Masseria Salinola

The fertile countryside of Italy's heel is largely flat and characterised by olive trees with huge, gnarled trunks, rich red soil, fields planted with tomatoes and artichokes, dry stone walls and a sense of endless space and far-reaching horizons. This is the place to come to if you want all the charm of Tuscany but with fewer crowds and more reasonably priced accommodation. The best hotels in rural Puglia tend to be converted masseria (farmhouses). These properties range from five-star hotels with swanky spas, gourmet restaurants and high-end services to relatively modest guest houses offering a back to nature experience and homely food. Our experts have compiled a collection of their favourites in the region. 

For simply unwinding

Masseria Mongio

  • Just north of Otranto, Masseria Mongio is all about easygoing calm. Interiors are pared-back and coastal, with soft neutrals and natural textures. A standout restaurant, inviting pool and compact spa anchor the stay, while the real luxury is the beach, only a short stroll away.
  • Polished yet laid-back, Masseria Torre Maizza feels quietly confident. Interiors lean contemporary with crisp lines and earthy tones; some rooms come with private hot tubs. Expect a refined restaurant and bar, a serene courtyard, spa, golf course and access to an exclusive beach club for sun-soaked afternoons.
  • Set among fruit trees near the coast, Masseria Montelauro has a breezy, sunlit feel. Whitewashed rooms feature cool stone floors and subtle Moroccan touches. Days drift between the pool and a deeply impressive restaurant focused on flavour and simplicity, making it ideal for switching off completely.
  • Intimate and full of character, Masseria Salinola occupies a restored 16th-century farmhouse surrounded by ancient olive groves. With just ten rooms, the mood is deeply personal. Traditional architecture, shaded outdoor spaces and sweeping countryside views set the pace for slow mornings and restorative afternoons.

Borgo San Marco

  • Borgo San Marco champions rustic charm done right. Rooms are simple and tactile, set within an olive estate that feels wonderfully secluded. The restaurant is a highlight, celebrating local ingredients with confidence. A walled garden, shaded terraces, pool and hot tub create an easy rhythm for unwinding.
  • Masseria Palombara is an historic limestone farmhouse located in Oria, surrounded by acres of olive groves, almond and palm trees. The beautifully appointed guestrooms incorporate exposed walls and stone arches to create a Mediterranean-inflected approach to rustic chic. A boutique-style rural hideaway.
  • Masseria Specula is one of our newest finds in Puglia. It's a charming little adults-only hideaway on the west coast, whose ethos is based around sustainability and relaxation. Rooms offer a simple, rustic-chic minimalist vibe, there's vegetarian cuisine on request and you're just 15 minutes' stroll from the beach.

For a winery

Masseria le Fabriche

  • Masseria le Fabriche is a traditional Masseria set within its own winery, which has been carefully renovated to create the ultimate chic rural escape. Smart rooms are minimalist and contemporary. Expect superb cuisine and an (unsurprisingly) good wine selection.

For a beach holiday

Il Melograno

  • Set within a restored 16th-century farmhouse, Il Melograno pairs white-stone interiors, arched corridors and Moorish-inspired buildings with gardens scented by citrus and jasmine. The spa is serious business, the courtyard constantly alive, and the private beach club seals its reputation as an indulgent Puglian seaside retreat.
  • Thick stone walls, open fireplaces and vaulted rooms give Masseria Torre Coccaro its powerful sense of place. An Aveda spa, organic gardens and a private beach club raise the bar, while a dramatic cave suite offers the most atmospheric sleep on the estate in rural Puglia.
  • Il Frantoio is small, sun-warmed and food-led, with just 13 rooms wrapped around a bougainvillaea-drenched courtyard. Days revolve around the restaurant’s fiercely local cooking, sea views and lazy swims, making it an easygoing base for a barefoot Puglian beach escape steps from the shore nearby.
  • Masseria Don Cirillo is a laidback brick Masseria in a beautiful walled garden close to the sea. Rooms have an ethnic feel with kilims, colourful bedspreads, whitewashed walls and stone vaulted ceilings. With a lovely shady pool and lounge area, this is a great beach spot.

