Masseria Le Carrube is a typical masseria (farmhouse) with a traditional tile roof, whose walls have the inner side with the stones in view and the external side whitewashed.

Only 6 km away from Ostuni downtown, it is situated at the feet of the hill on which “The White Town” rises up as a background, in a secluded and exclusive area characterised by the colours and the flavours of the Maquis shrubland, the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean region.

After little renovation carried out under the attentive eye of the owners, 14 rooms have been obtained that are very warm and cosy. They have the rustic appearance typical of the buildings of that area, but they are elegant and offer all of the comforts: air conditioning, mini-bar, LED tv and Wi-Fi. In the courtyard, once used as a sheepfold, there are 2 swimming pools, one of which is heated.

SUITE
All our Suite rooms have a double bedroom, a separated living area with sofa bed and an external area with table, chairs and sunbeds. This is the ideal solution for couples or families.

JUNIOR SUITE
All our Junior Suite have double bed and a living area with sofa bed. This is a perfect solution for couples or families with a child.

LE CARRUBE RESTAURANT
Le Carrube is the vegetarian restaurant at Masseria Le Carrube. An ideal restaurant for those who love eating healthy while respecting traditions. It arose from the desire to propose a healthy cuisine and be careful to eating problems such as celiac disease and intolerances.

Le Carrube combines the raw materials of the territory in a modern way, with a particular attention for seasonal and biological food. Every evening, our chef Massimo Santoro proposes a different tasting menu for our guests with typical vegetarian dishes from Puglia.

EVENTS & WEDDINGS
All the spaces at Masseria Le Carrube, both interiors and exteriors, are perfect for different kind of events & weddings. The wonderful mediterranean garden with its peculiar pergola, the open space in front of the masseria and the two orange groves are evocative settings for events and wedding celebrations.

The large inside spaces, including the ancient oil mill containing an olive press with millstones, are ideal for banquets, while the peculiar Trullo inside the olive grove is perfect for weddings.

PUGLIA
Discovering Puglia is the beginning of a true experience of love. Moreover, regardless of the season, it’s possible to enjoy the natural landscapes and human settlements: always breath taking to watch.

During the relatively mild fall and winter seasons, a vast choice of produce from the ground, beautiful colours, unique village festivals and ancient traditions is guaranteed, while spring and summer literally make Puglia bloom and burst with events, beach parties and shows.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 140 EUR per night

Source: www.masserialecarrubeostuni.it

The Relais “La Sommità”, one of the few 5 star hotels in Puglia, is a historic 16th century residence, which represents a jewel in the crown of this old town of Ostuni, a renowned tourist resort in Puglia and noted as the “White city”. For a holiday steeped in luxury and exclusivity, making your holiday in Puglia an unforgettable one.

Within this luxury hotel, the Relais “La Sommità” in Puglia, our Guests rediscover the five senses: the furnishings, the fabrics and ornaments develop the emotion of touch, fragrances and music stimulate the sense of smell and hearing whilst lights and flavours rouse sight and taste, enabling guests to sustain their day-to-day rituals and everyday life in comfort and relaxation without giving up a decisive and total design…

ROOMS
15 rooms and suites all different but with the same welcoming and intimate atmosphere to make your stay truly exclusive. The barrel or star vaults and high ceilings, typical of Apulia’s historical buildings, provide a sense of suspension and intimacy. Here you can enjoy the wellness and feeling of freedom that this region provides.

Our refined rooms stand out for the muted colours that hint at the town’s architecture, the prestigious materials used, such as wood and Apulia stone, and essential furniture. Some of the rooms have large windows, others have skylights.

Some of them overlook unique views, such as the plain of olive trees (Piana degli Ulivi) or Ostuni’s sea. This is the right place for a relaxing and peaceful holiday.

Every room is provided with every amenity: flat screen TV, air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, hair drier, and a minibar. During the booking stage, you can indicate your favourite room, which we will be happy to assign you, if available.

SUITES
The elegant and exclusive open spaces are distributed over two levels and are provided with all the amenities to make you feel at home. If you are looking for a spacious and comfortable hotel room, La Sommità’s suites are perfect for you.

Elegant open spaces distributed over two levels with a living room and a large stone bathroom with a bathtub or shower on the ground floor and a cosy bedroom with a king-size bed on the first floor.

Those who care about privacy will appreciate the independent entrance of some of the suites. Small design details embellish the atmosphere of the living room, which features a wooden sideboard, a table with chairs, and a comfortable double sofa bed.

Some of the suites (which measure up to 70 sq.m) can sleep up to 4 people and are provided with a safe, air conditioning, hair drier, bathrobe, toiletries, slippers, and Bulgari amenities. During the booking stage, you can indicate your favourite suite. La Sommità Relais will be happy to assign you that room, if available.

THE MASTER SUITE
A luxury suite with amazing vaulted ceilings. It features a room with stone walls, a king-size bed, and a bathroom with a circular tuff Jacuzzi in the centre. The external patio features a panoramic window. The bathrobe, slippers, and Bulgari amenities provided enhance the sophisticated and elegant yet modern and casual style of La Sommità.

CIELO RESTAURANT
The 5-star Relais La Sommità will make your stay an enchanted one with stylish menus featuring seasonal offerings in our elegant Cielo restaurant. The past symbolises tradition, the future innovation: this is the philosophy embraced by our Chef whose cuisine evokes distant memories, while at the same time guiding palates into unexplored terrain.

His stylishly combined dishes promise a journey through the senses of the past and present, with projection into the future where the comforting flavours of the earth will reign strong.

An expert selection of local and Italian wines accompany our dishes and during the summer season, dinner is served in the ancient Spanish garden where orange and olive trees provide a charming backdrop.

A staircase dug out of the rock leads us to three ancient cisterns, used in the past to collect oil, and now dedicated to wine tasting: our unique Winery.

The restaurant at Relais La Sommità, located in the highest part of Ostuni, offers a charming view of the alleyways and whitewashed walls of the town which form the backdrop to clear and limpid skies.

The restaurant’s magical atmosphere is synonymous with elegance and sobriety and the background music can become a pleasant moment of personal silence. While seated on the Belvedere, enjoying the sunset and sipping a glass of ice-cold, fine-quality white wine, Relais La Sommità would like to propose its Appetizers: “CaleidoTapas”.

The old-world lounges and loggias of the building housing the 5-star Relais La Sommità in Ostuni are used as reading and breakfast areas. The relaxing atmosphere is improved on during the afternoon where tea, herbal tea, hot chocolate and freshly-baked cakes and biscuits are served.

Relais La Sommità’s restaurant also organises Tasting and Apulian Cookery Courses, Theme Dinners, Wine and Oil Tasting, Sunday and Corporate lunches, as well as the Lunch and Cocktail bar service with finger food for your social events and Pre-Dinner or After-Dinner drinks.

WELLNESS
Modern living with its intensive pace asks a lot of our physical and mental equilibrium; the Spa at Relais La Sommità is the place for allowing ourselves some well-deserved pleasure and relaxation.

The Spa at Relais La Sommità offers its guests personalised treatment programmes aimed at relaxation and physical and psycho-physical reinvigoration during a wellness weekend or holiday.

After careful assessment, our staff will be able to recommend the most suitable treatments. Our treatments benefit from the positive energy contained in the products’ ingredients and natural essences that, combined with our therapists’ manual skills, provide a highly regenerating and revitalising effect.

All the wellness treatments offered at the Spa at Relais La Sommità avail themselves of SPA Gerard’s methods and products. Massages, Turkish baths and various body treatments at our exclusive Spa-Wellness Centre in Puglia help to achieve perfect psycho-physical wellbeing.

Inside our Wellness Centre at the luxury Relais La Sommità in Ostuni, lights and sounds arouse sensations that project us into a dimension where water is the key theme for relaxation. All the treatments offered at the stylish Spa at Relais La Sommità in Puglia avail themselves of of highly qualified operators.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS
La Sommità Relais, with its large halls, terraces and gardens, is the perfect venue for your private and corporate events. La Sommità Relais provides an exclusive and unforgettable setting for your events and ceremonies.

From the ancient halls to the Camino Room, from the panoramic terraces to the Spanish garden, every corner of the Relais is perfect for a private or corporate event or even for a stylish wedding.

The halls can house up to 70 people, whereas, the outdoor areas, including the terraces and garden, up to 100 people. We will provide you with a beamer, TV, and all the technical equipment to support any type of event.

Our versatile spaces and services make La Sommità the ideal venue for special occasions and events. Celebrate your graduation in our large terraces or your child’s christening in the Spanish Garden or Camino Room. Your birthday parties or any other event will be just as unforgettable.

Rooms: 15

Price: from 258 EUR per night

Source: www.lasommita.it

Masseria Cervarolo is a farm with trulli (typical Apulian rural houses) built in the XVI century. It stands on a 250 meters hillock that dominates a large and fertile plain, just 6 km away from the town of Ostuni. Throughout the centuries, several parts of the Masseria have changed their look and purpose in order to favour the different cultivations and activities that took place in the farm.

The toponym “Cervarolo” derives from the presence of deer in the area, once characterised by dense forests. A small church, dedicated to Our Lady Of Sorrow Virgin Mary (1798) is annexed to the Masseria. It is characterised by a wonderful polychromatic baroque altar and several frescos.

As the presence of numerous written prayers testifies, this church was a very important place of adoration. All the legends related to Masseria Cervarolo made this place a destination for those pilgrims who were looking for serenity and interior peace.

It is also said that, in the area of the Masseria, spring comes some weeks in advance and the farmers living in the surrounding area adapt their agricultural activity to this phenomenon. The restoration works, which lasted for 5 years, were carried out with the aim to respect and preserve the original building. We created an amazing and elegant countryside house where our family looks forward to hosting you.

THE RESTAURANT
The restaurant of the Masseria is located within a large Lamia, a typical Apulian construction. As in a theatre, you can observe our chef cooking our specialities through a vast glass wall. During Spring and Summer, dinner is served in an ancient orangery situated in one of the gardens. The restaurant is for the use of hotel guests only.

DINNER
Our restaurant offers numerous Apulian dishes which are sometimes revisited by our Chef, without ever ignoring the guidelines of the Mediterranean cuisine. Furthermore, you can taste our typical Km 0 products and combine your meal with the best wines of Puglia.

BREAKFAST
Breakfast is served in the restaurant. The buffet is enriched by our very own production of cakes and jams and by a great variety of fresh juices, seasonal fruits, salami and typical cheeses.

THE BAR
By the swimming pool, on the warm days and evenings of summer, the Boukolikos bar offers the ideal atmosphere for the degustation of fresh smoothies, healthy drinks, homemade “rosoli-liquors”, craft beers, Apulian wines and fresh organic beverages. In spring, there is a honesty bar available for you in the living room.

WINE TASTING
In recent years, our region stood out for its high quality wines; thanks to our vast wine list ,which includes more than a hundred different types of wine, you will be able to discover and taste some of these marvellous varieties.

OLIVE OIL TASTING
One of the symbols of Puglia is the Olive tree. Just a few kilometers away from our Masseria, there exists a rural park of 2000 years old monumental olive trees which has been recognized as one of the oldest in the world.

The park is located in the area of Masseria Brancati where you can visit an underground olive oil mill dating back to the Greek and Roman times. Here you will be able to taste and appreciate a great variety of organic olive oils.

LIVING ROOM
This splendid room with a XVII fireplace was used as a smokehouse for cheese and meat. Nowadays, this room has been converted into a relax/library hall where you can read books about Puglia or you can do bookcrossing and share your favorite readings with other costumers.

GARDENS
Masseria Cervarolo is located in a ten hectares estate, in the heart of the Apulian countryside. The gardens are characterised by the presence of native plants. While walking along the paths you will be enthralled by the typical fragrances of the Mediterranean landscape.

THE SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool and the hydro-massage, located in a natural sinkhole, are surrounded by rocks and terraced gardens.

COOKING CLASSES
During the cooking classes, Francesca e Wally will take you on a culinary journey that will allow you to discover the recipes of our tradition.

WELLNESS
During certain times of the year, in a cozy “Lamia”, you will have the opportunity to choose between different types of massages making your stay even more relaxing.

TOURS
We will help you to discover Puglia, a millenary land of history, art, folklore, traditions and uncontaminated nature.

NATURAL PARK OF DUNE COSTIERE
This natural park of Dune Costiere is 15 minutes far by car from Masseria Cervarolo, it stretches over a flat and sandy coastal area characterised by wetlands located behind a dune belt. Dunes form a continuous string that is interrupted only by access ways to the sea.

Some stretches are home to the typical juniper vegetation. The dunes that are less affected by human activities have the typical sclerophyllous evergreen vegetation with a predominance of broad-leaved Phillyrea and Pistacia lentiscus. The wetlands behind the dunes consist of small brackish lagoons with halophyte vegetation.

The innermost areas, in the locality known as ‘Difesa di Malta’, are characterised by a low garrigue vegetation (to be precise the species Thymus capitatus) and large zones with very xerophilous and thermophilous sub-steppe vegetation. Volunteer orchidaceous plants thrive in this area and wastelands with Asphodelus ramosus are found due to overgrazing.

Overall, this reserve has a high natural value, as shown by the number and quality of its habitats (4 priority habitats and 4 habitats of Community interest) and its species (5 priority species of Reptiles and as many as 24 species of birds of Community interest), which are included in the lists of the Red Book of the Animals of Italy.

Consequently, this area is not only a breeding site, but also and especially a staging post for rare and endangered species of the avifauna, thus playing an important role in the conservation of migratory birds crossing the Adriatic Sea.

The reserve aims, among other things, to ease the high human pressure exerted on this ecosystem. For example, the numerous paths between dunes are enlarged to enable bathers to reach the sea and more and more sand dune surfaces are used as car parks in summer.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF EGNATIA
The archaeological site of Egnatia, placed 25 minutes away, in an amazing natural environment, is one of the most interesting sites of Puglia thanks to its history of 30 centuries. The city, cited by authors such as Pliny, Strabo and Horace ,had a great importance in the ancient world for its geographical position, thanks to the presence of the port and the Via Traiana, in fact, it was an active center of trade and commerce.

