor and philosopher Teofilo Zimara is one of the city's 40 protected palaces, recognised for its historical and architectural significance. After four years of extensive renovations led by architect Raffaele Centonze, the Palazzo has been brought back to its former splendour. The renovation carefully preserved its rich historical details, including a 15th-century stone fireplace, coffered and vaulted ceilings, and original cocciopesto terracotta tiles. There are 16 distinct rooms and suites, among them, one master “Suite Zimara”, sprawled across 100m2 with an in-room jacuzzi and private sauna. Every space seamlessly blends old and new: walls showcase restored frescoes by local artisan Annibale D’Ambrosio, while Flos lighting and colorful, upholstered leather beds add that touch of modernity. The property is owned by the D’Angelo Family, winemakers for generations who own a winery in Matera. You can taste these at Palazzo Zimara’s wine bistro and restaurant, La Bocca. The latter is an ode to Italy, bringing a selection of Mediterranean dishes to the menu, with a strong local philosophy.
Address: Via Giuseppe Libertini, 44, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy
Borgo Valle Rita, Ginosa
On the border between Puglia and Basilicata, only a few kilometres away from the Ionian Sea, lies Borgo Valle Rita, a sprawling 103-hectare family-owned agricultural estate. Acquired in 1972 by Pasquale Lunati, today, three generations later, it's overseen by his grandson Carlo and his wife Antonella, who has given a dynamic new life to this estate. Adjacent to the Rita stream, which lends its name to the property, lies an ancient palm grove leading to a rustic 14th-century manor restored by the Milan-based architect Anna Mazzucchelli. With a commitment to preserving its historical significance, local materials like the 'tufo Pugliese' stone were used and matched with simple furnishings sourced from local artisans. There are 15 rooms, apartments and villas here, each with its own unique design. At the restaurant, housed beneath an elegant barrel-vaulted ceiling, you can savour a farm-to-table style menu curated by the chefs, who celebrate Apulian heritage through a seasonal menu blending traditional recipes with contemporary culinary techniques. Additionally, guests can enjoy a swimming pool offering breathtaking valley views, a tennis court, and three scenic hiking or mountain biking trails, with complimentary classic and electric bikes available for use throughout their stay.
Address: 74013 Girifalco Province of Taranto, Italy
Palazzo Presta, Gallipoli
Palazzo Presta is where 17th-century grandeur meets global wanderlust in the heart of Gallipoli's old town. Once home to Giovanni Presta, an Enlightenment-era doctor considered the best in the south, Apulian powerhouse couple Antonio and Eugenia acquired the property. This boutique bolthole now reimagines the world through ten uniquely styled rooms thanks to the vision of both the owners and Italian architectural firm Studio Atelier P. Each space is inspired by a different far-flung city where Japanese scrolls, Moroccan carpets, and vintage suitcases transport you across continents. Beyond these curious rooms, Palazzo Presta treasures various rooms to keep you entertained. Our favourite hideaway is the Libreria del Mare, a library that reveals Salento through several books. If you search well enough, you may find the hidden speakeasy amidst the shelves. In the evening, just before dinner, head up to Terrazza Laurus, a rooftop bar overlooking the sea, where you can savour a fresh cocktail and small bites while you embrace the Mediterranean awe. After sundown, head downstairs to Lazzaro & Caterina, the in-house restaurant that reinvents local classics with gourmet flair. Nearby, Gallipoli offers many activities from strolls along the coast to walking through the historic center, splashing around at Punta Pizzo or Lido di San Giovanni to watching the sunset from the Bastioni.