For foodies

Masseria Panareo

  • Masseria Panareo is a farmhouse retreat set among olive groves, but its heart is the food. The terrace restaurant turns local ingredients into inventive Puglian dishes, with house-pressed olive oil at the centre. Rustic stone rooms with country charm make a peaceful base for culinary exploration.

For golfers

Masseria San Domenico

  • Masseria San Domenico- Whitewashed rooms with vaulted ceilings set the tone for a calm, grown-up escape. Days revolve around the neighbouring championship golf course, saltwater pool and spa suites with private hot tubs. Multiple restaurants keep things varied, while the adults-only policy makes it ideal for active couples seeking quiet focus.
  • Once a Roman villa, Masseria Cimino keeps its rough white walls, stone floors and low-key, rustic character. Sitting directly on an 18-hole course, it suits golfers who value atmosphere over polish. The restaurant is a highlight, serving confident Puglian cooking in a relaxed, unfussy setting.

For explorers

Masseria Le Mandorle

  • Masseria Le Mandorle is perfectly placed (just outside the town of Ugento) for exploring the depths of Southern Puglia, from its beaches to its pretty towns and villages. Here you'll find 12 stunning rooms and suites, and superb facilities including a sports court, sleek pool and rooftop hot tub (perfect for lazy days not exploring!).
  • Relais Villa San Martino is a five-star villa boasting manicured gardens, elegant rooms with traditional Puglian decor, and a tranquil pool. Perfect for exploring historic towns and nearby beaches, it offers a serene base for those seeking culture, nature, and a touch of luxury.
  • Housed in a restored rustic farmhouse, Masseria Bernardini features airy, modern interiors with local stone accents. Just minutes from Gallipoli and sandy shores, it offers a small but refined dining experience, intimate communal spaces, and a calm retreat for travellers wanting both beach access and authentic rural charm.

For a Trulli

Nina Trulli Resort

  • Nina Trulli Resort is a chic converted Masseria. Rooms in the traditional trullis are whitewashed with uneven walls and well-placed ornaments, which all lend an air of rural cool. A good sized pool, a superb restaurant and easy access to Puglia's sights make this a fantastic stay.
  • Ottolire Resort is a beautifully converted Trulli offering guests a slice of contemporary Italy in a picturesque rural setting. Rooms see chic, contemporary furniture perfectly set amongst the building's original features. The spa and excellent Mediterranean restaurant make this an alluring choice.

For families

Masseria Montenapoleone

  • Set in the Puglian countryside, Masseria Montenapoleone is a charming Masseria offering whimsical, spacious rooms with stone accents, exposed beams, and floating linen curtains. Family suites sleep up to six, and kids can explore the gardens and open fields, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed rural getaway with children.

Still not sure?

The 21 Best Hotels in Rural Puglia

Il Melograno

Monopoli

A five 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.

  • Beach Life - This chic hotel offers access to their own private beach with white sands and blue waters and a seafood restaurant and bar.
  • Spa breaks - Refresh and revive with the spa's extensive therapy list, sauna, frigidarium, turkish bath and hammam.
  • Tennis Court - Enjoy the hotels two floodlit tennis courts and catch a game when the sun cools off.
  • Sights nearby - Make a trip to the UNESCO-protected Trulli of Alberobello.
from $211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria San Domenico

Savelletri

One of Puglia’s best hotels offering a luxurious spa and golf course. Rooms and fabulous suites decorated with romance - white washed walls and rich drapes, some have private gardens, hot tubs and balconies. Fantastic selection of restaurants and stunning salt water pool. A heavenly spot.

  • Honeymoons - A sophisticated honeymoon choice- ornate four-poster beds and panoramic views over Puglia, with fine dining and pampering spa.
  • Active Holiday - Lovely grounds and beaches for walking, bikes for rent, tennis courts, golf course, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the nearby village of Alberobello with its fascinating domed trulli houses.
  • Great walks - Wander the fragrant gardens or take a stroll down to the coast.
from $574 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Relais Villa San Martino

Martina Franca

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.