The history of the ancient Gnathia had different stages over the centuries. The first settlement, made up of a village of huts , was built in the fifteenth century. a. C. (Bronze Age ) . In the eleventh century. a.C. ( Iron Age ) an invasion of Iapigi,a population set in the Balkans , took place.

While during the eighth century. a. C. begins the messapica phase for Egnatia, as for all the Salento ,that will end with the Roman occupation in the third century . a. C. The city will join the first republic and then it will become part of Roman Empire with which it will decline.

Of the messapica phase of Egnatia remained the mighty defensive walls ( 7 m high . , 2 km long delimit an urban area of about 40 hectares ) and the necropolis, where in addition to graves and half-chamber , there are monumental tombs room decorated with fine frescoes.

Of the city, only partially excavated , preserved vestiges dating back to the Roman period . Considerable remains of the Via Traiana, the Civil Basilica with the class of the Three Graces, the Shrine of the Eastern gods , the amphitheater, the hole.

Excellently preserved cryptoporticus. There are also two early Christian basilicas , originally with floor to mosaico. The Archaeological Museum , recently renovated is of great interest.

OSTUNI
Being just 7 kilometres far from the Masseria , this town is undoubtedly a place to visit. Ostuni was built on the top of a hill by the Messapi around the VII BC although there are traces of hum an settlements which can place the origins of the city in the Palaeolithic period.

It can be confirmed by the discovery of a skeleton belonging to woman later named as “Delia, the Woman of Ostuni”. The skeleton that was found in the cave of Agnano was of a woman who was pregnant at the time of death, her body was later dated to be about 25,000 years old.

During the Middle Ages the white lime was a way to prevent the spread of the plague, this is how Ostuni gained its nick name “The White City”. Famous for its very narrow streets, the town has beautiful shapes and offers breathtaking views from the ancient walls which still surround the historical centre.

The Cathedral is situated on a hilltop surrounded and protected by the houses of the old quarter, it can be reached by walking along the only road that connects the Cathedral to Piazza Libertà , a narrow and winding road but very characteristic and full of little shops and boutiques.

CISTERNINO
Just 5 minutes driving away from Masseria Cervarolo, this town is part of the very prestigious club of the most beautiful boroughs in Italy. Because of its magical atmosphere, many tourists choose to visit this very ancient borough and dine in the typical narrow streets where many local butchers are situated and people can taste the exquisite “bombette”.

In just a 15 minutes walking it is simple to have a look of the beautiful churches like the church of S. Nicola or the several and beautiful buildings like “Porta Grande” and “Torre del Municipio”. Most of all do not miss the stunning panorama of the Itrian Valley from the Belvedere Balcony perhaps taking a bite of the delicious desserts that the Vignola Bar offers.

Rooms: 18

Price: from 172 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriacervarolo.com

Inside the relaxing quietness of Apulian countryside, among between verdant hills, centuries-old olive trees and a crystal clear sky, rises in all its white splendour the 16th-century Masseria Salinola, an old fortified farm and a very special place where you can spend your holiday in Apulia, between Trulli valley and Salento.

From its cultivated land and impressive olive groves, the Apulian farmhouse obtains an extra-virgin olive oil of high quality, and the farm’s vegetable garden produces a number of delicacies available to guests: the Masseria’s welcoming restaurant’s cuisine, which is exalted by the most prestigious guides.

The meticulous renovation of the building made it possible to discover all of its original splendour, highlighted by the white lime and the stone inside, typical peculiarities of the masseria in Apulia.

For your holiday in Apulia, Masseria Salinola provide its hospitality into rooms and apartments equipped with all comforts and embellished with antique furniture in observance of the ancient traditions.

Fifteen years of activity make the Masseria Salinola an ideal place where you can spend a restful time during your holiday in our farm – or, as we call it, Agriturismo – in Puglia, among the olive trees, patriarchs of this marvelous land, and the whirpool bath pools for the wellness lovers.

The intimate simplicity of these places, the warm welcome of our family, and the genuineness of our cuisine are the ideal union for an unforgettable experience in the charm of the old times that can be breathed in this ancient Apulian building, having at hand as well all modern comforts for your convenience.

ROOMS
An elegant combination that arises from an aesthetic decision, the same that here confirm that simplicity does not mean poverty. In the past the oldest part of Masseria Salinola was built according to some strict patterns which guaranteed the Authenticity: the central part was the home of the farmer, the most important figure of the farmhouse around which all the productive and social life was polarized.

It was the largest and higher building. All around and on the ground floor there were working environments with the courtyard, the workers houses, the stables, the old family chapel, the garden and olive groves where the slow country-life was dictated by the alternation of the seasons.

A well cared renovation in full respect of the original structure, the traditional rules of white lime and stone interiors has resulted in the rooms and apartments set in this old manor house in 1700 and , therefore, size and structure completely different from each other, each with its own characteristics and its own charm.

All rooms are located in the main building of the ancient masseria while the Family Apartments in a younger aged outbuilding few meters far from the first. All of them have independent access from its courtyard.

The Hospitality is organized in Classic and Superior double rooms, in Romantic Suite for couples or for families with children, and in Family Apartments composed by 1 bedroom and a living room for 4/5 people, all of them equipped with bathroom with shower, kitchenette, heating , mini-bar , LCD TV, free Wifi and air conditioning.

MASSARO SUITE
The “Casa del Massaro” is back in all its authenticity and splendor. It can host couples and families or small groups up to 5 people. This was the place where our grandparents lived, and still before them the “briganti” that found refuge in this Masseria in the Valle D’Itria countryside.

Located on the first floor as the central and the highest part of the farm, the most important one, where from its balcony the farmer looked till the ends of his estate. The stone is undoubtedly the dominant element. It’s fully exposed on the walls, on the floors made by ancient “chianche” sometimes bumpy, the important steps leading to the terrace of this Authentic and Charming Masseria.

Inside we find the typical farmer’s house, the bedroom full of niches that faces the back of the farm and the living room with an old fireplace, in the past used for cooking and around which the family would gather to spend cold winter nights. Now it makes this room really romantic and makes you feel like at home!

The outdoor balcony overlook the courtyard instead. From here you can enjoy the coolness of the summer nights with the chirping of crickets while sipping a glass of Primitivo wine!

The location of the bathroom is singular. Originally in the older houses the bathroom was not planned and so it was often placed in the corners rather than many times as in our case down the white staircase leading to the terrace.

And it is there that remained after all these years, on two different levels, but now with all the necessary amenities. At the end of the stairs there is the alcove which gives access to the terrace.

Originally this was a storage where the owner kept the food and especially where he hung bunches of red tomatoes as evidenced yet the many nails in the wall. Inside the alcove, the highest part of the farm, now, a wonderful Jacuzzi from which you can enjoy fantastic Apulian sunsets!

La Casa del Massaro. Transformed in a charming suite in a total white style where the objects of every day farming life, glazed by time, become artistically crafted items. The invention of an object that already exists, given a diverse vocation from that which it was created. A sophisticated effect, purposefully obtained with basic materials: lime, watercolors and earthenware.

In this modest place, a room well equipped with all the modern comforts, Tv Lcd, WiFi, air conditioning, frigobar, safe box, hairdryer and a Jacuzzi. In a corner, a simple and small service area consists of a small electric stove, an italian typical coffe maker (moka), and a sink placed in an old “pila”, a piece of rock carved inside to contain water for the animals iin the courtyard and in the stables.

An elegant combination created from a precise and desired esthetic, with absolute taste, from the full consciousness of their choices. The same aesthetic that can be seen in a closet without door obtained in stone cavities. Awareness that here demonstrate that semplicity does not mean poverty and that the apparent chaos has its precise order.

Composition of the room: a bedroom with a double bed, a living room with a sofa bed and a single bed, working fireplace, bathroom on two different levels with steps with Shower, Jacuzzi at the bottom of the stairs. Independent entrance from the courtyard of the Farm. Sqm. 45 approx. Located on the first floor with balcony outside area

SUITE ARANCETO
This room is located on the ground floor and lies where in the past was located the orange garden, named ‘lu marangialu’ in the local language. Now it’s a very romantic and charming suite in a total white style where the objects of every day farming life, glazed by time, become artistically crafted items.

Itria Valley and Salento styles meet themselves in the excessive whites use. The ancient stone walls that in the past were necessary to repair orange and lemon trees by the cold winter winds, now they protect the privacy of a bed covered with an old canopy of this charming and romantic suite.

A sophisticated residence where modest materials of the past come together – stone walls and ancient ‘chianche’ of white chalk on wooden beams and the pastel colors on the frames that picture a play of fabrics of natural fibers, from linen gauze to sackcloth.

The invention of an object that already exists, given a diverse vocation from that which it was created. A sophisticated effect, purposefully obtained with basic materials: lime, watercolors and earthenware. In this modest place, a room well equipped with all the modern comforts, Tv Lcd, WiFi, air conditioning, frigobar, safe box, hairdryer. The surprise is in the bath for sure.

A very spacious waterfall shower will wrap you for pleasant moments of idleness after a busy day loosing yourself into charming countryside corners, among century olive trees, ‘trulli’ and old ‘lamie’. A combination of low lights against the tensions and stress.

An elegant combination created from a precise and desired esthetic, with absolute taste, from the full consciousness of their choices. The same aesthetic that can be seen in a closet without door and bedside tables obtained in stone cavities.

DINING ROOM
Praised by the most prestigious guides, our masseria with internal restaurant presents dishes of the tradition of Apulia. Our apulian farm holidays success derives from the extra virgin oil we produce, the delicacies from our vegetable gardens, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our dining room.

Dishes we invite our guests to try are our orecchiette con cime di rapa, Apulia typical home made ear-shaped pasta, pot-cooked mashed broad beans, and the oven-baked rabbit with mediterranean flavors (tomatoes, olives, capers, rosemary).

After supper, guests can enjoy I Rosoli of Masseria Salinola, sweet Italian liqueur, in front of the imposing fireplaces during the cold winter evenings, or in balconies and gardens around this white and peaceful masseria in Apulia, during the hot summer evenings.

PRIVATE PARTIES
Stylish, Intimate, Small Parties in the Privacy of your own Puglia country estate. If you are looking to share a special time with close family and friends in an authentic and beautiful surroundings over an extended time, then that is what we do.

Make your dreams come true and enter a world of elegance. We will make your romantic luxury place an unforgettable experience. And the added benefit is that we are only 25 minutes from Brindsi Airport and 60 minutes from Bari Airport. Good food, magical ambiance, family atmosphere.

THE FAMILY CHAPEL
The ancient family chapel is dated back the 17th century as well as the main building of this authentic masseria. Each September Sunday, as per tradition, the village priest celebrate the Holy Mass.

The celebration is attended by all the neighbors which with devotion take part to the function keeping alive the ancient tradition of this countryside corner. If you are looking for a place to be silent and for a little prayer … please come it!

LA SALA DEI CAMINI
The Sala dei Camini is the beating heart of the farm with areas dedicated to relaxation and conviviality, the living rooms in front of the fireplaces, the large windows overlooking the external courtyard and the corner of the products of our farm, the cellar with our wines in plain sight.

Over 50 wines from Puglia in our wine list! We start already in the morning with a rich and genuine breakfast buffet with many homemade delicacies. During the day a rich herbal tea available to guests and a corner bar where to enjoy your favourite drink. Here you will find homemade cookies and dried fruit for the afternoon snack. After the sunset, a candlelight dinner with a menu of the day prepared by our mother-chefs!

SALOTTO & BOOKCASE
Comfortable sofas, a good book, the fireplace, our family photos, board games and lots of magazines to browse. Your moments of relax, feeling like at home while preparing your herbal tea, perhaps with the organic herbs harvested from our garden. And in the evening the cinema with a selection of great classics and latest releases!

IL PERGOLATO
Al fresco restaurant by the pool with light menus for lunch, bruschette, salads, selections of local salami and local chees, fresh fruits and desserts of the day. Relax under the pergola and on the poolside loungers, fresh drinks at sunset, candlelight dinner and jazz music.

THE COURTYARD
Once the work place, the center of agricultural and social life in the masseria. Today the place of the good awakening with the sun in your face, the meeting point, the corners for the sunset aperitifs, the Milleluci and folklore of a traditional pugliese village feast, the sitting in front of each of our room where hearing the crickets chirping during the summer nights and the fire during the autumn afternoons.

THE TERRACE
White the dominating colour. White beams and linen gauze like canvas bloated from the wind. Sunny terrace with lounges and beds with canopies, peaceful countryside views and under a sky of stars.

THE SWIMMING POOL
Surrounded by white dry-stone walls, old centuries olive trees and citrus trees, a shaded area with soft beds and cabanas and a jacuzzi for moments of pure relax. Pergolas and lounges in the shade for the hottest hours of the day. In summertime at the poolside a restaurant with a light menu of salads and fresh pasta.

THE ORGANIC FARM
Walking along the pergola that crosses it you can touch the seasonal vegetables that our farm produces and transforms. Here it is easy to meet Giovanni, our farmer and our mothers-chefs while they collect the necessary ingredients for the preparation of the menu of the day.

LA BOTTEGA
During your free time, you can go shopping! Before leaving, you can take a little bit of Puglia with you at our store! Here in fact you will find not only all our productions including extra virgin olive oil with a very low acidity, all our jams, pickles, tomato sauce, but also some nice gift ideas including photo albums to browse and the Apulian cook books.

Finally, our large pool towelm, the 100% cotton local weaving aprons, the olive treees home fragrance and our exclusive olive oil vanity set. All our products can be shipped all over the world and also ordered from the comforts of your home.

WINE TASTING
Try a selection of fine and local wines from Puglia on comfortabe couches in front of a crackling fireplace in the dining room, or in the shade of the pergola rather than on the terrace overlooking the countryside. Our sommelier Angelo will taste the wines chosen with you telling you in a casual conversation the Apulian wine culture.

