Masseria Torre Coccaro

A luxurious boutique hotel, set in the heart of the Lecce old town, Palazzo Bozzi Corso is a splendid converted, historical property. Constructed in 1775, many of the impressive original features remain. A hotel that’s dedicated to the arts and wellness, the experience is so much more than simply a hotel stay. 

An elegant hotel with extremely high ceilings, original coving, marble bathrooms and epic polished wooden floors that span the cavernous rooms. The hotel offers ten suites, each with a story to tell. The carefully curated interiors are decorated with individual style, there’s the Fernand Léger room and even a room subtly devoted to John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Each suite displays the perfect combination of classical and contemporary design, with  bespoke furniture alongside notable pieces by Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Mackintosh and Le Corbusier. Some suites boast a private sauna or chromotherapy shower. Two of the Suites share a terrace, while two have direct access to the rooftop.

The Palazzo boasts an elegant rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and beautiful views over the rooftops of Lecce, a city filled with picturesque, cobbled winding lanes and plenty of atmospheric bars and restaurants. The city skyline is a cacophony of bell towers, terracotta tiles, picturesque buildings all framed with crimson sunsets. The hotel’s indoor wellness area features a natural stone hydromassage pool, a ‘relaxarium’ and a massage room where personalised treatments and wellness activities are arranged with guests. The property also comes with a beautiful private garden perfect for breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening.

Nestled on the coast of Italy’s famed Puglia, sits the luxury, beachfront hotel of Masseria San Domenico. The hotel feels intimate while keeping a sense of privacy and exclusivity throughout. A sympathetically restored property with the original building dating back to the 15th century, when it was used by the Knights of Malta as a watch-tower. The decor is classic and sophisticated with lots of outside spaces set within the large manicured gardens which stretch down to the coastline. There are two beaches within easy reach, one is reserved solely for hotel guests, and then the other is a charming beach cove. There’s a large outdoor free-form swimming pool that winds around the pretty gardens and glistening white patios. The hotel offers 40 rooms and suites across several room categories, all extremely well equipped with air conditioning and a choice of pillows to suit all preferences. 

Unsurprisingly for the area, the dining here is spectacular with a choice of  settings in which to take your meals; there’s an elegant eighteenth-century dining room, the poolside bar or by the sea in a relaxed restaurant. The traditional recipes served by the local chefs are mostly prepared with fresh ingredients and home-grown vegetables. Typical products from the area and excellent wines give guests the essence of Puglia. The hotel has its own spa, wellness area and The San Domenico Golf course is stunning, with views out to sea and to the mountain range in the distance.

Masseria Torre Maizza is a beautiful boutique hotel in what was once a watchtower overlooking the sea, in anticipation of Saracen invasions. The masseria belonged to a line of defence that stretched all the way from the Gargano peninsula to Santa Maria di Leuca, right at the tip of Italy’s boot.

There are 30 rooms and two suites, all with lots of traditional Italian charm. Stone floors, whitewashed walls and vaulted ceilings keep rooms wonderfully cool and most feature private terraces for when you do want to soak up the sun. Many comes with views of the sea and the olive trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, and the larger suites also have their own private plunge pools.

La Palme restaurant in located in the ancient stables and here you can enjoy traditional Pugliese cuisine – considered some of the best in Italy. The restaurant features a grand fireplace and offers great views out over the pool. In summer, guests can take a table under the pergola that looks out onto the orange garden. For a light bite or refreshing drink, head to the poolside Cabana Restaurant or take a seat at the Bougainvillea Bar which in summer is an explosion of pink and purples. On the roof of the masseria, you’ll find a Moroccan-inspired terrace, perfect for sunset drinks.

5km from the hotel is a long stretch of private sandy beach and the wonderful Coccaro Beach Club. Here you can lounge under the palms, dine on fantastic fresh seafood and for the energetic, there is beach volleyball, wind surfing and kite surfing.

In the heart of Old Lecce, La Fiermontina is an urban resort built around a 17th century private home known for its Baroque architecture and storied past.

There are 16 unique suites and guestrooms, simply and comfortably designed with subtle modern touches letting the original features take precedent.

The historic property is scattered with selections from the owner’s personal art collection, including pieces by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Tobia Scarpa, with striking sculptures out in the garden along with olive trees, a swimming pool and striking terrace restaurant serving a modern take on traditional Pugliese cuisine.

Explore the wonderful Old Town outside or discover the surrounding countryside on cycling and hiking trips, horse rides, sailing excursions and wine and olive oil experiences.