If you are searching for a Puglia vacation, you are on to something good. Word spread in the 80s about this secluded destination that got more attention when daring explorers first made their way to this sunny Italian spot in the south. It is famed for its fertile soil, olives, clear waters, historic Trulli, and forward-thinking Masseria hotels and resorts.If you are planning a trip to Apulia, here's a list of luxury accommodations and Masseria in Puglia that you cannot miss.
1. Masseria Palombara, Manduria
Best described as an Adult only Bio Resort, Masseria Palombara is designed to encourage interaction and give those looking for a private atmosphere the perfect refuge to relax and restore. Only five rooms are located on an organic farm of 100 hectares. Everything is authentic and simple, of the rustic classy luxury understated style. There are no televisions to adapt to a laid-back philosophy. The rooms are surrounded by greenery, each with an independent entrance and its private garden where breakfast can be served with organic products from the Palombara farm. The farm's fresh organic produce can be enjoyed in the tranquillity of this dream resort made to regain peace and balance.
2. Masseria Torre Coccaro, Savelletri
The property was formerly a large, fortified farm with a watchtower built to fend off Turks invaders. Its limestone buildings have been adapted to retain plenty of rustic charm. The chic bedrooms are remnants of troughs, while underground caves once used as olive mills have been converted into a spa.
Comfy seats and day beds are tucked amid pomegranate trees, bougainvillaea and hibiscus in the gardens. The central courtyard is magical, especially when lit with garlands of lights in the evenings. But while the Masseria has plenty of styles, it’s not designed for quiet, romantic getaways - it’s warm, and the homely vibe is best suited to family breaks.
3. Don Totu, Lecce
Don Tutu is a traditional 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 paired with grey and taupe linens and artwork from around the world. There are only six bedrooms, each with a private terrace, so the enormous pool is usually all yours. Its flat roof turns into an outdoor cinema night for subtitled films with pizza and ice cream. Morning yoga sessions are available as well as a Turkish hammam. 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. For beach trips, the staff will prepare a bag with towels and bottled water, plus there are bicycles and Vespas to borrow.
4. Borgo Egnazia
Puglia has nothing like this, a luxuriant hotel-village with a sense of a courtyard with 63 luxurious rooms in it the centre. Families typically like to rent out more affordable units, which give onto lanes and leafy gardens of a soothing rural-looking hamlet. For groups of seven or more, there are 29 individual villas with private pools. Borgo Egnazia can hold over 300 people; however, it's not difficult to get away from the crowd and take a breather. There are four pools, just as many restaurants, and an ethnic-glam spa with a cinema. Guests get assistance in picking tours or activities or indulging their whims. There's even a bicycle rental guy, dedicated and in-house if I may be so bold, a favourite of the Beckham family.
5. Masseria Potenti, Manduria
The creation of two Milan-based Pugliesi, this Masseria nails sophisticated, barefoot chic like the style like a few others. Rustic-modern interiors paired with genuine and warm service. Close to some of Puglia's best beaches, Masseria Potenti is just one of a handful of places to stay in the Manduria area, a seaside frontier dotted with nature reserves and Primitivo vineyards. Alongside wine, healthy food is a big part of any stay here: no foams, just suitable, garden-fresh regional dishes. Much of them are based on the hotel's products; daily sumptuous breakfast feasts. There's a natural spiritual energy to this place, so it's no surprise that it has become a popular spot for yoga retreats.