CHEF FOR ONE DAY
We organize cooking lessons in our masseria in Apulia, which retrace the ancient traditions of Apulian cuisine. We teach how to knead flour, salt and yeast in order to cook bread and focaccia; how to dose ingredients in order to make orecchiette, home made ear-shaped pasta typical of our region; how to cook turnip tops; how to prepare the pot-cooked mashed broad beans with chicory and other typical dishes of our regional cuisine.

OLIVE HARVESTING
Farm holidays in south Italy can be an unmissable chance for learning about Italy’s best kept secrets, as regards both nature and culture. In particular, a farm holiday is the best way to discover south Italy’s cuisine, perhaps the most striking one in the whole country for the blending of historical influences in just a plate.

The activities we propose in our farmhouse in Apulia to our guests, among which is the olive harvesting during the autumn, are organized season by season in accordance to the farming activities.

In the centenary olive grove near the manor farm, our agronomist will tell you about the variety of our olives and all their processing: starting from the harvest by hand or with nets, up to the squeezing out and subsequent extra virgin oil production. The early risers among our guests may want to arm themselves with gloves and baskets, and join the harvesting, which starts at dawn.

After the harvesting, we arrange oil and typical product tastings in our lammia, which, together with the trullo and the masseria, is an example of the typical rustic architecture which can only be found between the Itria valley and the High Salento areas, in this part of Apulia.

GOLF
It’s to spend some time on the exclusive greens of Coccaro Golf Club with Giulio, the golf instructor that will make you really excited about this magical world through simple but useful tips on how to send a ball into a hole by hitting the fewest times!

So now onto the green and then go to the driving range to train our swing! It will be an unforgettable experience of ups and downs, water hazards, almond trees and ancient olive trees that look the Adriatic sea side.

BIKE TOURS
Bike Tour in the countryside between ancient “Masserie”, “Trulli” and “Specchie”. Daniele, our amiable and enthusiastic guide, will guide you along ancient sheep tracks passing through Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica countryside, small country roads almost abandoned by the traffic and therefore become wonderful cycling routes where silence and beauty of the landscape reigns.

In our tour we will be constantly accompanied by massive stone walls, terraces and beautiful “trulli”, evidence of an ancient work of local farmers who over the years have transformed the woodlands and rocky in fertile hills full of olive groves , fruit trees and vineyards. During the promenade, we’ll also stop to historical interesting points.

We will discover the ancient architecture of the “Masserie fortified”, ancient centers of production of agricultural activities in the past , when it needs impregnable strongholds from the raids of bandits and predators, and admire the mysterious charm of the “SPECCHIE “, monumental cone-shaped clusters, consisting by rocks and stones, built on top of high places and used in ancient times to dominate the surrounding area; we will be also enchanted to see a “CAVE ROCK “, evidence of ancient religious communities such as the Basilian monks who in 800 AD to escape from religious persecution, took refuge in our territories rich in caves.

ART & CULTURE
Ostuni: The charm of Ostuni is related to the characteristic white walls of the houses in the old village. All the houses of the old town are only painted white with lime paint. Thanks to this feature, Ostuni is known as the “white city”, but also has other names, the “queen of the olive trees” and the “city manger.”

To visit the entire old town is known as the “land” to distinguish it from the more recent “sea”, which looks like a set of old buildings plastered whitewashed built on each other.

CHILDREN
Zoo Safari “Fasanolandia”: located in Fasano ( BR ) is the first zoo wildlife park in Italy and one of the largest in Europe for the number of species present. In fact welcomes about 1,700 specimens of 200 different species in an area with Mediterranean vegetation covering approximately 140 hectares.

The SAFARI is the first and the largest sector of the complex, several kilometers long , and allows visitors to see animals moving with his vehicle; species present here are many and range from tigers, lions , bears, elephants Tibetans , from antelopes to giraffes , bison from the deer, zebras by the camels , and ending with the pond of pink flamingos.

The park includes a Dolphinarium, unique in Southern Italy, the area of the Gorilla, with the only specimens in the Italian territory, the metrozoo, little train which takes visitors to an oasis with waterfalls and animals such as brown bears, polar bears, jaguars , leopards, hippos, rhinos, seals and gibbons, the tropical room, with numerous species of fish and reptiles; Fasanolandia amusement park, with 20 major rides and attractions for kids of all ages.

Ciuchino Birichino Adventure Park (Ostuni): it covers an area of over 80 hectares, inside of which you can immerse yourself in nature and in’ adventure paths between suspended on trees, survival, hiking, orienteering, walking, carriage rides and a variety of sporting activities dedicated to nature lovers and sports of all ages.

The trails are accessible to children, families, children and grow into the trees through wooden decks and playground acrobatics and balance, such as Tibetan bridge, suspended stairs, walkways, lianas and fun cable cars that will make you glide between the branches of the trees and on the trails of the forest and meadow!

Rooms: 10

Price: from 160 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriasalinola.it

Since 1500 Masseria il Frantoio has been the answer to all the traveler who was wondering where to stay in Puglia. We transformed this ancient farmhouse in one of the most genuine hotels in Puglia where culture and tradition mingle and weave together with research and modernity.

Located in the countryside near Ostuni and surrounded by the gorgeous landscapes of thousand-year-old olive trees, Masseria Il Frantoio is that corner of Italy that you’ve always dreamed to experience.

All of our six rooms tell the stories of a past marked by the seasons and the sea, when happiness was a simple thought and nature was considered as a family member. You will love the details and comfort of the rooms designed for the needs of a single guest, a couple or a family. And this is just the beginning.

A DAY IN THE MASSERIA 
We think breakfast at Masseria Il Frantoio is to be a special cuddle to make every day of your holidays to Puglia unforgettable. Director of a movie awakening is our pastry chef who starts from 4 am to prepare the dough for ten different types of cookies and different cakes, so you can taste them freshly baked.

Then came the farmer with the daily fresh eggs and fresh milk, along with jams made by us based on the fruits of the season. Want a coffee or a tea along the day? We’re always ready to offer you our best selection in order to match every guest’s desire. A slow and genuine experience will surround you in every moment of the day.

Since 1500 Masseria il Frantoio has been the answer to all the traveler who was wondering where to stay in Puglia. We transformed this ancient farmhouse in one of the most genuine hotels in Puglia where culture and tradition mingle and weave together with research and modernity.

Located in the countryside near Ostuni and surrounded by the gorgeous landscapes of thousand-year-old olive trees, Masseria Il Frantoio is that corner of Italy that you’ve always dreamed to experience.

All of our six rooms tell the stories of a past marked by the seasons and the sea, when happiness was a simple thought and nature was considered as a family member. You will love the details and comfort of the rooms designed for the needs of a single guest, a couple or a family. And this is just the beginning.

The sun goes down among the olive trees and the last tongues of fire are swallowed by the horizon of the sea: after you’ve finished to visit Puglia it’s the perfect time for an aperitif. Our land is our kitchen and we like to whet your appetite with almonds, olives, bagels, french beans and much more.

Perfect ingredients to combine with a glass of wine to choose from among the 75 companies of the territory. The song of the cicadas is getting stronger and the cool evening stretches on our patios and gardens, is the time of the dinner here and the menu is decided by the earth.

One is the certainty of being able to choose between 35 liquor products from us that you can choose to enjoy the fireplace in winter or in the summer garden.

This is how, usually, the guests greet us before leaving. Care and courtesy, attention and refinement, rest and serenity but also entertainment, culture and pleasure are our daily recipe because hospitality is an art that we learnt from our parents.

More than one of the many hotels in Puglia, Masseria Il Frantoio is a home where the traveler becomes a member of the family that contributes to maintain this live the authentic spirit of our land. We like to establish with our guests in a single report, in compliance with the relaxing but always careful to arrange all the details for an unforgettable stay.

Despite other Ostuni hotels we didn’t touch anything of the original building and each one of our 16 room have been just improved but not changed. You’ll sleep in a vintage atmosphere without renounce to modern comfort: all of our rooms offer air conditioning, free toiletries, tea or coffee maker, and free WiFi.

We have five types of room you can choose for your vacations, designed to meet all types of needs. Find out what does it mean to have one of the most authentic Puglia holidays sleeping in an ancient room furnished with vintage furniture and all the comfort of a luxury hotel.

Imagine waking up in the morning in the rustle of olive branches and the chirping of birds who lives the countryside of Ostuni Italy. This is Masseria Il Frantoio in Ostuni: an experience you will always remember.

Like a real masseria Puglia, in our rooms you will walk on a ancient floor, you will admire the high vault over your head, and you will sleep in a romantic wrought-iron beds. Moreover six of our rooms have an open fireplace or a wood oven for a romantic moment of relax.

Our respect for the original building makes Masseria il Frantoio one of the region’s original fortified farmhouses you should sleep once in a lifetime. The rooms are surrounded by the picturesque countryside of Ostuni, Italy, and its valley traversed by stone walls that unroll by olive trees, orange groves, orchards and wild plants.

Our guardian will wait until the last guest before you blow out the candles that illuminate the entrance to the farm. Because in our masseria in Ostuni, everything is done with love.

SEA DEPANDANCE
Experience a stay in our depandance at the seaside, the sea is only 10 meters away! Staying in our depandance, nice furnished and with every comfort of a luxury hotels in Puglia, will be like staying on a boat! You will be surrounded by the sound of the wind and sea.

The depandance consists in a bedroom, a bathroom, a private terrace and a relaxing area. Only few people can experience such a unique and intriguing emotion in Ostuni.

CASA PADRONALE
The “Casa padronale” (owners’ house) is located at the first floor which is the most ancient section of the Masseria. It dates back to the 1500. Casa Padronale belonged to Masseria’s owners, it has a canopy bed and the original floor made of majolica of the sixteenth-century.

This house give you a privileged view on the central courtyard of the Masseria. It presents a comfortable living area and a little kitchen. Casa Ptronale let you make a jump into the past to relive the residential experience of the ancient house’s owner.

Since it is placed around the historic ancient walls, the bathrooms are small: 2mq with shower and a sink + 2mq with another sink, a WC and a bidet.

DINING
Between different aromas and flavors, like the different seasons, Puglia’s kitchen steps forward like a lightweight dance between earth and sea. Among the white stones and an always tempered climate, its food, today as yesterday, reveals to be a real pleasure and a beauty cure.

During a holiday to Puglia, the food is an attraction that you can not help but notice. Puglia is one of Italy’s most important agricultural region and among the top producers of oil and wine, and especially in the countryside near Ostuni, Italy, it’s natural to cultivate products for the table.

Puglia cuisine it’s made of excellent raw materials that are processed as little as possible as durum wheat, tomatoes, artichokes, fava beans, rocket, courgettes, beans, fennel, peppers, onions, beef and lamb.

It took years to study the traditional dishes that once were served as a rest after a long day of work in the fields, and perfect them with a contemporary style that unites wellbeing and tastes.

Our menu is decided on the season, time, and from what the best place to visit in Puglia offers us every day. From our citrus grove, which dates back to 1800, we take pears, oranges and tangerines to make jam. With durum wheat we prepare the typical Puglia bread, crispy crust and moist in the inside, and even different types of pasta.

Along the paths of the estate, among the ancient olive trees and dry stone walls we collect asparagus, pumpkin, artichokes, beans and wild chicory. Perfumed with wild herbs grown in the kitchen garden. It won’t happen to eat the same things twice, not even if your stay lasts two weeks.

VISIT PUGLIA
All of this irrigated with excellent wines carefully selected form the best producers of Ostuni, Italy. We don’t have chefs in our kitchen but extraordinary women who know how to cook with the heart of a mother and the passion of a soul of southern Italy.

A lunch or a dinner at Masseria il Frantoio is concluded with one of the 35 different liqueurs prepared by ourselves, be careful to not miss the one flavored with olive leafs: it is unique in the whole world!

During the summer months this theater of culture and gastronomy, open also for external guests, moves in the open air, in the central courtyard and as a guest said one day: “we are in a living painting”.

PRODUCTS
Next to the services and warm reception that make it a true charm hotel, the Masseria Il Frantoio devotes itself with success to a vast biologic plantation and the production of olive oils (extravergine DOP), liquers and jams of extra high quality, so that in 2008 we earned the price “Oscar Green” assigned by Coldiretti and in 2013 the Apulian quality seal (marchio Qualità di Puglia). Our products are all organic.

EXPERIENCES
A holiday at the Masseria Il Frantoio Ostuni, Italy, will give you the opportunity to see the best place to visit in Puglia that have been selected for their exclusivity and authenticity.

We organize events at the Masseria and in the area of Ostuni, a variety of activities that we selected and ordered according to the experience you want to live during you Puglia holidays. You can choose from a list of favourite food, places and activities. Masseria Il Frantoio isn’t just one of best hotels in Puglia but a great, unforgettable life experience.

THE SURROUNDINGS
Masseria il Frantoio is located in the region known as Alto Salento, surrounded by the charming country of Ostuni, Italy, a few miles from the sea and from the Regional Park of “Dune Costiere”, between Torre Canne and Torre San Leonardo.

Located in the wonderful setting of a property that measures 72 hectares (178 acres) converted in 2004 to organic farm, Masseria il Frantoio invites you to experience an extraordinary stay: live in a real Masseria Puglia, where nature reveals itself through the intense scent of wild herbs, the presence of animals and birds, and the quiet appearance of fireflies in the summer months.

Around the manor house, easy walking paths lead to the high ground that shields the farmland from the sirocco, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing stroll, admiring immense stretches of olive trees, respected protagonists of the Ostuni landscapes since the far 16th century.

From the Masseria, you will be just a few minutes’ drive to the beaches along the coast. At any time of the year, the area’s mild climate allows for enjoyment of the Ostuni coast, evocative during the winter and irresistible in the summer, characterized by natural sand dunes or by the cliffs of the lighthouse of Torre Canne.