Address: Via Garibaldi 29, ang, Via G. Presta, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy
Vigo JansonTenuta Negroamaro, Gallipoli
Tenuta Negroamaro, named after the local grape and fantastic red wine, is embedded within the rustic Gallipoli countryside, an hour’s drive from Brindisi Airport. Enclosed within olive groves, prickly pears and almond trees, the estate operates as a secluded sanctuary for those seeking to connect to nature, while still being within easy reach of quaint villages, beautiful bays and the turquoise waters of Salento. Designed by Olga Ashby Interiors, the 10-roomed property is a playful tribute to the surroundings, with a mix and match of earthy colours, natural materials and textures that harmonise with the traditional interiors from the region. Within the rooms are soft linen bedsheets, aztec-style cushions and jute rugs that recall the laid-back nature of the property. Some feature private plunge pools, others have a private patio equipped with a cosy sofa and outdoor shower. Mediterranean flavours are served from breakfast through to dinner, with homegrown fruit and vegetables paired with locally caught seafood and country delights. Make sure to stop for a drink at The Cactus Bar with its lovely hand-painted mural for a prickly-pair-infused cocktail.
Address: Yuri, SP52 Contrada, 73017 Sannicola LE, Italy
Yulia LongoMasseria Montelauro, Otranto
It was a love story, not between two individuals but three. It took one look at Masseria Montelauro for Elisabetta Massaro and her daughters, Caterina and Mercedes, to embark on a new venture and transform the run-down farmhouse into a warm, detail-oriented bolthole in southern Puglia. The female touch is certainly present; sky-blue painted shutters contrast with the whitewashed façade of the Masseria, large wooden cabinets adorned with pastel-coloured ceramics, and fresh flowers are ever-present throughout. The 29 rooms are simple yet respectful of tradition; vaulted ceilings and “chianca” stone tiled floors, intricate wrought-iron bed frames and lamps handcrafted by local artisans. The wooden wardrobes and cabinets, acquired from ancient dwellings, have been repurposed to their former glory. Outside, a swimming pool sits alongside an immaculately-trimmed lawn, along with a fruit orchard and vegetable and herb garden that serves their Fimmine Restaurant. The cuisine relies heavily on either homegrown or locally sourced produce and reflects the biodiversity of the region, focusing on seasonal ingredients and flavour-filled recipes for breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Address: SP358, 14, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
Critabianca, Cutrofiano
Critabianca is situated in the countryside of Cutrofiano, a small town in Southern Puglia, known for its tradition of pottery-making. Crita, in fact, translates to ‘clay’, the very clay that makes up the surrounding landscapes which, for centuries, has enhanced the land with a strong agriculture and primary ingredient for making the world-diffused Apulian ceramic homeware. This country house has lived many lives, formerly the summer residence for affluent middle-class families in the Bourbon period, and later, in the 19th century, it transitioned into a tobacco-producing farmstead. Today, it belongs to the Ghione family, who transformed the ancient farmhouse into a six-roomed hotel surrounded by prickly pairs, almond and olive trees. During restorations, they stayed faithful to the original structure, retaining, where possible, ancient stone vaulted ceilings and traces of 19th-century frescoes. A place to enjoy all year round, truly embracing the quietude of the countryside; where breakfast is enjoyed under the shade of the orange orchard and days are spent either poolside soaking the Mediterranean sun or exploring the surroundings in which each village has a story to tell. Time a visit during November to experience the saffron harvest.
Address: SP278, 73020 Cutrofiano LE, Italy
Borgo Valle Rita, Ginosa
On the border between Puglia and Basilicata, only a few kilometres away from the Ionian Sea, lies Borgo Valle Rita, a sprawling 103-hectare family-owned agricultural estate. Acquired in 1972 by Pasquale Lunati, today, three generations later, it's overseen by his grandson Carlo and his wife Antonella, who has given a dynamic new life to this estate. Adjacent to the Rita stream, which lends its name to the property, lies an ancient palm grove leading to a rustic 14th-century manor restored by the Milan-based architect Anna Mazzucchelli. With a commitment to preserving its historical significance, local materials like the 'tufo Pugliese' stone were used and matched with simple furnishings sourced from local artisans. There are 15 rooms, apartments and villas here, each with their own unique design. At the restaurant, housed beneath an elegant barrel-vaulted ceiling, you can savour a farm-to-table style menu curated by the chefs, who celebrate Apulian heritage through a seasonal menu blending traditional recipes with contemporary culinary techniques. Additionally, guests can enjoy a swimming pool offering breathtaking valley views, a tennis court, and three scenic hiking or mountain biking trails, with complimentary classic and electric bikes available for use throughout their stay.
