The

The
heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia
has all the ingredients for a typical Italian holiday: sun,
scenery, pasta and Campari. Yet the region has a markedly different
feel to the country’s richer north.

It is unassuming and rustic, the towns are unfussy, and the vibe
is low-key rather than glitzy. Masseria San Domenico bridges
this gap, offering a stay that is intimate and authentic, with a
quiet elegance that leaves you feeling like an utterly chic (and
in-the-know) traveller.

Bougainvillea-covered piazzas and comfortable rooms coupled with
dramatic views of the Adriatic lend an undeniably boutique feel.
It’s unsurprising that this 14th-century farmhouse-turned-hotel
attracts a mixture of returning Italian families, young couples and
celebrities. Easily one of the most beautiful places to stay in
Italy, Masseria San Domenico offers a snapshot of Puglian culture
and is a superb base for exploring the region.

Nearby, the understated sister property of Borgo Egnazia is a
former fortress, once home to the Knights of Malta. It hasn’t lost
its chivalric charm, with whitewashed walls springing up among
ancient olive groves much like the Moorish towns dotted across the
undulating Puglian landscape.

Rooms

The 40 guest rooms are traditional but bright, fresh and
spacious. Choose from a deluxe room, garden terrace abode or San
Domenico suite and revel in the Tuscan villa-meets-(luxe)-monastery
vibe – just be prepared for the stare of a religious portrait when
you open your eyes in the morning. Furnished with traditional
Italian ceramics and antique furnishings, some rooms offer garden
views while others overlook the swimming pool or sea.

What’s for breakfast?

Tuck into a continental spread inside or on the sunny terrace of
the Sala Del Fico. There’s an array of pastries, local hams and
honey, as well as Italian sweet treats and hot dishes to order.

How about lunch and dinner?

The hotel grows all of its own fruits and vegetables in the
kitchen garden, providing the perfect accompaniment to
ocean-to-table seafood. Enjoy a Mediterranean lunch under the
poolside pergola, or secrete yourself in the candlelit, vaulted
dining room for a long, leisurely dinner. Room or dessert? Gelato,
gelato, gelato. If you’re bronzing at the hotel beach a short drive
away, try La Nassa. The restaurant’s top-notch crudi di mare,
carpaccio and fresh salads more than make up for the its proximity
to the road.

Is there are bar?

Yes. Located in the gardens, Ulivo is more for aperitivo than
digestivo. Pitch up sun-kissed and refreshed to watch the sky turn
gold, negroni in hand.

Amenities

The hotel pool is so enormous it could easily be mistaken for
the sea on the hotel website. With a spa, tennis court and golf
course, the masseira gives guests little reason to leave.

That being said, we highly recommend a trip to the beach for a
salty dip in the warm waves of the Adriatic. The coast is rocky and
a bit rugged, but the water is so fresh and clear that it’s
definitely worth it.

Things you should know

Grab a seat by the pool under one of the ancient olive trees.
You’ll probably have it all to yourself as most guests head to the
beach.

Within a short walk you can find…

Not much – you definitely need to rent a car to explore local
towns such as Polignano al Mare and Alberobello with its famous
trulli.