  • Local exploring - An elegant Villa, just outside Martina Franca and surrounded by protected areas, UNESCO sites and unique Baroque architecture.
  • Total relaxation - Comfortable suites, with flower filled terraces, swimming pool, pampering spa and beautiful parklands.
  • Great walks - Wander the expansive parklands that surround the villa, or head further afield and explore the olive groves.
  • Spa - With an "Aqua Zone" for regenerative treatments, "Aria Zone" for massages and Spa lounge for relaxation.
from $139 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Cimino

Savelletri

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 luxury.

  • Total relaxation - Completely unwind at this rustic chic family run property offering pool, gardens and views of the sea- perfection.
  • Active Holiday - Whether playing golf, swimming in the sea or cycling is you're thing there's plenty to keep you active and alert.
  • Sights nearby - Check out the fascinating Gnatia archaeological ruins, right beside the hotel.
  • Great walks - Wander down to the coast and explore the beaches on foot.
from $223 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Il Frantoio

Ostuni (Brindisi)

Justly famous masseria with wonderful food and a vaguely eccentric air. Pretty bedrooms with white washed walls surround a bougainvillea-filled courtyards. Organic produce from the farm and olive grove is used in fabulous multi-course meals. A divine gourmet rustic retreat close to the beach.

  • Foodies - Members of the slow food movement the kitchen, under Rosalba, create extraordianry cuisine from simple home grown ingrediants.
  • Romantic Break - Chic rooms with wisteria swathed stairways, enchanting interiors and antique furnishings are the epitome of fairytale romance.
  • Tennis Court - Make the most of the nearby tennis courts and work up an appetite for dinner.
  • Great walks - Meander through olive trees on walking trials from the hotel.
from $211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Montelauro

Otranto

Relaxed retreat with a contemporary twist surrounded by olive trees, vines and date palms. Sophisticated, airy white on white rooms with cool flagstone floors, delicate wrought iron beds, Pugliese embroidery and Moroccan lamps. Lovely pool, local food and stunning surrounding farmland.

  • Honeymoons - A tranquil and romantic spot for honeymooners, each of the elegant suites faces onto the gardens and the soothing countryside.
  • Sights nearby - Explore the lovely Otranto, with its lively bars, restaurants and squat Aragonese castle.
  • Cooking classes - The hotel organises cooking classes, learn to whip up your favourite dishes frm the menu.
  • Great walks - Take a wander around the lush gardens, or further a field into this scenic landscape.
from $211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Torre Coccaro

Savelletri

An elegantly restored historic fortified farmhouse, minutes from the sea. 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.

  • Active Holiday - Explore the rugged countryside on the hotel mountain bikes, head down to the beach, or grab a round of golf.
  • Sights nearby - Head to the nearby Mozzarella Palace for a cheese tasting then down to the local fishing village of Savelletri for seafood.
  • Spa - Fabulous subterranean Aveda Spa with indoor pool, relaxation area and wide range of treatments on offer.
  • Restaurant
from $267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Torre Maizza

Fasano

Sophisticated, contemporary hotel with a young, hip vibe. Smart contemporary bedrooms, some with open fires and private pools. Wonderful courtyard bar with Balinese sofas and excellent restaurant overlooking the pool. Irene Forte spa, golf course and private beach clubs.

  • Country Escape - Surrounded by ancient olive groves and fruit orchards, with fantastic walking, produce straight from the farm, and beach club.
  • Romantic Break - A grown up choice with luxurious rooms, wonderful food, and picturesque scenery.
  • Great walks - Explore trulli country on foot or by bike- discover it's ancient olive groves, fruit trees and miles of scrub.
  • Cooking classes - Pick fresh olives and vegetables from the olive groves and use them in yummy Apulian dishes.
from $679 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Borgo San Marco

Fasano

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.