The staff of Masseria Il Frantoio will suggest the most exciting itineraries and they will be available to reserve your guided tours to the most remarkable sites to turn your stay into a voyage to discover our wonderful land.

EVENTS
With the certain guide of Masseria Il Frantoio you’ll discover all the best thing to do in the countryside of Ostuni, Italy. Your holidays to Puglia can’t miss certain sound, flavor, atmosphere and we’ll ensure you to select the best activities.

We’ll show you the best place to visit in puglia giving all the informations and help you may need. Because we don’t want to be just one of the many hotels in Puglia, but your Cicero to a living experience that you will never forget.

FOOD & WINE
Pugliese cuisine is the richest fantasy world thanks to o land rich in rural tradition. The Ostuni products, tell our past as the history books. Today several artisans have brought into the world this culture and we want to open the doors of the best, to make you see and taste the best that the territory can offer. Come with us to find out how you create the best dairy products, meats, wines, pastas and much more! All strictly biological

VISIT CRAFT DAIRY FARM
Puglia is famous for its great production and daily consumption of dairy products. A family farm is happy to welcome our guests during the cheese making, such as mozzarella, burrata, ricotta cheese … and let you taste the very fresh ones (often still warm …) on the spot!

DISCOVERING THE MOST AUTHENTIC GRAPE VARIETIES
The High Salento is an area particularly suited to grape growing and hence the commitment and passion of our partner families, devoted to viticulture of excellence with its native varieties such as Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Sussumaniello, Primitivo and an international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc.

You will visit the grounds of the companies selected by us and enter in their cellars, tasting the excellence of this territory.

VISIT WITH MARINE BIOLOGIST
Visit in one of the main purification shellfish firm in Italy, where our guests are welcomed by a marine biologist to understand the water purification method, as well as the production and marketing of fish products. After the tour, you will taste the variety of raw fish, which characterizes our sea.

SLOW FOOD
During your visit in the aristocratic and baroque town of Martina Franca, you will be greeted in a traditional butchers that only a few years has managed to enter into the highest gastronomy in the world. You will know the secrets of the process and discover the authentic flavors of the meats such as the famous capocollo PDO accompanied by master butchers, products in this enchanting land.

CULTURE
From Lecce Baroque culture of papier mache and ceramics, the beloved lands by Frederick II to an archaeological mystery in Ostuni. In Puglia there is this and much more to discover and to make you the holidays easier, we have selected the most prepared guides, because seeing is important, but knowing is the real power!

PRIVATE TOUR OF CASTEL DEL MONTE & TRANI
Departure at 8h 30 from the Masseria to Castel del Monte. An in-depth guided tour of Castel del Monte, the castle built and commissioned by Emperor Frederick II and presumably completed around 1240. The Castel del Monte is inserted since 1996 in the list of monuments Heritage ‘Unesco Humanity.

Our guided tour continues in the afternoon in the charming town of Trani. We will visit the beautiful cathedral that overlooks the sea, the nineteenth century area with mansions and admire the good preservation of historic buildings. Return at 18h 30.

PRIVATE TOUR OF LECCE, OTRANTO & CASTRO
Departure at 8h 30 from the Masseria to Lecce, where you will appreciate the beautiful baroque architecture, the Roman amphitheater and the famous “movida” immortalized in Ozpetek’s films. Then you will move to Otranto visiting the Cathedral, its beautiful mosaic and the Medieval Castle. In the afternoon you will visit Castro, a pretty and little seaside village. Return at 19h

PRIVATE TOUR OF MATERA
Departure at 8h 30 from the Masseria to Matera, the famous town of the ancient Stones of Europe, with its rock-churches, caves, picturesque dwellings carved into the rock, courts, balconies, palaces, churches, gardens and orchards. Return at 18h 30.

NATURE
Biodiversity that you can meet in a few kilometers of coastline is one of the most varied of our territory around Ostuni, Italy. Discover the birth and formation of coastal dunes, observe closely the Sea Lily, riding in spectacular scenery and strongly characterize the life and history of our area are just some of the experiences we have thought carefully selected for our guests.

TOUR OF THE FARM
Guided tour of the fam in our Fiat 1949. Don’t miss this interesting tour If you wish to know more about our different organic cultivations. The farm covers 72 hectares.

OLIVE HARVEST
From October to December we guide you in our farm to recognize and pick a great variety of olives. You will enjoy the work with our team and live a nice experience in our farm.

HORSE RIDE
Our staff will thrill you with various types and difficulty walking. Depending on the season you can ride at sunset on the beach by the Park of the Dunes Coastal discovering the typicality of our flora and fauna, or walk among olive trees, ficheti and natural canyons. For you to enjoy the most of the experience we will arrange an aperitif or a wine tasting along the way.

BIKING
Starting at 4 km from the Masseria, you will cycle along on the little “Via Traiana” and descend to the coast to discover the coastal dune system, small treasure of biodiversity made by plants, trees, reptiles and birds, characteristic of wetlands.

Then you will visit the organic fish-farming plant with its medieval origins, that still today tells the ancient and patient activity of the river fishing. The return is along the road most filmed of Puglia, that connects us to the oldest megalithic monument in the Park: the Dolmen in Montalbano.

FISHING
An unforgettable day on boat for adults and children enjoying and catching fishes on the Adriatic Sea. A fishing master will teach you the fishing techniques and the equipment use.

ADRENALIN
When you think of Puglia, you immediately associate the concept of relaxation, nature and good food. Let’s get a little ‘zing! There are various activities that we can realize for you, so you can discover Ostuni from land and sea, at high speed or with a dive into the void! Do you feel brave enough?

CALYPSO RAFT TRIP
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit our coast from the sea and enjoy the beautiful nature of Puglia! The trip duration on board of Calypso raft is minimum 2 hours and you can choose between the Polignano a Mare trip and the Egnazia – Torre Canne trip. The Calypso raft can accommodate up to 8 people.

SCUBA DIVING
Enjoy the beauty of the marine depths and dive with us to discover the secrets of the sea with its silence and its marvellous colors. In the ancient submerged port of Egnazia village you can find several fragments of ancient amphorae and a Roman stone anchor belonging to the III century before Christ. The excursion duration is approximately 2-3 hours, the equipment is included.

BEACHES
800 km of coast, from Salento to the Gargano, a spectacular seaboard with caverns, bays and creeks, bordered by a crystalline sea, which in 2013 has been rewarded the European Blue Flag e the 5 Veils (Cinque Vele) of Legambiente: this is Puglia. In less than 10 minutes with the car from the Masseria Il Frantoio Ostuni, there are the beaches with finest sand of magnificent Parco delle Dune Costiere.

OSTUNI
The countryside around our Masseria in Ostuni is famous for the presence of the monumental olive trees, well known to those, who in the XVI century build the fortified manor farms to oppose the attacks of the Saracen pirates.

Quoted by Aristoteles and protected by the constitution of the Athenian, the olive trees tell the vicissitudes of life and of the passing of time, some bent by the wind, some teared to pieces by the lightnings, others nubby and twisted, smiling or thoughtful. Some say that they talk during the night and.. they have a lot to tell us.

THE MANOR FARMS
Born as spotting places to protect the coast, besieged by the Saracen and as instrument of defense against the bandits, the manor farms with the passing of time transformed into independent centers of agricultural production, than into admirable structures of shelter for travelers from all over the world.

The Masseria Il Frantoio in Ostuni is a brilliant example for this, since it is one of the first in the area to be converted to an agritourism and today to a residence for those who love authentic experiences, with firm roots in the past and all the comforts of a luxury hotels Puglia.

JUST OSTUNI
Easily recognizable thanks to its white-painted houses, its narrow alleys and the wonderful seascapes, Ostuni sits on three hills and it has an old city center clustered atop high ground facing a valley lined with olive trees.

The coastline, which stretches over as many as 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), presents dreamlike sunsets and fascinating beaches. Apulia’s clear sea, which has often received the Blue Flag and Legambiente’s Five Sails (Cinque Vele) designations for its cleanliness, is only 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) away. After dark, Ostuni turns into a small village all lit up to reveal its picturesque and romantic side.

VALLE D’ITRIA
The Valle D’Itria (the center of the world!) is a widespread hill patterned by gentle karst latches, as karst is the area of which it constitutes the heart: the Murgia dei Trulli, one of the best place to visit in Puglia.

Its toponym derives from the byzantine orient, in remembrance of our Lady of Odegitria, the one who shows the way. There came many visitors to whom show “the right way”, in this land at the Mediterranean sea, millennial place of encounters and collisions between peoples of different and distant origins.

A lively and multi-colored landscape, in which three colors emerge: green like the thriving nature, oak plantations, olive tree groves, vineyards; white like the milk of lime, which coat after coat paints in white the Trulli, the manor farms and the ancient hamlets; finally red like the color of bolus, the characteristic ground which, for its properties, while covering the soil with a thin layer allows a blooming nature.

TORRE GUACETO
The first one is national reserve near Ostuni, the other one a regional park, but both are places of protection and conservation of an inestimable natural and cultural patrimony and characterised by the presence of Mediterranean scrub, avifauna and humid zones. Different are the possible activities to contemplate and assimilate the beauty, the rarity and the ecological importance of the places.

Rooms: 16

Price: from 112 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriailfrantoio.it

Within the rural environment of the Masseria Grieco Country Resort hospitality enhances the identity and uniqueness of the Itria Valley. The recovery of authentic details, combined with the natural design of the interior furnishings, offers a stay experience embellished with the charm of the natural Apulian stone.

The wide spaces of Masseria Grieco allow you to enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside and to admire its enchanting views of the gorgeous landscape. It is a perfect location to enjoy a special stay and host unique events.

The ancient body of the building is surrounded by arches, terraces and eight charming trulli reminiscent of the traditional Apulian architecture and frame the large square. The façade of the two-storey farmhouse (masseria) with a grand entrance staircase welcomes its guests into a regal atmosphere.

In addition to the original services of the facility, there are also additional details that are specially designed to fully enjoy a stay in the location in every season of the year, such as the stone oven that overlooks the external square and hosts moments of taste and fun.

The central body of the Masseria Grieco Country Resort bated from the 16th century and tells in every detail the centuries-old history of the Itria Valley. The boundaries of the estate are traced by traditional dry-stone walls, made of local stone without the use of any cement binder.

While walking on the large square, entirely made of local stone, you will come across a beautiful little church on whose altar is depicted the herald that inspired the logo of the estate. The journey through ancient Apulia then continues between the well and the trulli, the typical cone-shaped rural buildings known all over the world and included in the Unesco Heritage list.

SUITE
The Suite is the ideal solution for a stay intended for those looking for more space and comfort where to enjoy relaxing moments on holiday.

JUNIOR SUITE
The “casket” that holds the treasures of Masseria Grieco is its Junior Suite, made of local stone and furnished in an essential style, though well-kept in every respect, in accordance with the traditional architecture.

SUPERIOR ROOMS
The Superior Room is the ideal choice for enjoying a stay in a rustic and comfortable environment with a star vault, breathing the pure air of the fertile Apulian countryside.

DELUXE ROOMS
The Comfort Rooms, set in the ancient stone and characterised by the typical details of the Apulian architecture, are the synthesis of a stay with simple and unique features.

DINING
In the kitchens of farms in Puglia, the atmosphere is unique and time seems to have stopped. Even the flavors are those of the past: freshly baked bread, vegetables from the garden, legumes prepared over a fire, and grandmother’s desserts.

At the Masseria Grieco, starting from local crops, and with the guarantee of local products now known all over the world, the ancient recipes of the Valle d’Itria meet the chef’s creativity, giving life to unique taste experiences.

WEDDINGS IN PUGLIA
At Masseria Grieco, what makes your wedding reception special are the details of the Apulian architecture. The tailored service and the food and wine selections are adapted to the couple’s needs thanks to the advice of the punctual and helpful staff.

Thanks to its arches and terraces, in addition to the magic of its stone and its enchanting garden and infinity pool, the Country Resort is another reason to make your happy moment unforgettable.

SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool available at Masseria Grieco allows those who do not want to reach the sea to swim directly in its crystal-clear water under the hot sun of Apulia, while admiring the breathtaking view of the unspoiled surrounding countryside.

By day, the swimming pool is suitable for enjoying perfect relaxation and moments of fun in the green heart of the Itria Valley. At sunset, lit by warm lights, it offers a magical atmosphere and makes every appointment with emotions unforgettable.

NATURE
A glance from the terraces of the farmhouse is enough for the eye to get lost in a thick patch of Mediterranean vegetation, and you are immediately tempted to go and walk along those paths.

Venturing on the 2 km path that runs in the neighbourhood of the farmhouse means getting involved in a sensory experience through the unmistakable scent of centuries-old holm oaks, oaks and downy oaks.

Crossing the 10 hectares of wood, it is not rare to meet tree specimens with trunks of circumference exceeding 3.5 m.  These are the protagonists of the long history of this plateau full of woods, pastures and game already in the late Bronze Age (at the end of the second millennium), when it was inhabited by Iapygian and Messapian communities.

OSTUNI
When looking at them from a distance, you realise that the houses in Ostuni extend over several levels, almost overlapping, almost entangled among the labyrinths of the narrow streets that reach their full splendour when combined with the typical architectural styles of churches and monuments.

The first characteristic that hits you between the eyes consists of the peculiarity of all the walls being painted in white, due to a practice that arose from an ancient health requirement; today, the houses painted with quicklime have become the hallmark of the city of Ostuni.

During a walk in Ostuni you cannot miss a visit to Piazza della Libertà, where you can admire the imposing Cathedral, characterised by sinuous late Gothic lines and a marvellous façade embellished with stone embroideries.

CEGLIE MESSAPICA
A land of gastronomy and a city of art, Ceglie Messapica is highly appreciated for its elegant atmosphere, which can be breathed amongst the alleys of its historic centre.

ALBEROBELLO
Since the time when the peasants of Alberobello used to build their houses using local stone without the addition of cement binder, about 400 years have now passed.