Address: 74013 Girifalco Province of Taranto, Italy
Relais Monastero Santa Teresa, Nardò
The Nardò-based Relais Monastero Santa Teresa is a Baronial palace dating back to the 14th century which was later donated to the Vatican, who converted it into a Monastery. Under the Napoleonic influence of the 18th century, it was confiscated and fell into the hands of numerous noble families until it was finally acquired by the current owner Antonello Rizzetto who alongside the Italian architect Luigi Ripa, took the palace back to its former splendour and opened its doors as an ‘Albergo Diffuso’. The property is comprised of four grand palazzi, with a total of 30 contemporary-designed rooms treasured among frescoed walls, grand 12 metre high vaulted ceilings and sumptuous ornaments that walk you through centuries of architectural styles – the most notable being the original intricate baroque rose window and sculpted portico. Two of the four palazzos of the ‘Albergo Diffuso’ boast large swimming pools, while Relais il Magnano houses a rooftop terrace with eye-catching views across the historical centre of Nardò, as well as a restaurant that delivers the magnificent flavours of Salento. Nardò in itself is a great base for discovering the treasures of the south, as well as simply strolling through its cobblestone streets, admiring the ornate balconies and glamorous arches that represent centuries worth of history.
Address: Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 31, 73048 Nardò LE, Italy
Masseria Torre Maizza, Savelletri
A Mediterranean jungle crowned with grape vines and purple bougainvillaea leads you to the rooms and suites of Masseria Torre Maizza, a 15th-century farmhouse acquired by the Rocco Forte Hotel group in 2019. It faces the Adriatic Coastline with a sight of the deep blue sea on the horizon, connected to the Masseria via the Golf Course. The connection to the region through local craftsmanship is notable throughout – think Enza Fasano ceramics designed by Olga Polizzi, wicker and embroidered furnishings, and an eclectic colour palette that recalls the shades of nature. Nature is at the very heart of the Masseria, from Irene Forte Skincare amenities (the apricot shower gel smells so good it makes you want to eat it) to the cuisine, where Chef Fulvio Pierangelini curates a menu that showcases vegetables in all their facets. At the Carosello restaurant, lined with rosemary bushes and blue jasmine, don't miss the lemon tart for pudding – which only seems fitting considering tables overlook the lemon grove. Aperitivi takes place by the swimming pool, where you can savour local wines and nibbles as Carmelo sings Italian classics as the sun sets. Morning workouts are in the outdoor gym, more akin to a tented safari camp with techno gym equipment. One of the latest acquisitions of Masseria Torre Maizza is Lido Bambù, a bohemian-inspired beach club with sombrero-like umbrellas and cushioned sun beds, where you can spend the day (and take the free shuttle bus) amongst turquoise waters.
Address: Contrada Coccaro 72015, Savelletri BR
Stefano ScatàLa Peschiera, Monopoli
Settled on the water's edge, La Peschiera is the perfect example of a meticulous restoration – from an ancient fishing reserve to one of the most exclusive, refined hotels in Puglia. Located along the Monopoli coastline, the dreamy beachside bolthole embraces a simple colour palette of whites and beiges that perfectly enhances the hypnotic deep blue sea that it overlooks. Here you live and breathe the Adriatic, waking up and falling asleep to the gentle rustle of the waves, and even dine above it on a suspended terrace, where fish is undoubtedly the starring ingredient of Chef Vincenzo Montanaro’s tasting menus. On the other side is a small, private beach, where you experience the leisurely rhythm of the Mediterranean.
