Best Rural Hotels in Puglia
The fertile countryside of Italy's heel is largely flat and characterised by olive trees with huge, gnarled trunks (some of them many centuries old), rich red soil, fields planted with tomatoes and artichokes, dry stone walls and a sense of endless space and far-reaching horizons. Being long and narrow, nowhere is too far from the sea, and if you choose to stay in a location somewhere in the middle of the Salento peninsula, you can reach the splendid beaches of both the Adriatic and the Ionian coasts, as well as the area's historic towns, within a matter of about 20 minutes. Country hotels in these parts are dominated by the masserias, dozens of which have opened their doors to guests in recent years. These traditional fortified farmhouses are characterised by a tall, solid, square central block and a series of outbuildings often enclosed within high walls. Some of them have aristocratic origins while others were quite humble dwellings. Today's masseria hotels range accordingly from five-star places with swanky spas, gourmet restaurants and endless services and facilities to relatively modest guest houses offering a back to nature experience and homely food. Prices vary accordingly. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
-
Il Melograno
Monopoli, Puglia
5 star family-run hotel with a delightful down-to-earth atmosphere. Renovated 16th century farmhouse with sprawling Moorish outbuildings and flower-filled courtyards, terraces, big pool and tennis courts. Charming rooms in florals, tiled floors and fireplaces. Excellent spa and beach club too.
37 rooms from $393Beach LifeCooking classes - Check for timings.Romantic - Good for couples.SpaRecommended by - Relais & Chateaux -
Masseria San Domenico
Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia
One of Puglia’s best hotels offering a serious spa and golf course. Rooms and fabulous suites decorated with romance - white washed walls and rich drapes, some have private gardens, jacuzzis and balconies. Fantastic selection of restaurants and stunning salt water pool. A heavenly spot.
47 rooms from $576Romantic BreakRestrictions on children - No children under 12 years.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Relais Villa San Martino
Martina Franca, Puglia
Five star country villa with great location for touring cultural sights and beaches. A peach-hued building surrounded by lovely gardens. Beautiful suites in elegant pastels with antique furniture. Excellent restaurant, spa and pool. A spoiling spot to explore Puglia from.
21 rooms from $341Local exploringTotal relaxationCooking classes - Check for timings.Romantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Tablet, Relais & Chateaux -
Masseria Cimino
Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia
Rustic-chic and a laid-back atmosphere on an 18-hole golf course. Rough white walls, grey paintwork and candlelit rooms adorn this former Roman villa. Breakfast and superb set dinners are served on a covered terrace. A great choice for those who want understated relaxation.
15 rooms from $288Golf - Beside the 8th hole of the Championship San Domenico Golf Course.Romantic - Good for couples.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Il Frantoio
Ostuni, Puglia
Justly famous masseria with wonderful rustic food and a vaguely eccentric air. Pretty bedrooms with white washed walls surround a bougainvillea-filled courtyard. Organic produce from the farm and olive grove is used in fabulous multi-course meals. A divine gourmet rustic retreat close to the beach.
13 rooms from $182Foodies - Delicious rustic food from the organic farm.Beach LifeCountry EscapeFull of characterRecommended by - Sawdays -
Masseria Montelauro
Otranto - Le, Puglia
Relaxed retreat with a contemporary twist near the sea. A supremely comfortable Mediterranean spot to explore the Salentino peninsula from. Airy white on white rooms with cool flagstone floors, delicate wrought iron beds and Moroccan lamps. Lovely pool, local food and surrounding fruit trees.
27 rooms from $223 -
Masseria Torre Coccaro
Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia
Luxury rustic-chic-romance with a private beach club. Wonderful rooms and suites with rough white washed walls, fine linens and silks - one suite occupies a cave and has its own olive grove and pool. Fabulous regional cuisine, Aveda spa and its very own private beach club.
39 rooms from $364Beach LifeLuxuryRomantic - Good for couples.Cooking classes - Check for timings. -
Masseria Torre Maizza
Savelletri de Fasano, Puglia
Sophisticated, contemporary hotel with a young, hip vibe. Smart blue and white contemporary bedrooms, some with open fires and jacuzzis. Wonderful courtyard bar with Balinese sofas and excellent restaurant overlooking the pool. Small spa, golf course and private beach club.
28 rooms from $372Beach LifeLuxuryCooking classes - Check for timings.Views - Great views from hotel -
Borgo San Marco
Fasano, Puglia
Simple yet stylish masseria on historic olive-growing estate. An ochre painted farmhouse with delightfully rustic rooms - bare stone, wood, wrought iron and earthy tones. The restaurant serves local produce and within the walled gardens sit citrus groves, a pool, hot tub and shady terraces.
16 rooms from $210 -
Masseria Don Cirillo
Torre San Giovanni, Puglia
Laid back retreat with a vaguely alternative feel near the Ionian coast. A brick masseria in a beautiful walled garden close to the sea. Rooms with an ethnic slant - killims, colourful bedspreads, white washed walls and stone vaulted ceilings. A lovely shady pool and lounge area. A great beach spot.
Beach LifeCountry EscapeSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Masseria Bernardini
Nardò, Puglia
Contemporary design in an old shell within easy reach of charming Gallipoli and its lovely beaches. Original features compliment contemporary furniture and ethnic textiles. Lovely courtyard gardena and swimming pool for relaxing in, and superb breakfasts and dinners on private patios.
7 rooms from $288Beach LifeRomantic - Good for couples.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor
Nicky Swallow,
posted Friday, 12th February 2010