Today, the trulli – built with dry stone with a view to be knocked down in case of King’s inspection (who had strictly prohibited the construction of dwellings in the area) are intended for housing as well as for tourism and commercial purposes. The urban settlement of the trulli represents a unique scenery worldwide, and has therefore been included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

Those who love discovering the authenticity of places will be fascinated by the alleys of the Aia Piccola, the district where time still passes slowly while tourists stroll through the narrow streets breathing the atmosphere of old days.

The largest agglomeration of trulli, the Rione Monti, is populated by about a thousand cones that create a surreal landscape. Here, it is possible to enter typical houses, which now house souvenir shops, restaurants and places where to relive the daily life of our ancestors.

LOCOROTONDO
The name Locorotondo (namely Round Place) refers to the circular shape of the old town centre, a unique monument overlooking the Itria Valley that fascinates with its white little houses, paved alleys and flowered balconies.

About a thousand years ago, the local farmers built up the typical cummerse, houses with sloping roofs that are also found at Masseria Grieco. Locorotondo is part of the itinerary of the Wine Routes in Apulia that crosses the Itria Valley and is home to one of the most promising white wines of Apulia: Locorotondo DOC.

MARTINA FRANCA
The traditions of Martina Franca are represented by cultural events, gourmet food and wine and numerous churches, especially the Basilica of San Martino, a pearl of the Baroque after which the town itself is named.

Taking the country roads, where you can admire the authentic trulli of the Itria Valley, you can easily reach the Masseria Grieco Country Resort. This is precisely the area where the Martina Franca DOC wine and the famous local sausage – obtained from pigs born and reared mainly in the Valle d’Itria territory – are born.

We are referring to the renowned Capocollo di Martina Franca (a local pork cold cut speciality made from the muscle around the neck), well-known and much in demand as early as the 18th century throughout the Kingdom of Naples.

CISTERNINO
There are some places where the “Slow Food” gourmet food and wine philosophy is extended to the practice of everyday life, and the village of Cisternino is precisely one of them. Here, the narrow streets are animated by people who are the protagonists of the slow succession of seasons.

A visit to Cisternino is made even more pleasant thanks to its food. If you are wondering what to eat in the city, do not miss a taste of grilled meat in the butcher shops, where you can choose your favourite cuts directly at the counter.

The best thing to do in Cisternino is certainly wandering through the narrow streets of its historic centre to discover architectural treasures such as the Mother Church of San Nicola, which houses the remains of another smaller church built by Basilian monks who came from the East.

Just a few kilometres from this place suspended in time, stands the Masseria Grieco Country Resort, where you can fully experience the slow atmosphere.

Rooms: 25

Price: from 174 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriagrieco.com

Sole In Me is the 5-star luxury resort set in the magnificent scenery of Ostuni, along the Costa Merlata, close to the sea. An exclusive and unique structure immersed in a territory of breathtaking beauty that is also celebrated inside.

The resort in fact is inspired by the 4 natural elements that we find in the different environments. The water in fact surrounds the entire complex with the wonderful sea of ​​Ostuni. Fire is present in the individual common areas with fireplaces with a perpetual flame.

The earth is represented by the rock on which the resort is built. The air is the characteristic Apulian wind that envelops the hotel. Sole In Me Resort has 22 rooms and 1 suite along the perimeter of three circles with independent entrances and access to the internal communal areas: the spa, massage room and bar restaurant.

• ARCHITECTURE: Its shape, made of three circles intersecting each other symbiotically, recalls the spontaneous development of the trulli in Valle d’Itria.
• DECORATION: There is contrast between the choice of neutral colours, the humble materials, the reflective ceramics from Grottaglie, and the shiny steel furnishings.
• EMOTIONS: The presence of fire, air, earth and water characterise the Mediterranean style of the SOLE IN ME RESORT. These elements blend together, stimulating the emotions of our guests.

LUXURY APARTMENT
The suite is designed as a completely independent structure equipped with every comfort. Guests are left speechless by the kitchen, wine cellar, hot tub, colour shower, freestanding wash-basins overlooking the sea and the pool, large walk-in wardrobe, central bed and TV room.

RESORT ROOM
Luxury room with patio surrounded by a mediterranean garden for your private moments. Our resort room, large and modern, wardrobe cabin and an outdoor sitting area with umbrella and armchair, is reccomended for customers looking for a unique, contemporary and comfortable room.

A double bed room with luggage compartment next to the bed, bathtub, 32″ TV Sat, minibar, telephone, usb and electric battery charging port, kettle for tea, bathroom with shower, self regulated air contitioning, wi-fi connection, bathrobe and slippers.

EVENTS
Our spaces available for the most exclusive Apulian events. Music, shows, DJS. bands, entertainment and fireworks a unique location great food and lots of fun.

SWIMMING POOL
Experience your moments of relaxation in the enchanting infinity pool. Let yourself be pampered by the pleasure of water or relax poolside on the comfortable chaise lounges, read a book or simply take a suntan while sipping a drink. And breathing the air of the sea that is there, right in front of you!

During the summer, from June to September, the swimming pool is bookable subject to availability. Opening hours: from 10 am to 7 pm.

DAY SPA
Spend a day at the Soleinme Resort SPA and let yourself be pampered from those who can take care of you.

TAKE A REST
Access to the wellness path: Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, bathtub with cervical blade and hydromassage (duration 90 min.) Courtesy kit, herbal tea area. 50-minute body massage chosen from Uranus, Neptune, Venus, Saturn, Mars. Tasty aperitif with a wonderful sea view

BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Access to the wellness path: Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, bathtub with cervical blade and hydromassage (duration 90 min.) Courtesy kit, herbal tea area. Body ritual The Sun then face treatment The Lunar Eclipse. Dinner with tasting menu, (4-course menu) drinks not included.

KEEP CALM & RELAX
Access to the wellness path: Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, bathtub with cervical blade and hydromassage (duration 90 min.) Courtesy kit, herbal tea area.

BODY & FACIAL TREATMENT
Aperitif and Dinner with tasting menu, (4-course menu) drinks not included

THAT’S LOVE
Access to the wellness path for exclusive and private use: Finnish sauna, turkish bath, path of emotional showers, bathtub with cervical blade and hydromassage sessions (duration 90 min.) Courtesy kit, herbal tea area, fruit and bottle of prosecco wine. 50 minutes massage (in cabin with double beds).

FACE TREATMENTS
The moon is the soul, it is our way of experiencing emotions, desires, dreams

New moon – Moisturizing and enlightening facial ritual dedicated to all those skins stressed by atmospheric agents and a frenetic lifestyle. This treatment is able to hydrate and regenerate tissues making donating to your face the right hydration and brightness.

Moon growing – Purifying face ritual dedicated to combination, oily and impure skin. This treatment is able to purify, revive the dull skin tones and balance the skin’s pH making it smooth and homogeneous.

Full moon – Face ritual dedicated to sensitive and reactive skin. This treatment is able to soothe and soften the skin soothing it and helping to reduce the widespread redness.

Falling moon – Anti-aging face ritual customized according to Guest needs. This treatment is able to improve the appearance of the skin smoothing the signs of age, replenishing the tissues and toning the contours of the face.

Lunar eclipse – Express facial ritual customized according to Guest needs. Ideal to combine with a body ritual or a massage.

The Milky Way – Within the path you can use sauna, turkish bath, emotional showers, heated pool with cervical blade and whirlpool and herbal tea corner. Courtesy kit included. This path is particularly indicated for the circulation that, reactivated and beneficially revived, allows you to regain a feeling of lightness and relaxation.

WATER
As waves of the sea the manual skills of this massage can be sinuous and light, going to act on the drainage of body fluids, to open and unlock lymphatic discharge points.

Our body contains more than 50% of water and the lymphatic system is like a river that carries metabolic waste favoring microcirculation: this treatment gives sensations of physical and mental lightness.

As the stormy sea lashes out at the rocks and has the power to shape them, so the massage acts with decisive and incisive movements on our body, toning and firming the underlying tissues, fighting cellulite and roundness.

FIRE
As the deep heat that generates fire that makes us feel safe and protected, this massage produces a warming and relaxing effect on the muscles and joints.

It has a decontracting effect and is focused on the contractures that are created due to the various postures we assume or the emotional tensions and responsibilities that we take on. A massage that warms the soul and heart of our guests.

AIR
As the wind blows and moves everything, so this massage allows the body to let go completely, with maneuvers that work mainly on the joints and various stretching.

The most important thing will be to focus on breathing, have full confidence, live the present moment and completely abandon yourself like a leaf, slightly flying in the air.

EARTH
A massage inspired by the earth and rooting, a real energy cleanser thanks to its maneuvers focused on dumping the tensions and all the energies accumulated from head to toe, to bring awareness back to one’s being.

Life is a continuous movement and this massage brings us back to concentration, discharges all the negative tensions to the earth that transforms everything and gives greater vitality to the organism, which plants its roots and finally feels an integral part of the whole, ready to absorb the elements necessary for its evolution and personal growth. A massage suitable for those who need to re-establish contact with their life force.

Rooms: 23

Price: from 224 EUR per night

Source: www.soleinmeresort.com

In the enchanting and suggestive “White City” a stone’s throw from a crystalline sea, Ostuni Palace, 4-star hotel in Ostuni, the ideal place to stay for an unforgettable holiday. Ostuni Palace, hotel in Ostuni, located in the historic center, offers exclusive stays to be enjoyed all year round.

In a refined and elegant environment, equipped with every comfort, guests can experience an exclusive stay of pure relaxation, surrounded by breathtaking views and unique locations, in which to fully immerse themselves.

In Ostuni, the hotel offers large spaces and living areas where you can regenerate yourself, a refined restaurant where Mediterranean tastes and flavors blend perfectly with the traditions of Apulian cuisine, a spa where you can relax and rooms with a refined design, equipped with every comfort. structure that mixes history and nature, modern and ancient, in a magical combination. All made even more special by a trained and friendly staff, always ready to meet the needs of guests.

JUNIOR SUITE
Junior Suite with bright living area with comfortable armchairs or comfortable sofas and an elegant canopy. The Junior Suite double room has a comfortable double bed or two single beds, a sitting area, a separate desk and a bathroom with Jacuzzi tub with rain shower. The colors are Blue and Pink.

ROMANTIC ROOM
Romantic Room with magnificent views of the Historic Center of the White City. The Romantica double room features a comfortable double bed or two single beds, a separate desk and a bathroom with walk-in rain shower or tub and shower. The colors are Blue and Green

STANDARD ROOM
Furnished in a classic style, it has every service to meet the needs of business travelers and do not want to give up on comfort. Equally comfortable even for a couple’s stay. Some standard types are also equipped to accommodate people with disabilities.

The Standard double room has a comfortable double bed or two single beds plus an extra bed with the possibility of accommodating a family of up to 4 people, a separate desk and a bathroom with walk-in rain shower or bathtub and shower. The colors are Blue, Green and Pink

THE BISTROT
It stands out for its first choice ingredients, researched and selected by our Chef to give you a moment of pleasure to taste and remember… each dish highlights the taste of the local tradition which is made up of a few simple steps.

The interiors of the Ostuni Palace Bistrot have been designed and cared for in every detail in order to recreate a welcoming and convivial atmosphere. The large white stone vaults bring out the grandeur of the spaces. Every detail is in tune with the refinement of the bistro, a place where past and present merge and create an extraordinary balance.

THE WINE LIST
For the selection of our wines we have sought the best local labels and national farms, valuing small Apulian producers and Italian excellence. From classic red, white and rosé wines to organic wines with no added sulphites; from bubbles to rosoli. An extensive wine list also for dessert.

THE BREAKFAST
A pleasant and relaxing background music will help start the day in a perfect way. At your disposal large compositions of local and seasonal fruit, homemade cakes, fresh dairy products, traditional Apulian bread and focaccia, taralli, frize jams of various flavors, rusks, brioches, yogurt, cereals, fruit juices, eggs, bacon and various cold cuts also available in the gluten free corner.

For the entire duration of the service, the dining room staff will be at your disposal ready to satisfy your every request or simply to serve you a tasty coffee or a creamy cappuccino.

THE CAFETERIA
Coffee and cappuccinos as in the best Italian tradition not from the machine but served at the table, the whole coffee shop is prepared express with professional machines using only freshly ground coffee beans

THE SWEET
Every morning freshly baked croissants, delicious strictly homemade cakes, jams of various flavors without sugar and organic, honey, nutella, fruit tarts, puddings, biscuits, peaches, prunes in syrup and fresh seasonal fruit will be available.

THE SALTY
Many choices also for those who love salty, with us you can fill up on energy with freshly sliced ​​cold cuts, fresh cheeses and mozzarella, sandwiches and hot homemade bread, fried or hard-boiled scrambled eggs to accompany with crunchy bacon

BANQUETING FOR INDIVIDUALS 
We are at your side for the complete organization of Private Events, Weddings, Receptions and Gala Dinners. Ask us everything you want: we will make it happen in every detail.

CATERING FOR COMPANIES
Gala Dinners, Buffet & Cocktails, Open Bar and Open House wherever required, we organize Events with Menus and customized solutions according to your preferences.

GALA DINNERS
Only the best to amaze your guests at the most important corporate events of the year. Together we will create an unforgettable, elegant and refined event.

THE SPA
For a stay of pure relaxation, Ostuni Palace, a spa hotel in Salento, is the perfect location where you can spend moments of true pleasure. Being pampered by the warm waters of a beautiful whirlpool tub, the enveloping warmth of a Turkish bath and the exclusive effects of lights and colors of the emotional showers with chromotherapy, all this is the exclusive wellness center and Spa with overnight stay at Ostuni Palace.

For those looking for a hotel in Puglia with a Spa, this new and modern wellness center, one of the most renowned in Ostuni, is the perfect solution in which to spend exclusive moments. Equipped with a Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, chromotherapy emotional showers and a relaxation area in which to taste herbal teas and infusions, this corner of pure well-being offers its guests an unforgettable experience.

The massage cabin created in an ancient open cave, used in the past to age wine, is the ideal place for both single and couple treatments. The spa programs and wellness packages then offer a wide choice of treatments with which to relax in the best possible way during your stay.

