Although they say ‘it’s not the destination that’s important but the person you share your journey with‘, may I suggest that the place where you stay plays a huge role, especially if you are traveling to Puglia? Break away from usual hotels and look for a “Masseria”, which is a restored farmhouse from 16th-18th centuries converted into a country-inn, similar to the plantation in the US or the hacienda in Spain.
The Masseria is at the heart of a vast estate, surrounded by rolling fields, olive groves, and pasturelands. The structure usually includes a central courtyard surrounded by the main whitewashed corp and the other buildings to house animals, to store crops, wine and cheese. In order to protect against the attacks by Turks or pirates, the Masseria was protected by high walls and was built a few kilometers from the sea, never on the coast.
So, if you are going to Puglia, you may want to have a glimpse of the beautiful Masseria I selected. They are all amazing, all prepare delicious traditional food and all are at max 30mins from the beach. The reason to choose one instead of another is ‘budget’ (but I can guarantee that they are all worth the price you pay), ‘location’ and ‘type of holiday’ you expect to enjoy!
MASSERIA POTENTI Lost in time among the olive groves and vineyards of the Puglian countryside, near the villages of Valle d’Itria and at less than 10 minutes from the Ionian beaches, Masseria Potenti is a chic boutique hotel with 17 rooms and 2 family apartments which retains all the charm of the past. Beautiful is the stone kitchen fireplace; the churchlike arched hallways; the amazing purple bougainvillea which climbs the whitewashed sidewall; the pool and the courtyard beside the Mediterranean garden. The food is delicious and dishes are freshly prepared accordingly to the ancient recipe and with their own vegetables and olive oil. Also, the wine comes from their own production. The staff is naturally warm and helps in any way possible! Paolo and Maria Grazia, the owners, are very friendly and welcoming.
MASSERIA BOSCO and MASSERIA STRAZZATI Secluded among a park of thousands of olive trees, near the Valle d’Itria and the Ionian sea, there is another beautiful inn with two Masserias: Bosco and Strazzati. The large rooms have high ceilings and are furnished with rustic pieces. The restaurant offers freshly prepared food with the possibility of half-board packages and uses its own extra virgin olive oil and wine. The pool is superb and the staff is very warm and friendly.
MASSERIA CERVAROLO The magnificent Masseria Cervarolo is located in the countryside of Valle d’Itria near Ostuni, a white hilltop village that overlooks the Adriatic sea. The gorgeous rooms are located in the characteristic stone ‘Trulli’ which have been stylishly refurbished with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. The pool is amazing. The food is excellent and the degustation menu deserves a go! In summer some folkloristic nights are organized with local dance and music. The staff and the owners, Patrizia and Teo, are very helpful and friendly and the atmosphere is great. The icing on the cake, there is also a cozy private frescoed ancient chapel in the estate.
MASSERIA TORRE COCCARO Luxury Torre Coccaro Resort is a 5-star hotel in the spectacular countryside between Fasano and the coastal village of Savelletri, surrounded by hundreds of deeply rooted olive trees. Housed in a beautiful former farm, this place offers a private beach club, a lounge bar, 2 delicious restaurants, a heated swimming pool, a gym, and a Spa with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and a Turkish bath. There are also a mini-club, a playground area, and water slides for children. The best room for romantic couples is the ‘suite in the tower’ with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and a balcony with a private jacuzzi and sea view. The best room for families is the ‘Orange Garden suite’ with a private garden with a pool and a separate bedroom with sea-view and a large terrace covered by a pergola. Try the ‘Olive Therapy treatment at their Aveda Spa and enjoy yoga classes and ayurvedic-shiatsu massages.
MASSERIA IL FRANTOIO The Masseria Il Frantoio has an idyllic location in the countryside of Valle d’Itria, between Fasano and Ostuni. Their large estate of olive groves is impressive. The rustic rooms are located in the main whitewashed building and have wifi. The pool is lovely, the food is excellent and the degustation menu is out of this world. There are recipes, made with their own herbs and vegetables, that you will not find elsewhere. The restaurant deserves a visit even if you are not a resident of the inn. The staff is exceedingly hospitable and friendly.
MASSERIA MONTELAURO Near the beach and near Otranto village, the stylish Masseria Montelauro with that touch of understated luxury is a pretty unique place where to stay. Elegant and charming but friendly and informal at the same time, reflects the personality of the owners who moved from Milan many years ago. You will feel like staying with friends with great taste, in their summer house! Simply charming stone rooms with vaulted ceilings. Beautiful garden with hibiscus, jasmine, ficus, fruit, and olive trees. Large pool with pool bar. Romantic dinners under the stars with delicious food.
MASSERIA PROSPERI Just 1 mile away from the beautiful sandy beach of Alimini, Masseria Prosperi was the former home of Mercedes and Antonio. When they moved next door, they turned the rustic home into an elegant villa with 6 unique charming bedrooms with wifi. There are 2 swimming pools, a Turkish bath, and a beautifully manicured garden. The indoor pool is heated and has salty water and a whirlpool. There are many farm animals and if you want to bring your horse, the Masseria provides a stable, paddock, and fresh forage. If you like horseback riding excursions, you are in the right place.
If you need some tips about Puglia or you want to double-check your itinerary, please write Barbara@boutiquehotelitaly.com
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