Address: Contrada Losciale, 63 Frazione, 70043, Capitolo BA, Italy
Borgo San Marco, Fasano
A white-washed limestone façade represents years of history that date back to the 12th century, enclosing fragments of the past preserved as treasures in the cave church. But this heritage has had a contemporary dimension since 2002, when Alessandro and Virginia Amati acquired and restored the property. Today Borgo San Marco has 19 suites with rustic, country design, four poster beds and romantic drapes that gently dance in the morning breeze. The views here stretch across the horizon, over layers of centenary olive trees and ancient carobs and sprawl out to the Adriatic Sea. This is the side to catch the best sunrise. At the hotel’s restaurant, home-cooked, local cuisine is served to hotel guests and visitors. Order the ‘Fave e Cicoria,’ (fava bean purée with chicory), and drizzle with Borgo San Marco’s own extra virgin olive oil made on-site – it’s also just as lovely on bread with a sprinkle of salt.
Address: Contrada Sant'Angelo, 33, 72015 Fasano BR
Salva LopezMasseria Moroseta, Ostuni
Carlo Lanzini set out to create a contemporary structure that acknowledged and respected tradition and integrated harmoniously into the surroundings. The outcome is a very linear, refined structure with whitewashed tufo walls, vaulted ceilings and original stone floors designed by Andrew Trotter. Outside, the beautifully minimalist location offers both sociable and convivial spaces and intimate nooks for moments of simple solitude. With Giorgia Eugenia Goggi at the head of the kitchen table, the philosophy behind the cuisine is simple yet refined: farm-to-table ingredients, locally sourced products, research and dedication.
Address: Contrada Lamacavallo, 72017, Ostuni BR, Italy
©Rei Moon/Moon Ray StudioCastle Elvira, Trepuzzi
A 15-minute drive from Lecce takes you to a 20th-century castle left in its original state, with merlons and turrets set amidst 37 acres of gardens and orchards sprawling out towards the Adriatic Sea. Legend has it that the castle was abandoned for a century until current owner Steve Riseley acquired the property and, working closely with architects and specialist artisans, carefully restored it whilst discretely integrating contemporary, eclectic designer furnishings and works of art. There are four suites within the castle, a two-roomed Garden Suite in the Cottage and a further four suites across the tower and ancient Masseria, as well as a 70m swimming pool, jacuzzi, rooftop terrace and restaurant in which chef Marino d’Anna prepares dishes deeply rooted in southern Apulian traditions.
Address: Via Andrano, 73019 Trepuzzi LE
Masseria Montenapoleone, Pezze di Greco
A long, narrow road with alternating rosemary and oleander bushes leads to an enchanted garden suspended between the countryside and the sea. Set out in the tiny hamlet of Pezze di Greco, eight minutes away from Torre Canne beach, Masseria Montenapoleone transports you to a dimension in which time is unimportant. Giuliano and Alessandra Monteneve created this artistic haven from an ancient cave settlement and live here today alongside their guests with their daughter Marcellina. They have paid particular attention to furnishings in which upcycled objects and vintage treasured finds from antique markets have been given a second life. The setting is a natural wonderland, composed of a variety of vegetation from fruit trees to flowers and herb gardens that leave a fragrant trail as you walk around the narrow stone-carved paths not only; in the mornings, you’ll find Chef Domenico Consoli picking fresh fruits and vegetables to cook at La Falegnameria restaurant. At Herbarium, the holistic spa, herbs are also used to create massage and aromatherapy oils that change on a seasonal basis. In the evening, book an aperitivo among the vineyards and watch the sunset as you savour a cocktail from the botanical bar or a glass of Primi Passi wine made from the native susumaniello grape from these very vineyards.
Address: C.da Bicocca n8, 72015, Pezze di Greco di FASANO BR, Italy
Stefano ScatàMasseria le Torri, Polignano a Mare
When you think of Polignano a Mare, you envision the large spurs When you think of Polignano a Mare, you envision the large spurs of rocks that look over Cala Porto, that small, picturesque sandy beach. But there’s another side to scenic town – rolling green countryside with dense olive groves surrounding Masseria le Torri. Here Mimmo and Silvana welcome you to their home through small and kind gestures that truly make you appreciate family-run hotels. Now and again, you’ll see Silvana walk around with a little apron and a huge smile, often on her way to the kitchen to bake something delicious. The breakfast is a memorable spread of home-baked cakes (vegan and gluten-free, too) and your traditional savoury delicacies such as ricotta, primo sale, focaccia and capocollo. But the rooms within this masseria also leave their mark – a simple and delicate palette of white with only essential furnishings that recall farmhouses of the past. You’ll find charming little details like an olive branch in place of a wardrobe, reflecting the farmer’s habit of hanging his jacket on a tree before starting work in the fields. At night, a spray of lavender oil awaits you on your pillow.