Furthermore, the staff, with great professionalism and attention, is ready to welcome every guest to offer an exclusive experience of pure well-being for the body and mind. A small oasis of well-being in the beautiful Ostuni. Discover our spa programs, wellness packages and all the treatments and massages we offer!

Rooms: 34

Price: from 156 EUR per night

Source: www.ostunipalace.com

The Palazzo Rosso has a fascinating history. Once the home of Ostuni’s first mayor, Don Paolo Tanzarella, its walls tell the somewhat turbulent story of the White City. Just steps away from the present-day Remembrance park, the venerable stone building has always been at the centre of the city’s social and cultural life.

It was there that the trainieri, (cart drivers in Pugliese dialect), were waiting for their daily assignments. It is also here that conspiracies were hatched that would rock the region and the whole country.

In the first part of the 19th century, the country we today call Italy did not yet exist; it was still a geographical area comprised of eight separate states. However, a revolution was brewing: Since his youth, Don Tanzarella had been a member of the insurrectionary movement “Giovine Italia.”

In great secrecy, he invited the region’s most prominent patriotic figures to meet in the plush lounges and the 14 bedrooms of the 2-storey Palazzo Rosso. Their cause to transform Italy into a democratic republic under the principles of Freedom, Independence and Unity.

The conspiratorial gatherings at Don Paulo’s ended up being successful. On June 26, 1860, 10 years after this first meeting and after centuries of foreign occupation, Ostuni was the first city in Puglia to proclaim Italy’s unification and to proudly fly the red, white and green flag. 40 days later, Paolo Tanzarella became the city’s first mayor.

Throughout his tenure, he focused on turning Ostuni into both a more urban and a more libertarian place. Upon his death in 1897, the benefactor of the White City bequeathed his entire estate, the family Palazzo, the furniture, the carriages and the horses to his eldest son.

At the turn of the century, things change and so does the Palazzo. Still owned by the Tanzarella family, the building houses the Biennial exhibition of the Industrial Technical Institute and then in 1971, four classes of the city’s new Scientific High School.

Later, it contained the barracks of the powerful Italian Customs and Financial Police. Since the seventies, the beautiful Palazzo had fallen asleep for over forty years. Only its magnificent vaults, its centuries-old stones and its historical frescoes remained. Until…

THE PROJECT
After falling in love with the historical building that lay empty for over 40 years, interior designer Pascale Lauber worked with conservationists and co-owner of the hotel Ulrike Bauschke to uncover the mysteries of the multi-secular Palazzo Rosso and create an 11-bedroom hotel in the heart of Ostuni.

Bringing Pascale’s vision to life exactly as she envisioned it was the biggest challenge. Every step of the project was carefully overseen, and whilst full of unexpected hurdles, these often resulted in spectacular discoveries.

The impressive cathedral ceilings were reconsolidated, eventually creating the remarkable sense of tranquillity and minimalism that now permeates each of the 11 rooms and suites. Not satisfied solely with these architectural wonders, Pascale individually decorated each room and suite with her trademark creative association of old and new art, objects and furnishings.

Functionality was also a crucial element of the hotel’s refurbishment. Determined to preserve the history of the building, the owners knew they would have to be creative to transform it into a working hotel.

The unique bijou spa was created in the space that was once the palace’s former water chamber. Today the spa includes a hydromassage basin, a spa shower with chromotherapy, a Turkish bath, a Himalayan salt wall, a multi-sensory shower and a natural whirlpool dug into the ground.

Ultimately, an eclectic combination of traditional handcrafted techniques and contemporary flair saw the beautiful building finally transformed into a stunning hotel for guests to enjoy.

THE RESTORATION
The timeline is still a bit blurry, but Maria Buongiorno, the conservator in charge of bringing to light the former glory of the building, is certain that the architecture of the Palazzo is multi-secular.

The most ancient parts seem to date back to the 1700s. There are fireplaces, stone vaults, but also frescoes, like the magnificent “Jesus and the Samaritan” that are clearly from that period.

During the restoration, a wood door with peepholes typical of 17th-century cloisters has also been discovered. This treasure, as well as the many religious frescoes, suggest that Palazzo Rosso once housed a convent.

Later, it apparently fell into the hands of Neapolitans. Several clues point to the new owners being from Naples, starting with the beautiful original majolica tiles which have been brought to new life in our Bar 700.

On the back of some of those tiles, Maria found an M stamp, the brand of a famous workshop owned by the three Massa brothers, ceramics masters of early 18th century Naples.

Another clue is the colour of the building: This shade called Pompeii Red was named after the famous lost city because it was commonly found on residences as well as on the famous ruins.

In the 18th century, right after the fabulous re-discovery of Pompeii, this particular red became a fashionable status symbol since the pigment was the most expensive on the market. Cladding an entire façade in Pompeii Red was, therefore, an ostentatious display of wealth and even more so amongst the white buildings of Ostuni.

The removal of several layers of green and brown paint from the inside walls uncovered beautiful neo-classical frescoes of the 18th and 19th centuries. In those days, religious representations were not in fashion anymore.

In their stead, mythological beasts, playful dragons and gryphons cavort along with the friezes on our walls. It is there that we found the cute dragon that became our iconic logo.

At the turn of the 17th century, Puglia developed many public green spaces, and the team at Paragon 700 paid tribute to this by beautifully preserving the Palazzo’s extraordinary private garden, blending classic features with an urban twist.

Once a symbol of wealth and leisure, the garden today lies protected behind high stone walls, enhanced by two rows of stunning Roman-style columns. The beautiful Mediterranean garden is full of surprises with an enchanting orange grove discoverable for those who know where to look. Divided by rustic stone walls, the rare green oasis in the heart of the city is simultaneously private and welcoming.

THE ART OF INNOVATION
As soon as the red carriage door opened it was love at first sight. Pascale Lauber and partner for life knew instantly that they would not be able to resist. “As if,” they said, “it already was our home.” In 2016 an Ostunian friend of the two partners took them on a visit of the Palazzo Rosso.

By then, the two entrepreneurs had been in love with Puglia for several years. Four years earlier, they had even restored a local traditional farmhouse, a Masseria, a haven of peace to recharge in the summer with their friends, a much-needed breath of fresh air when like them, you work on multiple projects.

In Romont, Lausanne and Verbier, Switzerland; in Paris, New York and Cape Town, the two partners have shaken up the rules of real estate and interior design. They have opened and renovated restaurants, boutique hotels and apartments all over the world.

They make a complementary pair, each with their own, very distinct journey. Pascale, from French-speaking Switzerland, has only one word and thousand images in mind: style. For as long as she can remember, it is what guided her life.

It started in childhood with her room, which she decorated and redecorated every six months! Laying rolls of wallpaper, incessantly visiting the architect next door, Pascale has interior design running through her veins.

Instinctively, she eats, dresses and thinks design. Even if it means lying awake at night, with a thousand ideas colliding in her dreams. It was time. The two partners decided to go for it and open the first restaurant, renovate it, serve, “offer a beautiful energy”.

Others follow; innovative, they make a killing. Their business model takes shape: buy-renovate-sell in real estate and in the hospitality industry. Exquisite design in every detail, of course.

On the day they walked through the door of the Palazzo Rosso, the two owners who already run a boutique hotel in Cape Town, had no intention of starting a new project. No, they’re in Puglia to recharge.

They just wanted to visit and admire the architecture of this historical building. But here we go again! The two are immediately drawn by the potential of this centuries-old gem: The height of its ceilings, its vaults, its frescoes, its red-stone. It’s unthinkable not to make it a hotel, this place must be made accessible to the public: “Too beautiful to stay hidden!”

INTERIOR DESIGN
A unique decor, down to the smallest detail, repurposed monumental lighting fixtures, South African custom-made sofas and headboards, gazebos from India turned into bathtubs, closets and night-stands from antique fairs from all over the world.

The creative association of old and new art, objects and furnishings in a head-spinning and very personal mix is Pascale’s trademark (www.idliving-pl.com). Her keen sense of observation was sharpened during a lifetime of travel, countless visits to international art and trade shows, but also at the local antique markets.

Her vision made of worldly elegance is multicultural and original down to the smallest detail. The unique result, coherent, deeply modern and stimulating at the same time is at the root of the exceptional atmosphere that permeates every room at Paragon 700.

SUSTAINABILITY 
“Signs” that mark our commitment to sustainable hospitality, sustainability is the future, but for us it is already the present. Green hospitality for us is a philosophy, not a simple style; the elements of sustainability integrate with functionality, cost containment, environmental factors, and the health and well-being of our guests.

Our background in the hospitality industry has conditioned the identification of the operational skills necessary to start a sustainable project in a harmonious way, with the location of the Paragon 700 Hotel & SPA: the Red Palace in the White City.

The architectural restoration has highlighted the ancient glory of the building, bringing to light frescoes of extraordinary beauty. A careful planning strategy and the time dedicated to the definition of the objectives and the characteristics of sustainability has allowed us to optimize and obtain the maximum result possible.

PARAGON SUITE
One of a kind, the 55 sqm (592 sq. ft) Paragon suite features 7m high cathedral ceilings. A sunken bathtub and a grand open fireplace in the bedroom are an open invitation to indulge the sumptuous atmosphere. Two doors are leading to a large terrace with garden and pool view, with sun loungers for moments of relaxation.

LOFT SUITE
Revel in the luxury of space. Exquisitely unique rooms with cathedral ceilings, the loft style suites range from 45 sqm (485 sq. ft) to 58 sqm (624 sq. ft). Soak into the bathtub, admire the frescoes and hand painted detail on the walls, get lost in the darkness while dreaming about thousand and one night or bask in the morning sunshine in the outside shower overlooking the garden. Unique detail in every corner.

DELUXE SUITE
Embellished with an exclusive décor and modern sophistication teamed with bespoke interior design, the deluxe suites are an invitation to discover the lifestyle of the palace. Ample, ranging from 35 sqm (375 sq. ft) to 46 sqm (495 sq. ft), with either a balcony or grand open fireplace. Pamper yourself in luxurious bathrooms with walk in shower or bathtub with spa shower.

DINING
A cuisine that never forgets the past, its flavours and traditions, but with a sophisticated eye on the future… an unforgettable experience.

RESTAURANT 700
Open 7/7 for both guests and the public, Restaurant 700 offers a culinary experience with a sophisticated touch and impeccable service. With this promise, the old olive mill becomes a convivial table and together with the state-of-the-art kitchen creates a modern ambience steeped in history.

Our local producers and farmers “sit” at our table, where respect for the seasons and variety of tastes is essential. Appreciating these two elements that Puglia has to offer is the key to Restaurant 700. Beyond the patio, the swimming pool and the largest private garden in Ostuni with its orange grove find their home: here you can have breakfast, or dine on the hottest summer nights.

LOUNGE BAR 700
A beautiful space made especially unique by its 8.5 meter-long stone counter clad in antique argentine tin-plates and the softened colours. At Lounge Bar 700, local wines and spirits, together with signature cocktails created by our Mixologist experts, provide instant leisure. A selection of our 700 small bites complete the setting for an evening of enjoyment by the fireplace. Wine tastings in our cellar can be reserved with our Sommelier.

POOL BAR
In the summer season, enjoy an aperitif served at the Pool Bar, the only swimming pool available in the historical centre of Ostuni. Bask in the sun on the sun loungers and let the perfumes of the Mediterranean surround you.

P BEACH RESTAURANT
Our seaside restaurant partner is located directly by the water at our company’s owned Beach Club, the P Beach, nearby Specchiolla. Just lie back on your sunbed and relax or explore the coast doing some amazing snorkelling around. Savour Apulian cuisine with an eclectic touch inspired by our local fish and vegetable market. Come enjoy an aperitif to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine on Torre Guaceto.

SPA 700
The ancient water cistern of Palazzo Rosso has found a new life as a unique spa nestled 7 meters below ground. It features a hydromassage basin, a steam bath, a spa shower with chromotherapy, a treatment room for two and a relaxing lounge clad in Himalayan salt walls to enhance an inclusive wellness experience.

THE POOL
The only one in town. Tucked away behind our walls, it is 15 meters long and the perfect luxury spot after a day of sightseeing under the warm Apulian sun.

THE GARDEN
A haven in the White City’s heart, our private garden (1.700 mq) is the largest in Ostuni. It is a place promising to daydream, read or enjoy the moment. At the far end, the beautiful orange grove offers itself as a perfect excuse to organize romantic dinners in candlelight.

RELAX AREA
Close to the orange grove, this spot is a hidden gem where one can book a private Yoga or Pilates session or a painting class or even a stone carving class. When the weather is nice, you can also get an outdoor massage here.

TEA TIME
Take five in our garden or restaurant and enjoy a British moment at Bar 700: it’s tea time! Every afternoon from 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Homemade pastries, scones and mini sandwiches.

COCKTAIL CLASSES
The perfect way to learn some tricks of the trade from our experienced Mixologists who will demonstrate a few cocktails and reveal what tricks to use to make the perfect drink.

The same preparation will be carried out by the course guests. The cocktails that will be offered, an aperitif and a shake, are easy to replicate at home. At the end of the experience, guests will be able to take home a free jigger (cocktail scoop).

WINE TASTINGS
Apulia produces an extraordinary diversity of wines. Primitivo and Negroamaro are very well-known, but there are more. Susumaniello, for instance. Red, white, and bubbly can be tasted with our in-house sommelier around the large convivial table.

Palazzo’s old olive oil storage room is a perfect place to share these discoveries with guests during our wine tasting events, including cheeses and cured meats from local producers and our very own olive oil.

GUIDED TOURS
We partnered with some of the best places around Ostuni to offer you a completely local experience while you are our guest at Paragon 700.

WINE TOUR AT “TERRE DI SAN VITO” WINERY
Guided tour of the Masseria, vineyards and cellars, tasting of 5 wines, aperitif with Apulian gastronomic specialities.