  • Families - A fantastic spot for families with interconnecting rooms, self catering, pool, playground, high chairs and babysitting.
  • Value chic - A chic and unpretentious masseria, with elegant rooms, glorious pool, citrus garden and bourainvillea gardens.
  • Local markets - Head into Fasano for their buzzy Wednesday market and pick up some great local produce.
  • Cooking classes - The hotel organises cookery classes, learn to whip up your favourite regional dishes.
from $176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Don Cirillo

Puglia

Laidback brick Masseria in a beautiful walled garden close to the sea. Rooms with an ethnic slant - kilims, colourful bedspreads, whitewashed walls and stone vaulted ceilings. A lovely shady pool and lounge area. A great beach spot.

  • Total relaxation - Unwind in style in this charming Masseria with lush gardens, lovely pool, and luxurious suites with private terraces.
  • Country Escape - Bask by the crystal clear waters of the Ionian sea or grab a bike and explore the stunning Apulian countryside.
  • Sights nearby - Explore the fascinating and historic UNESCO heritage city of Gallipoli.
  • Restaurant
from $211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Masseria Bernardini

Nardò

Contemporary design in an old shell within easy reach of charming Gallipoli and its lovely beaches. Original features complement contemporary furniture and ethnic textiles. Lovely courtyard garden and swimming pool for relaxing in, and superb breakfasts and dinners on private patios.

  • Local exploring - Ideally situated to explore the local historical towns and villages as well as the stunning Salento countryside.
  • Beach Life - Just ten minutes from Porto Selvaggio Natural Park with one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
  • Sailing - Yachting and sailing can be organised by the hotel, the perfect way to explore this magnificent coast.
  • Boutique
from $258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Masseria Salinola

Ostuni (Ostuni)

This boutique hotel is set in a refurbished seventeenth-century farmhouse in beautiful Apulian countryside. Antique furnishings in simple but luxurious rooms add even more charm, and it has its own olive groves producing extra virgin oil. The perfect place to unwind.

  • Cooking classes - A day with a chef can be organised.
  • Full of character - Due to its age (dating back to the 1700s), the rooms here come in all shapes and sizes
  • Restaurant - The restaurant serves delicious Puglian cuisine
  • Swimming Pool - Large outdoor pool surrounded by loungers
from $258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Panareo

Otranto

Stylish farmhouse conversion surrounded by olive trees and stunning scenery. Rooms are dotted round the grounds & offer classic country style with vaulted stone ceilings and four poster beds. The restaurant serves Italian dishes on the outdoor terrace. Perfect for both beaches & sightseeing.

  • Foodies - The restaurant serves innovative regional dishes using olive oil from the farm
  • Country Escape - A beautiful converted farm surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the sea
  • Restaurant - Serves delicious local cuisine featuring plenty of seafood
  • Tennis Court - Play a game on the nearby tennis court
from $112 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Montenapoleone

Puglia (Pezze di Greco (Brindisi) )

A simply gorgeous rural property set in picturesque countryside surrounded by olive groves. Rustic chic throughout with uneven white washed walls and exposed beams. Whimsical rooms are full of character with exposed stone, floating white linen curtains and antiques. Rural Italy at its best.

  • Country Escape - A picture perfect country house with rustic chic interiors, surrounded by olive groves.
  • Families - The family suite can easily accommodate up to six with two bedrooms and sofa bed
  • Great walks - Go for long walks through the picturesque groves.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool.
from $199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Nina Trulli Resort

Puglia (Puglia)

A chic converted Masseria set in the picturesque rural landscapes of Puglia. White washed rooms, uneven walls and well placed ornaments all lend an air of rural-cool. A good sized pool, fantastic restaurant (serving regional produce) and easy access to Puglia's sights make this a fantastic stay.