Address: Strada Comunale le Torri, 591/D, 70044, Polignano a Mare BA, Italy
Atelier DomesticoMasseria Dagilupi, Ostuni
Danielle and Jean Louis fell in love with the authenticity of Puglia while on holiday and ended up relocating from Strasbourg seven years ago. They chose Ostuni as a base for their Maison d’Hôtes Masseria Dagilupi, where the Valle d’Itria and Salento collide, and expanses of olive groves flourish above deep red earth. The Masseria is housed within an ancient oil mill, with three suites that retain their original white-washed stone, vaulted ceilings and arched coves that once served as storage units to conserve the olive oil. Interiors are a mix of tradition, such as Enza Fasano vases and tableware, and refreshing contemporary touches like the Patricia Urquiola-designed bathtub in the Terrace Suite Ostuni – named after the white-washed town that is a short drive away.
Address: Contrada Lettiga, snc, 72017, Ostuni BR, Italy
Colella NicolaMasseria Galeta, Nardò
For a visit to Nardò, an authentic Italian gem with its splendid baroque façades, grand piazzas and few tourists, Masseria Galeta is an ideal base just 20 minutes drive away. The Masseria has a wonderful rustic and country feel, and along with a guesthouse, it also operates as a farm breeding cattle and goats. There are only three rooms between the 16th-century watch tower and farmhouse, where simple, antique furnishings enhance the atmosphere of an authentic, historical Masseria. To be savoured around a large, long table, breakfast is a moment of conviviality – where guests can come together over homemade delights.
Address: Via Roto Galeta, 8, 73048, Nardò LE, Italy
- Italian cooking</a>. It's a foodie's dream. Pugliese produce is championed elsewhere in the castle too, with embroidered fabrics, handmade ceramics and organic olive-oil soaps and shampoos. <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-design-places/">Design-savvy guests will appreciate the furniture, from Ceccotti loveseats to reupholstered vintage Poltrona Frau armchairs. The nine bedrooms combine original architectural features with contemporary cosseting: sleep under a star-vaulted ceiling or shower in a rediscovered vault. The marriage of ancient and avant-garde continues in the museum wing, where 17th-century frescoes provide a backdrop to modern-art <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/exhibitions-in-london/">exhibitions, and in the restaurant, where the glass floor reveals a Norman tower that was excavated during the renovations. <em>Sarah Royce-Greensill</em>\n<strong>Address:</strong> Via Castello, 13, 73059 Ugento LE, Italy","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_320,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_640,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_640,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_1280,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_1024,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_2048,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_1280,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be852a954a4e571f6eb82/master/w_1280,c_limit/where-to-stay-taly-mag-nv8-pr1.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Castello di Ugento, Ugento
At the highest point of the small town of Ugento, 25km from Puglia's southernmost point, one gleaming monument stands out from its sun-faded neighbours. It took 18 months to sandblast Castello di Ugento's dilapidated pietra leccese walls back to their original honey hue, part of a €15 million renovation that breathed new life into the once-majestic palazzo. Three state-of-the-art kitchens were built within the property for Culinary Institute of America students to learn authentic Italian cooking. It's a foodie's dream. Pugliese produce is championed elsewhere in the castle too, with embroidered fabrics, handmade ceramics and organic olive-oil soaps and shampoos. Design-savvy guests will appreciate the furniture, from Ceccotti loveseats to reupholstered vintage Poltrona Frau armchairs. The nine bedrooms combine original architectural features with contemporary cosseting: sleep under a star-vaulted ceiling or shower in a rediscovered vault. The marriage of ancient and avant-garde continues in the museum wing, where 17th-century frescoes provide a backdrop to modern-art exhibitions, and in the restaurant, where the glass floor reveals a Norman tower that was excavated during the renovations. Sarah Royce-Greensill
Address: Via Castello, 13, 73059 Ugento LE, Italy