PRIVATE OLIVE TOUR AT MASSERIA BRANCATI 
Guided tour of the monumental olive grove, the underground oil mill, some historic rooms of the farm and tasting of four extra virgin olive oils and transfer in vintage car.

IN-HOUSE EXHIBITIONS 
Unconventional sculptures, gorgeous paintings or photographs by international and local artists inhabit the rooms of Palazzo Rosso. Among the others, London artists Soozy Lipsey, Adrian Boswell or Giuseppe Ciraci from Puglia as well as artworks from AD’Opera, Michal Cole, Patrizia Pareo and Amalia Knoll. Some of them are up for sale.

PRIVATE EVENTS
Whether it’s for a birthday, a wedding, a small corporate event or simply because… Paragon 700 can be booked entirely for your exclusive use. Celebrate in style, indulge and build memories.

BIKING
Winding roads, seaside, or centuries-old olive groves: the region is made for open road lovers. Valentina, alias “TraVale” will guide you through Itria Valley, Salento or Gargano for one or several motorbike tours.

Surrounded by Apulian countryside and centuries-old olive trees the tour includes a visit to Masseria Brancati, to Selva di Fasano, a beautiful natural area populated by oaks, holms, pines, chestnuts, cypresses, firs and many other species of plants, and reaches Cisternino, a small village that overlooks the Valle d’Itria.

Here, lunch will be served. In the afternoon the road will take the riders to Martina Franca, known for its Baroque architecture and exceptional traditional cuisine; Locorotondo, a town in the province of Bari, which has about 146 districts of timeless charm; Alberobello, famous for its Trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, where the riders will stop for dinner at Trattoria da Donato, a historic restaurant appreciated for its traditional cuisine.

The day will end in Savelletri, a seaside town known for its small fishing port and the Archaeological Park of Egnatia, the last stop for the night. Travel 98 km from Ostuni and return to Ostuni.

GOLF
30 minutes away, the San Domenico Golf Club offers a magnificent 72 par, 6.3-kilometre course set against the backdrop of the magnificent rocky Adriatic coast. It is the perfect spot for whom looking to play and relax in a stunning location.

APULIAN TASTE
Discover local products and specialities through a hands-on private cooking class. The chef might shares some of its delicious recipes.

Rooms: 11

Price: from 315 EUR per night

Source: www.paragon700.com

Masseria Dagilupi is an old olive mill renovated as a charming guest house surrounded by millenary olive trees between Ostuni and the Adriatic Sea. With spacious rooms, large bathrooms, minimalist decoration at the best of Italian design, we want to offer another way to enjoy life in Puglia.

Our breakfasts are passionately prepared by ourselves with fresh local products. At the crossroads of Salento and Itria Valley, come and enjoy this hidden gem. Masserias are the soul of Puglia. For centuries, these imposing, often fortified constructions have experienced man’s hard work from dawn to dusk. Underlining the Apulian landscape, the Masserias emerge from the many olive groves.

Today, fully immersed in the Apulian countryside and surrounded by the scents and sounds of a unique terroir, these edifices are the ultimate places to relax. In 2018, after many years of diligent work in France, their natural passion for food and strong appeal for the region of Puglia led Danielle and Jean-Louis to plant their roots in this strip of Italian land.

THE OLD MILL
Masseria Dagilupi is a former oil mill surrounded by ancient olive trees, natural treasured monuments of this part of Puglia. The oldest part of Dagilupi dates back to 1600. Some discoveries in the mill during the renovation work are from the ‘ Magna Graecia ‘ era. History crosses this little gem nestled between the white houses of Ostuni to the West and the blue of the Adriatic Sea to the East.

THE RESTORATION
The restoration, respectful of the history of the place highlights the simple beauty of the Masseria. The refined decoration showcases the lime walls in the continuity between old and modern.

THE OLIVE GROVE
Only a 2-minute drive away from the beautiful town of Ostuni, also known as the White Pearl and surrounded by about 400 olive trees, one third of them millenary, Masseria Dagilupi is a place of charm and pure relaxation. Guests are invited to seat back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Puglia.

THE LOCATION
Between the Itria Valley and High Salento, Ostuni is the ideal starting point to explore the white towns of the inland and the ports of the Adriatic and Ionian coats. A little further away, Basilicata and Matera (European capital of culture 2019) offer an arider landscape and wide sandy beaches.

TERRACE SUITE OSTUNI
Located on the first floor of the Masseria this suite of 70sq. has a private terrace of 25sq. that offers an exceptional viewpoint of the expanse of secular olive trees and the foothills of Ostuni, white during the day, rose at sunset and shining of thousand fires at night.

This suite was once a living room and storage place where each niche allowed families to conserve their oil. The niches have been preserved to restore the typical atmosphere of an Apulian Masseria. The 20sq. bathroom with double shower, bathtub and double washbasin offers a view of the Adriatic Sea and the olive trees. 70sq. suite with de 25sq. private terrace

GARDEN SUITE
A secular olive tree offers its shade to the terrace of this suite of 50sqm in ground garden with direct access to the olive grove. In the past this piece communicated with the mill through a hatch through which the barely pressed oil was transported.

The stables were metamorphosed into a large open shower, a bathroom and a dressing room. The 1-meter thick stone walls protect this room from the summer sun’s ardors. Garden Suite of 50sq

DELUXE ROOM LIMONI
A jewel of white stone with vaulted ceiling that overlooks the courtyard of the Masseria and singularized by a lemon tree that gives the evening air a typical Mediterranean fragrance. This room is located ground floor with direct access to the olive grove, it is through this room that one accessed the cave that houses the oil mill. 35sq. room on the ground floor

DINER UNDER THE TREES
From mid-April we will be able to offer a new service to our guests, thanks to a collaboration with Tatarà, a team of professional chefs and nutritionists. The concept is simple, you choose your menu, the place to enjoy it in the Masseria: under a thousand-year-old olive tree, on the pergola, in our dining room or in your room. And we take care of the rest in collaboration with the Tatarà team.

FINGER FOOD MENU
Served in the spirit of a cocktail diner, you fill your table with lots of little plates. Thanks to the provided QRcode you will be able to communicate your vegan and vegetarian preferences or your allergies directly to the Tátara team.

PUGLIESE MENU
Meals are offered in dishes at the center of the table like at home (at least like at our home). Sophistication is in the plate; beautiful products, good taste and pleasure. Thanks to the provided QRcode you will be able to communicate directly your vegan, vegetarian preferences or allergies to the Tátara team (or of course at the reception).

HEALTHY MENU
The restaurant comes to you. Menu 5 courses under the stars or under the shade of an olive tree. Once again, we will take care of your vegan, vegetarian preferences or allergies

YOGA
Stefania Mastruzzo teaches Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. She is also a nutritional coach and follows the Ayurveda medicine principles. She also offers regressive hypnosis sessions and is also a facilitator of new paradigm MDT energies offering individual sessions and seminars.

Personalized yoga classes that meet the requirements and needs of guests. The course can be done in your room or outdoors, under the secular olive trees, or any other suggestive/enchanting corner of the Masseria. You can choose between different styles of yoga, or let the teacher advise you.

Hatha Yoga Classic, for an active and complete practice. This course also includes a pranayama (breathing exercise that calms the mind and frees emotions) and Yoga Nidra, (conscious sleep, for a total relaxation of senses, body and spirit)

Yin Yoga, Slow P deceptiveness that allows to act on the deep connective tissues, to feel the movement in non-motion and the flow of energy through the body. Yoga Nidra. Conscious sleep yoga, fora total relaxation of senses, body and spirit. Pranayama, breathing exercise that calms the mind and frees the emotions, guided or silent meditation

ABHYANGA
It’ss a massage borned in India about 3000 years ago as a technique of Ayurvedic medicine. It’s performed all over the body with plenty of oil and its main purpose is the good circulation of vital fluids to keep body and mind healthy, rebalance the energy centers of the body and produce a general sense of well-being at psychophysical level.

SHIRO ABHYANGA
Traditional Ayurvedic massage performed in a seated position. Starting from the head and continuing towards the neck and shoulders, this particular massage balances energies and pacifies the mind, while at the physical level it eases tensions and induces a deep state of well-being and relaxation. It helps to prevent headaches, eases muscle tension, improves sleep quality and lowers stress levels.

DRAINING MASSAGE
Promotes lymphatic circulation, problems of heavy legs, water retention, edema, problems with blood circulation and fatigue.

THAI FOOT MASSAGE
It stimulates the elimination of toxins from the feet and the body in general, improves lymphatic and blood circulation, normalizes the functions of organs and glands by regulating their activity, improves body posture and promotes deep relaxation.

FOOT MASSAGE
A combination of Ayurvedic, reflexology and metamorphic techniques for a unique foot massage that will have an effect of great well-being for the whole body and mind.

HOLISTIC ITINERARY
The sensitivity of Stefania Mastruzzo, our holistic therapist will guide you and accompany you on an internal holistic journey, to the rhythm of the seasons, for a deep link with the surrounding nature and regain balance and the harmony of your body and mind

OSTUNI AND AROUND
Walking under the white walls and among the labyrinth of its alleys it is an unforgettable experience: arches, portals and staircases, palaces and churches tell the story of ancient times, styles and cultures.

From the Old Town, you can admire the beautiful view that invites you to discover secret beauty in the adjacent hills and down in the olive grove that extends to the coast. Hidden in this land there are many surprises for everybody: thousand-year-old olive trees, historical sites, ancient and modern farms, and, finally, hundred coves embellishing the coast.

When approaching by the sea Ostuni appears to the visitor as a white mirage over a green sea of centuries-old olive trees, with its stacks of little white houses dominated by the silhouette of the cathedral that caps the old city.

The historic center of Ostuni is the apotheoses of the architectural and urbanist style of this part of Puglia: narrow and picturesque alleys, vertiginous staircases, whitewashed walls and, once at the very top, a breathtaking panorama of a green ocean of olive trees descending right to the blue of the Adriatic Sea.

At the top of the city is the 15th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, its façade adorned with a large rosette of rare beauty. In the Museum of the Preclassical Civilizations of the Southern Murge, just steps from the cathedral, the form of Delia, a pregnant woman who lived here 25,000 years ago, is on display.

Churches and noble residences are lined up one after the other in the old town, surrounded by Aragonese walls, in which occasional narrow doors such as Porta Nova or Porta San Demetrio can be seen.

The farmland around Ostuni features some of the most beautiful farms of the region, witnesses to a strong peasant culture that has crossed the centuries, just like its centenary olive trees, which are among the oldest in Puglia.

Carbon-14 dating shows some of them to be 3000 years old. In the old town there are all variety of places, excellent restaurants and entertaining pubs that cater to every potential need.

LECCE
Lecce is the baroque capital of Apulia, a city of art for centuries nicknamed the “Florence of the South.” Only 12 km from the Adriatic Sea, Lecce is also the capital of Salento. The historic center, which is also the city’s vital center, is home to Roman theatres, luxuriant portals and squares, such as the spectacular Piazza Duomo, a vast space topped by wonderful examples of Lecce’s baroque style.

The monuments, the noble facades as well as the more modest buildings, all boast the warm golden honey color of the Lecce Stone. The highlight of the sophistication and the most spectacular example of the baroque style of Lecce is the façade of the Basilica of Santa Croce and the magnificent palace of the seminary.

The imposing castle of Charles V and its museum form a kind of demarcation line between the historic center and the modern city. In addition, many shops and boutiques are available for shopping or just for strolling through the warm, typical Salerno light.

POLIGANO A MARE
Polignano fascinates because it’s perched over the sea. It seems to dwell in the sea with the old town rising high on its cliffs, which are beaten by the waves of a crystalline blue sea. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in a pristine seabed or take boat trips to enjoy an incredible panorama of caves and cliffs.

On land you enter the city through a narrow door, and then the labyrinth of white alleyways leads to the13th century Chiesa-Matrice, which is dedicated to the assumption of the Virgin Mary, or to the museum of the foundation “Pino Pascali,” established in the old slaughterhouse and dedicated to the work of the great sculptor and artist of Puglia.

ITRIA
The Valle d’Itria appears as an enchanted valley, with the cones of the Trulli scattered here and there. In the heart of this valley are three charming places, different from each other but at the same time similar as far as the typical characteristics of the historical centers of this part of Puglia: the white walls, the labyrinth of fresh and cheerful alleys and the squares where the social life of these villages has always been held. These are Martina Franca, Locorotondo et Cisternino.

MARTINA FRANCA
Martina Franca owes its name to the worship of Saint Maarten, who had helped the inhabitants in their struggle against enemy invasions, and also to the fact that it was a free city at the time of Philip of Anjou.

The city, well populated, full of beautiful shops and good restaurants, is a destination not to be missed for those who appreciate the art and culture of this part of Puglia. The historic center is characterized by an infinite number of white houses nesting on each other vertically and overlooking enchanting narrow streets.

But Martina Franca is best known for its Baroque wealth and opulence, found in the Ducal Palace and palaces such as Palazzo Martucci, Palazzo Dell’università, Palazzo Motolese, Palazzo Maggi and Palazzo Ancona.

The sumptuous Basilica of Saint Maarten, in the heart of the old town, with the beautiful Piazza Maria Immacolata is within walking distance. The culinary tradition makes it an undisputed destination for lovers of meat cooked in the traditional wood oven and for those who like the traditional Apulian cuisine.

LOCOROTONDO
Locorotondo rises above the plateau of the Murge of Trulli with a beautiful circular historical center that overlooks the Valley of Itria with its white houses with their characteristic “cumerse” roofs, conical roofs made of stone.

Considered one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, its clean and orderly historic center preserves treasures of gastronomy—here, each restaurant offers its guests the best of the culinary tradition of Puglia. It could be nice to get lost in the maze of alleys that open up here and there with views of the green valley below.

Churches and portals, flowery balconies and kitchen smells excite tourists who wander through these alleys. The Church of the Addolorata is a must-see, as are the Holy Spirit, Saint Nicholas, Saint Rocco and the Madonna of the Chain.