  • Local exploring - Hire a vespa and discover the surrounding villages and towns
  • Country Escape - A converted farm set in picturesque Puglian countryside
  • Sights nearby - Explore the churches and palaces of beautiful Lecce
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $223 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Mongio

Puglia (Puglia)

An elegant masseria conversion just north of Otranto. Seventeen individually designed suites offer chic minimalist accommodation, and all come with either a private terrace or garden. Large outdoor pool, excellent restaurant specialising in Salento cuisine, and just steps from the beach.

  • Local exploring - A great base for exploring this beautiful corner of Puglia
  • Spa - There is a spa with a large spa bath, Turkish bath, sauna, multi-sensory shower and herbal tea corner
  • Restaurant - Serves typical cuisine of the Salento region using mainly local produce
  • Sights nearby - The historic coastal town of Otranto is just a few minutes in the car
from $192 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Ottolire Resort

Puglia

Once a traditional farmhouse this beautiful Trulli now offers guests a slice of contemporary Italy in a picturesque rural setting. Rooms see chic contemporary furniture perfectly set amongst the building's original features. The spa and excellent Mediterranean restaurant make this an alluring pick.

  • Country Escape - Set in picturesque countryside this traditional trulli has been given a modern touch making it a stylish rural escape
  • Spa - The wellness trullo comes with hammam, hot tub, and sensory shower, plus treatments aplenty!
  • Restaurant - Serving delicious Puglian dishes that have been given a fresh, modern twist.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the pretty town of Alberobello known for its traditional trulli houses
from $211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Le Fabriche

Puglia

A traditional masseria set within its own winery which has been carefully renovated to create the ultimate chic rural escape. Smart rooms are minimalist and contemporary with large floor to ceiling windows to take in the views. The cuisine is superb and wine selection (unsurprisingly) very good.

  • Country Escape - Expect very stylish suites scattered throughout, a winery and gourmet dining; rural chic
  • Restaurant - Serving delicious traditional Puglian cuisine
  • Boutique
  • Traditional
from $223 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Masseria Palombara

Puglia (Salento)

This hotel is nestled within an Apulian ‘masseria’, a historic limestone farmhouse located in Oria, surrounded by acres of olive groves, almond and palm trees. The beautifully appointed guestrooms incorporate exposed walls and stone arches to create a Mediterranean-inflected approach to rustic-chic.

  • Hideaway - Set in extensive private grounds in Salento, surrounded by olive groves and palm trees, book this hotel for a hideaway holiday
  • Country Escape - Located on a working farm in the spectacular landscape outside of Oria, book this hotel for an authentic country escape
  • Foodies - This hotel offers a farm-to-table restaurant supplied by the hotel's own farm, guaranteeing ultimate freshness
  • Cooking classes - Take cooking classes at the hotel and learn how to make classic Apulian dishes under the guidance of the hotel chef
from $134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Masseria Le Mandorle

Puglia (Puglia)

A stunning little hotel in the depths of southern Puglia. Its rooms and suites have been done in a contemporary chic style, plus you'll find a sleek pool and superb sports facilities on site. There's an excellent restaurant championing seasonal local cuisine and sister property for fine dining.

  • Local exploring - A chic little base for exploring the southern region of Puglia from its beaches and markets to its historical sights.
  • Families - With its superb facilities including tennis court and pool, and great location, it's ideal for a family break.
  • Cooking classes - Pop down the road to sister property Castello di Ugento for its top notch cookery school
  • Sights nearby - Ugento is home to a world class archaeological museum and Gallipoli is very close by.
from $293 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Masseria Specula

Puglia (Puglia)

An adults-only hideaway and retreat venue on Puglia's west coast whose ethos is centred around sustainability and relaxation. Four rooms and two suites offer a simple, rustic-chic minimalist vibe, plus there's a garden and vegetarian meals on request. Just a 15-minute stroll from the beach.

  • Eco break - Sustainability is key from the solar panels, EV charging & vegetarian cuisine to the reforestation project
  • Total relaxation - An off the beaten track location and off-season retreats for nourishing body, mind and soul
  • Restaurant - Authentic Puglian vegetarian cuisine for guests only
  • Minimum Stay - 3 night minimum stay
from $238 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Nicky Swallow

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