- Miami. Its flat roof turns into an outdoor cinema at night, for subtitled films with pizza and ice cream. Sweat it off the next morning with the daily 8am yoga session or book the private hammam for a Turkish bath. Food-wise you can help yourself to everything in the kitchen – still-warm bread, tarts and flans, plus hams, cheese and fruit for breakfast, and then a never-ending procession of chocolate truffles, Italian pastries and sugar-dusted biscuits during the day. You aren’t completely left to your own devices: the manager is always on hand for brilliant restaurant suggestions and local know-how. For beach trips, the staff will prepare a bag with towels and bottled water, plus there are bicycles and Vespas to borrow. Don Tuto is a B&B, yes, but better than some of the very best hotels down here In Italy’s heel. <em>Charlotte Maconochie</em>\n<strong>Address:</strong> Via Crocefisso, 10, 73020 San Cassiano LE, Italy","contentType":"photo","credit":"Lorenzo Pennati","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_320,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_640,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_640,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_1280,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_1024,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_2048,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_1280,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be853db797d0116fd4332/master/w_1280,c_limit/don-totu-puglia-italy-01-conde-nast-traveller-lorenzo-pennati.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Lorenzo PennatiDon Totu, San Cassiano
Milanese owners Chiara and Mauro Bini turned their historic dimora storica into a village house with all the punch of a top-notch hotel. Lush green cacti-filled gardens are bright against the creamy stonework; inside, original Salentine tiled floors are paired with grey and taupe linens and artwork from around the world. There are only six bedrooms (all vast, and each with its own terrace), so the enormous pool is usually all yours. At one end, a loggia houses an 18-metre-long replica of Matisse’s La Piscine beneath Art Deco chandeliers shipped over from the old Biltmore Hotel in Miami. Its flat roof turns into an outdoor cinema at night, for subtitled films with pizza and ice cream. Sweat it off the next morning with the daily 8am yoga session or book the private hammam for a Turkish bath. Food-wise you can help yourself to everything in the kitchen – still-warm bread, tarts and flans, plus hams, cheese and fruit for breakfast, and then a never-ending procession of chocolate truffles, Italian pastries and sugar-dusted biscuits during the day. You aren’t completely left to your own devices: the manager is always on hand for brilliant restaurant suggestions and local know-how. For beach trips, the staff will prepare a bag with towels and bottled water, plus there are bicycles and Vespas to borrow. Don Tuto is a B&B, yes, but better than some of the very best hotels down here In Italy’s heel. Charlotte Maconochie
Address: Via Crocefisso, 10, 73020 San Cassiano LE, Italy
- families and couples (it can arrange kids' pizza lessons as well as a quick round on the golf course). The owner is mover and shaker Vittorio Muolo - one of the founding fathers of the masserie and beach-club scene in Puglia's fishing village of Savelletri - who opened Torre Coccaro back in 2002. The rooms combine Puglian rusticity with touches of Frenchified elegance.\n<strong>Address:</strong> C.da Coccaro, 8 72015 Savelletri di Fasano (Brindisi) Puglia, Italy","contentType":"photo","credit":"Rocco Forte Hotels","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_320,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_640,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_640,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_1280,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_1024,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"},{"height":3071,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_2048,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_1280,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63c92c79b6e738d0d9f22368/master/w_1280,c_limit/Masseria_Torre_Maizza__Bar-jan23-pr-global-Rocco%20Forte%20Hotels.jpeg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Rocco Forte HotelsMasseria Torre Coccaro, Savelletri
Dominated by a 16th-century watchtower that later became a fortified farmhouse, Masseria Torre Coccaro is a delightfully laid-back place that works for both families and couples (it can arrange kids' pizza lessons as well as a quick round on the golf course). The owner is mover and shaker Vittorio Muolo - one of the founding fathers of the masserie and beach-club scene in Puglia's fishing village of Savelletri - who opened Torre Coccaro back in 2002. The rooms combine Puglian rusticity with touches of Frenchified elegance.