Inside the Church of Santa Maria Della Greca is a polyptych of the Renaissance named To The Madonna Of The Roses and a sculptural group of Saint George on horseback. Locorotondo produces an excellent white wine DOC. A destination not to be missed

CISTERNINO
A charming old town surrounded by walls now incorporated into the urban fabric. The village has remained almost intact over the centuries, since the middle ages. The Porta Grande was the gateway to the ancient heart of Cisternino. Its small streets with polished “chianche” (paving), lead to the thrilling centre, where the bars and restaurants make Cisternino a destination to explore.

The clock tower and its surrounding neighborhoods of “Bère Vécchy”, “Scheledd”, “U Pantene”, “the Ìsule” and “U Bùrie” are the jewels of this small labyrinth of streets and squares where whitewashed houses line up, with steps embellished by geraniums, lodges and arches.

BEACHES
Our favorite. Close to our Masseria, it is the ideal place for those looking for clear water with rocky bottoms: 5 coves and as many small semi-rocky beaches hidden in the Mediterranean maquis. A true paradise that remains accessible without difficulty.

A meadow serving as a parking lot (free in part), is only 200 meters away, just beyond the wild scrub that smells wonderfully of myrtle and wild thyme. The water varies from emerald green to deep blue and it is not uncommon to discover small sea caves while exploring the coast.

TORRE GUACETO
Torre Guaceto is a 2000 ha nature reserve protected by the WWF, which has made it a sanctuary for the repopulation of loggerhead turtles. The beach is a stretch of pristine sand, bordered by a crystal-clear sea.

This protected area is easily accessible during high season: a shuttle bus provides a liaison between the beach and the parking lot. In this reservation you can enjoy a preserved natural environment, and in which fields of Posidonia cover the seabed. The large expanses of reeds bordering the terrestrial side of the beach are a very frequented mating site for various species of migratory birds.

At the far end of one of the most beautiful beaches in the area—Spiaggia Delle Conchiglie (Beach of Shells), forbidden for bathing—rises one of the many watchtowers that protected the coast from invasions. Torre Guaceto also houses a sailing club where you can practice various aquatic disciplines in full respect of the surrounding nature.

GROTTA DELLA POESIA
On the Ionian coast—one of the most photographed beaches of Salento. The cave of poetry, by Roca Vecchia, near Melendugno, is a natural marine cavity located in an area where archaeological excavations have revealed several historical artifacts that attest to an ancient occupation.

It seems that the name of this cave derives from the term “POSIA” which, in the medieval Greek language meant “source of fresh water”. One can still see traces of a source that, over the past centuries, has sunk inside the cavity.

The legend, however, prefers the story of a beautiful princess who used to bathe in the waters of the cave. Attracted by her beauty, the poets of the region came to admire the girl and composed poems of love for her.

SPIAGGIA DI SANT’ANDREA
This part of the Salento coast is truly magnificent. To reach the ocean from the top of the high cliffs, visitors have to go down steps carved into the rock. The white rock “chimneys” carved out by the waves emerge from the sea create a fascinating atmosphere.

This rocky coastline is rich with countless tiny coves and small caves to discover. The small main beach is usually very frequented, partly because the clay rocks of the surrounding cliffs seem to have curative and cosmetic properties with which many inhabitants of the area like to sprinkle their body.

BAIA DELLE ZAGARE
If you have enough time, the Gargano, the area north of Puglia, is worth a visit. The most interesting place to enjoy in this idyllic and secluded area is the paradise of the white rocks: “Baia delle Zagare”, a marine area in the seaside town of Mattinata.

The name comes from the Zagare, which are the flowers of the orange tree. The coastline is also known for its trabucco, spectacular wooden constructions used for fishing between Peschici and Vieste.

FRISA
Though extra virgin olive oil is omnipresent in the local gastronomy, the cereal grains also have an important place in traditional food. Bread is produced from this cereal and it is idolized and viewed as miraculous in Puglia, in its various shapes and gradings that can reach up to 15 kilograms.

The Frisa, in its many different recipes and “terminologies” (fresedde in Bari, fresella in the Foggia area and frisedda in Salento), is therefore produced in a land in which bakery products have very different values.

This small sandwich cut in half before being toasted was once produced using only spelt flour. Today the most appreciated flours are from wholegrain, although it is not hard to find more contemporary versions with the addition of spices such as turmeric, chilli or various seeds.

The talent of the Salento people has been to transform the poor person’s food into a “must-have” fresh dish for appetizers. In addition to the classic tomato, oil and salt, some restaurants have produced genuine menus based on the Frise.

PANZEROTTO
A classic of Apulian gastronomy. It is composed of a raised dough “turnover” filled with tomato and mozzarella and fried in hot oil. Like the Frisa, even the Panzerotto can be considered a sort of appetizer, ideal at all hours of the day. Usually it is fried and eaten piping hot to bring out its fragrance and flavour. It’s truly the fast-food of southern Italy.

SEAFOOD RECIPES
With about 800 kilometres of coastline, Puglia is like a peninsula in the peninsula. Although the classic recipes of the Apulian cuisine mostly include inland products, seafoods are a staple in the recipes of the great seaside cities.

Taranto, for example, is the queen of mussel cultivation, in particular the black mussels. The “Mar Piccolo” in Taranto is entirely dedicated to the cultivation and improvement of this mussel, which is the main element in the famous tiella soup.

Mussel soup has various names such as “fafueche”, “puppetegne” and “scallatedde” among others, but they all resemble each other in both the ingredients and the preparation. The mussels are opened in a pan set over the stove, and only oil, garlic, chilli and parsley are added. The sauce forms a broth in which homemade bread is dipped.

THE TIELLA
There are several variations which depend on the city of the recipe’s origin. Although Taranto claims its fatherhood, the one from Bari can be defined as the “mother” of all recipes as it is made with, and here is the substantial difference…zucchini…along with the usual potatoes.

The first difficulty in executing this recipe lies in having to traditionally open the mussels by hand using a special knife and making an incision so that the mussel remains fully intact, in one half shell.

It is therefore possible, and certainly fitting, to retain the liquid that comes out, preserving the delicious aroma of the sea typical of this mussel. One then proceeds in layers, alternating vegetables with mussels and uncooked rice, seasoning it all with a sprinkling of pecorino, parsley and onion.

The second big difficulty lies in the measurement of the water (mixed with the mussel juices) which is added to the tiella and which is then used to cook the ingredients, the rice first and foremost. The rice at the end must be cooked to perfection and the tiella must be neither too dry nor too brothy.

ORECCHIETTE
The icon and queen of Apulian pasta is the orecchietta, which requires experience, skill and practice to prepare. There are now many cooking classes which are offered to tourists, teaching them how to create this type of pasta.

Yet despite all their fame, they are only made from water, flour and durum wheat semolina which are combined to form a dough. This dough is then shaped into small cylinders from which these small “conchigliette” or orecchiette are then made by the use of a knife and a skillful pair of hands.

They can be large like the Ostuni staccjiodd, or small, like those from Bari. If the piece of dough is left open, after having been “dragged” out (strascinato in Italian) with the knife on the chopping board, you will be left with the typical Fasano strascinato and Brindisi.

Although there are many ways to prepare the orecchiette, the most famous include turnip greens, a vegetable of the broccoli family but more similar to the Neapolitan “friariello”, cultivated in Puglia only during the coldest months.

CATHEDRALS OF THE SEA
In a region that has about 800 kilometers of coastline, you mustn’t miss the cathedrals of the sea, that stand overlooking the shore or perched on a cliff. Among these, the Trani cathedral is certainly one of the most famous in Puglia.

UNESCO defined the church of San Nicola Pellegrino as “a monument transmitting a culture of peace”. Its construction lasted 44 years, beginning in 1099 and ending in 1043.

The cathedral is defined as the queen of the cathedrals in Puglia, a majestic example of the Apulian Romanesque style. In addition to the whiteness of its facade, this church is famous for its pointed arch located under its bell tower and which gives access to the market square behind the cathedral.

THE ABBEY OF SAN VITO
Another beautiful cathedrals of the sea is the Abbey of San Vito in Polignano, one of the most famous in Puglia. Legend has it that San Vito asked a noblewoman from Salerno, who was saved from drowning in the Sele river, to move his body to Polignano, to the place where the tenth century abbey now stands.

Seat of the Benedictine monks, it is a very popular place thanks to the Loggia which directly overlooks the sea and which is accessed via a majestic stairway. The abbey is surrounded by defensive walls and has two sighting towers to defend it from attacks from the sea.

TARANTO
The Madre di Dio co-cathedral was built in Taranto by the famous Lombard architect Giò Ponti. The work was commissioned by the then Archbishop Guglielmo Motolese in 1970.

The work represents a milestone in the life of this architect, creator of the Pirelli tower in Milan and designer of the Cassina “superlight” chair in 1957. Instead of a dome, the co-cathedral presents what the locals immediately referred to as “the sail.”

The structure is reflected in pools of water designed by the architect and located in the front square. Characterized by fretworks that give it a lightness almost like that of thin paper, Ponti defined it as a “door to heaven, open to the immensity and the mystery of space and time.”

THE BASILICA OF SANTA CATERINA
Rightfully included among the most beautiful cathedrals in Puglia, the Basilica of Santa Caterina di Alessandria in Galatina is one of the most important examples of the Apulian Romanesque style. The external façade is made from a sort of stone embroidery.

However, it is the interior of the basilica that makes the trip to Galatina worthwhile. In pure Gothic style, the aisles are entirely frescoed, the work of the Franciscans who, through their paintings, managed to teach the poor and illiterate people of the fourth century the prominent elements of the Catholic religion.

In fact, the frescoes represent a sort of “Bible for the poor”. The aisles recount the different periods of the Old and New Testaments with exceptional detailed accuracy.

THE BAROQUE
The work on the first Cathedral of Lecce goes back to 1144. However, this cathedral in the capital of Salento was entirely rebuilt between 1659 and 1670 in the style in vogue at that time. The facade displays sumptuous seventeenth-century decoration.

Inside, the baroque style dominates the twelve altars that enrich the two side aisles. The central nave has a wooden ceiling dating back to 1685 which showcases paintings by Giuseppe da Brindisi. The Cathedral also has a twelfth century crypt that was renovated in the sixteenth century with baroque additions.

BASILICA DI SIPONTO
Within the archaeological park of Siponto, near Manfredonia in Foggia, in 2016, the Italian artist Edoardo Tresoldi was tasked with creating a grandiose work: the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities, and Tourism, it is a permanent installation recreates the appearance of what was supposed to be the early Christian basilica built on this spot. Edoardo Tresoldi, class of 1987, was listed by Forbes in 2017 on its “30 under 30” list.

His trait is to work with wire mesh, creating gigantic installations that produce an alienating effect due to the “lightness” of the material with which they are made. The Siponto work, which has an evocative title, “Where art reconstructs time”, is 14 metres high, weighs about 7 tonnes and took 4,500 m of wire mesh to create.

PINO PASCALI MUSEUM
The Pino Pascali Museum was founded in 1998 following an important donation from the Pascali family. Pino Pascali, who died tragically in 1968 at the age of 33, is recognized as a leading member of the ‘arte povera’ movement.

Despite his young age, Pascali hold his first solo exhibition in 1965 in a prestigious Roman gallery. Influent and enthusiastic art critics named him then ‘rising star of Italian art’ which brought him immediate reputation and an invitation to participate, with a solo room, to the 34th Biennale in Venice.

The same year he gets the International Prize for Sculpture which places him definitely among the Greatest. From 2010, the Museum becomes the Pino Pascali Foundation and, in addition to the permanent Pascali collection, offers many significant works of temporary Apulian artists and of those of artists who have won the Foundation eponymous Prize.

SANCTUARY OF PATIENCE
Definitely worth a visit in the southernmost part of the heel of Italy, is the house of Ezechiele Leandro, Apulian artist and a tormented and controversial figure of contemporary art.

The “santuario della pazienza”, the name given by the artist to his house museum in San Cesario, was inaugurated by Leandro himself in 1975 after 15 years of work. Entering this corner of the world, now surrounded by high walls to avoid looting and vandalism, is an experience.

The entire area is covered with carvings and mosaics representing the Apocalypse, the passion of Christ, the last judgment, the monsters with which Leandro fought and mythical figures produced by a brilliant and complex mind.

Visiting this place means being astonished in front of a magnificent “poetry” made from materials, some of which are waste materials, turned into marvellous works.

THE COASTAL DUNES PARK, FROM OSTUNI TO EGNAZIA
Driving along the Ancient Via Traiana, from Ostuni you can explore the Regional Park of the Coastal Dunes admiring the different habitats, the rural buildings, the remains of ancient history and discovering typical Puglian products.

Thousand-year-old olive trees, ancient carob trees, giant caper plants, figs and prickly pears, aromatic herbs, brooms and orchids: these are just some of the typical species that grow spontaneously and have lived in this area for centuries. In every season colours and scents change the landscape.

Historical remains are no less fascinating: from the ancient Roman and Messapian city of Egnazia, historic farms and – even older – the dolmen of Montalbano! A real journey through time in nature and in rural culture, with opportunities to discover how ancient flavours are still present in the products of the companies that make the Park live and make it unique.”

THE ITRIA VALLEY FROM OSTUNI TO ALBEROBELLO
Ostuni is the entry gate to the Itria Valley: as you leave the city you are immersed in the gentle hills, winding roads with ancient dry-stone walls leading to Cisternino, Locorotondo, Alberobello and Martina Franca.

Once covered in woods and rocks, this valley has become a veritable garden, rich in olive trees, almond trees, figs, prickly pears and rows of vines that offer products of absolute excellence.

The cities are little jewels of history. Enjoy walking through the alleys to discover the unique characteristics of each: Cisternino, a real terrace on the Itria Valley; Locorotondo, with its circular shape; the baroque lines of Martina Franca and finally Alberobello with over one thousand trulli.

Rooms: 3

Price: from 247 EUR per night

Source: www.dagilupi.com