PUGLIA

Puglia is a sunny, unspoilt southern region of Italy forming the heel of Italy’s “boot”. It’s a region known for its whitewashed hill towns, miles of stunning Mediterranean coastline and centuries-old olive groves, vineyards and farmland. The capital Bari is a buzzing university town, while Lecce is known as “Florence of the South” for its Baroque architecture. The Itria Valley and Alberobello and are home to “trulli,” stone huts, with characteristic conical roofs unique to Puglia.

Puglia is still relatively unspoilt and yet you’ll find some of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Italy in this region as well as some of the most beautiful crystal clear waters, mouthwatering food and wonderful people. If you’re tempted and haven’t been add it to your list. Try something different - to help persuade you here are a few of my recommended boutique hotels in Puglia.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN PUGLIA

Ostuni is known for its whitewashed old town where Ostuni Cathedral combines Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine elements. It’s also home to Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA, the latest boutique hotel to open and Ostuni’s only red palazzo. It was due to open, with great anticipation, in April 2020 and then of course COVID-19 arrived and the opening was put on hold. Once the home of Ostuni’s first mayor, Don Paolo Tanzarella, its walls tell the somewhat turbulent story of the White City and has always been at the centre of the city’s cultural life. Expect bespoke sofas and headboards, sunken baths, beautiful antiques, spa, restaurant and the only pool in Ostuni.

Book at www.paragon700.com

Castello di Ugento, Ugento

Castello di Ugento is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Puglia and heaven for foodies and gourmet travellers. This 17th-century castle in Puglia has not only been transformed into a luxury hotel and museum but also world-class cookery school. 'The culinary reputation of Castello di Ugento is growing very quickly, our Chef Tommaso Sanguedolce has been invited again to New York and soon to Cape Town to do dinners and cooking demonstrations. Both Il Tempo Nuovo restaurant and the Puglia Culinary Centre have become a food lovers MUST destination.' Diana Bianchi, Owner.

Hidden amidst ancient olive groves and some of Italy's most beautiful coastline Castello di Ugento is home to 9 luxury rooms and suites. Lovingly restored and beautifully decorated each room is unique and features bespoke furniture and Italian design pieces from the likes of Minotti, Cassina and B&B Italia. The ground floor rooms in the wing of the castle are close enough to the aromatic gardens for the fragrances to reach your room which opens on to a cobbled courtyard. If you’re after your own private patio book Master Suite della Rosa or Corte Giardino and for a private terrace you can’t do better than one of the first floor suites whose views look across the rooftops.

Talented Chef Tommaso Sanguedolce is at the helm of Castello di Ugento’s restaurant Il Tempo Nuovo where he combines traditional Pugliese dishes with a creative modern dash using seasonal, local ingredients. No expense has been spared in the state-of-the-art kitchens where bespoke cooking classes take place throughout the year.

Make use of the knowledgeable concierge who can organise tailor-made activities and open doors that are closed to many, including private tours of Salento's secret corners. Wander through the frescoed halls of the museum wing and savour a chilled Tramonto Aperitivo in the fragrant walled garden as the sun sets. Take a ride to the coast and soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. If you're keen for a dip in the pool or to keep up with your fitness routine visit the gym at nearby sister boutique hotel Masseria Le Mandorle, which also has a tennis court and is great for families.

Book at www.castellodiugento.com

Casa Litarà, Salento

Due to open in the Summer of 2020 this 4-room little hidden gem is peaceful and private boutique hotel and one that can be taken over in its entirety, making it your very own hideaway. Dating back to the 19th-century Casa Litarà is the creation of Giorgia who has returned to her Pugliese roots having worked in the hospitality industry in Italy and abroad. During the renovation project she was keen to be true to the history of the area and the Salento traditions using only local stones, materials and craftsmen. The Salento region and much of Puglia is known for the stone and Casa Litarà showcases pietra leccese, cementine, terracotta, alongside wood  and wrought iron. Although this boutique hotel is very small, virtually every service you can think of is available from personal training, yoga, massages, private tours, bike rental, transfers and babysitting.

Book at www.casalitara.com 

Masseria Le Mandorle

Masseria Le Mandorle is sister boutique hotel to Castello di Ugento. This little gem has just 12 rooms and is perfect for families who like a bit of action; there’s a swimming pool, tennis court (which can be used for basketball), fitness centre, volley ball and complimentary bikes.

Rooms and suites at Masseria Le Mandorle are decorated in a neutral palette each featuring en-suite bathrooms with large monsoon showers and massive beds adorned with Italian bedlinen. A relaxed holiday vibe is the name of the game here, barefoot chic reigns and there’s buckets of style in the public areas too. Original features and stone work, whitewashed walls and the odd splash of colour here and there create a real holiday feel.

A holiday in Italy is not only about your room and hotel, it is of course also about the food! Odette Fada is the chef here, she’s passionate about flavours and 0 km seasonal produce. The gourmet breakfast and dinners are served ub style in the courtyard or in the cool barrel-vaulted dining room or roof terrace. Too lazy to move and fancy lunch by the pool? Just ask for the menu of freshly-made panini and insalate from the bar…

The restaurant at the Masseria is another reason to book. Food is part of the raison d'etre here. Chef Odette Fada (who also oversees the top notch cookery school at sister property Castello di Ugento) is passionate about local seasonal produce so you can expect a gastronomic journey with Puglia's "cucina povera" as its theme.

Masseria Le Mandorles is just a short boat ride to the waterfront restaurants of Gallipoli and just an hour from Brindisi airport.

Book at www.masserialemandorle.com