Address: C.da Coccaro, 8 72015 Savelletri di Fasano (Brindisi) Puglia, Italy
Palazzo Luce, Lecce
Milanese art collector Anna Maria Enselmi embarked on a four-year project to create this seven-suite hotel (and some-time exclusive rental) and living art gallery. Works by William Kentridge, Giuliano Dal Molin, Marina Abramović, Vanessa Beecroft, Marzia Migliora and Thomas Ruff, as well as 20th-century Italian furniture, dazzle in its rooms and cavernous salon. Two libraries, a small spa with hammam and Pilates studio, a bar in metal cabinetry and a lap pool overlooking the Roman theatre have been added.
Address: Via Del Palazzo dei Conti di Lecce, 4, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy
Masseria Cimino
This one is sweet and discreet, while its sister hotel Borgo Egnazia is big, bold and grand. A side project of the latter's owner-manager Aldo Melpignano, it's a plum-red, 18th-century fortified masseria surrounded by olive groves, and makes a virtue of its simplicity. The farmhouse-bedrooms are elegant but authentic, and breakfasts and dinners are good, unfussy local fare (Pugliese pasta dishes made with vegetables grown in the garden). A wonderfully unpretentious antidote to some of the region's dressier places to eat and stay. Lee Marshall
Address: Contrada Masciola, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy
- Cornwall, <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/article/salento-italy/">Salento, at the tip of Italy’s heel, is both a land’s end peninsula and a crossroads of cultures (some locals still speak an ancient Greek dialect). Gabriele Salini of GS Collection decided to partner with art curator Francesco Petrucci after Petrucci inherited his family’s 19th-century townhouse in lively Gagliano del Capo. Salini worked closely with the architects to take things back to essentials, to ‘exalt the void’ has, of course, exaggerated the grandeur of the place; the stripped-back walls, industrial lamps and monastically simple bedrooms highlight the ceiling frescoes, mirrored salons and a courtyard that calls for wild The Leopard-like soirées. The eleven-bedroom setting so beguiled French travel disruptor Thierry Teyssier that he launched his pop-up hotel concept <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/travel-ideas-for-now#4530GM2LaNL\">700,000 Heures</a> here last autumn. There is also a Suite Apartment with three ensuite rooms for those seeking some intimacy. Some of the region’s best beaches are a short drive away, but a cool, dark slick of <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/amazing-swimming-pools/">swimming pool</a> and lemon-filled orchard are persuasive reasons to stay put.\n<strong>Address:</strong> Corso Umberto I, 60, 73034 Gagliano del Capo LE, Italy","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_320,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_640,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_640,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_1280,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_1024,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_2048,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_1280,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be85224f18e2bd3cbdf62/master/w_1280,c_limit/palazzo-daniele-in-puglia-jan19-pr19.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Palazzo Daniele, Salento
Like a Mediterranean Cornwall, Salento, at the tip of Italy’s heel, is both a land’s end peninsula and a crossroads of cultures (some locals still speak an ancient Greek dialect). Gabriele Salini of GS Collection decided to partner with art curator Francesco Petrucci after Petrucci inherited his family’s 19th-century townhouse in lively Gagliano del Capo. Salini worked closely with the architects to take things back to essentials, to ‘exalt the void’ has, of course, exaggerated the grandeur of the place; the stripped-back walls, industrial lamps and monastically simple bedrooms highlight the ceiling frescoes, mirrored salons and a courtyard that calls for wild The Leopard-like soirées. The eleven-bedroom setting so beguiled French travel disruptor Thierry Teyssier that he launched his pop-up hotel concept 700,000 Heures here last autumn. There is also a Suite Apartment with three ensuite rooms for those seeking some intimacy. Some of the region’s best beaches are a short drive away, but a cool, dark slick of swimming pool and lemon-filled orchard are persuasive reasons to stay put.
Address: Corso Umberto I, 60, 73034 Gagliano del Capo LE, Italy
