Extraordinarily exotic ‘masserie’ adorning Italy’s heels; Historic rural estates that combine Arab, Greek and Spanish influences into a distinctive vernacular architecture. Dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, these hacienda-like farms, traditionally painted dazzling white, feature baronial mansions adorned with vaulted stone halls and porticoes, private chapels, farm buildings and sometimes cone-roofed ‘trulli’ opening onto airy courtyards. . Some grew up around ancient coastal watchtowers with divine sea views; others are fortified and surrounded by vineyards, cultivated fields, almond, olive and lemon groves.
Today, many have been converted into agritourism, hotels or resorts, where the passage of time is marked ‘adagio’ and man and nature still dialogue in harmony. Styles vary from understated rustic to ultra-chic designer hotels complete with landscaped gardens, pools, spas and gourmet restaurants, but the sustainable spirit and festive spirit of their origins remain. We have selected the best masseria hotels in Puglia.
How do we examine
Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel may offer (e.g. family facilities).
This sun-drenched, whitewashed, contemporary masseria is located in an estate of ancient olive groves overlooking Ostuni and the Adriatic Sea. This boutique retreat offers a contemporary take on the traditional masseria, with original arches and whitewashed walls, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. The interiors are rustic and minimalist, with design accents such as oriental rugs and distressed wooden furniture. All this provides a relaxed, bohemian environment for stylish stays in one of four double rooms or two suites, combined with a shared dining area, bright lounge, fitness room, spa and outdoor pool.
A charming member of the Rocco Forte hotel collection, Masseria Torre Maizza combines the authenticity and character of a rural heritage setting with the contemporary luxury of this hotel group. Highlights of this Puglian retreat within historic walls, boasting original features such as a medieval tower and sweeping arches, include traditional-meets-contemporary rooms and suites, the Bougainvillea Bar, a pool bar and the Carosello Restaurant, inspired by Puglia tradition. as well as an outdoor fitness area and Roman-inspired pool, a small spa, and a nine-hole golf course. A shuttle transports guests to the hotel’s own stylish beach club.
Built around a 16th-century farmhouse, this five-star hotel offers family-friendly accommodation amid ancient olive groves between Fasano and the coast. From here, it’s a 15-minute bike ride to the Adriatic Coast, where the hotel’s two private beach clubs are located. The original farm’s limestone buildings, complete with watchtower, have now been sensitively adapted to include stylish bedrooms, dining and drinking establishments, and a spa housed in underground caves that used to be an olive mill. Many activities are offered here, including horse riding, cooking lessons and yoga. The family-run masseria hotel is set in idyllic gardens that also feature an inviting pool.
Located amid olive groves just north of the small town of Surbo, this intimate farmhouse-turned-hotel can accommodate guests in just eight suites. The restoration of this property has ensured that many of the original design details of this heritage site are preserved; The modernization of this space was then seen through the integration of glass walls, colorful rugs and finishing touches such as coffee table books and Moroccan pillows. There are up to six walled gardens on this land, where hundreds of orange and lemon trees are grown. Traditional Puglia dishes are cooked in the hotel kitchen, and time can be spent lounging on the daybeds by the pool.
Taking over a 15th-century masseria near the small fishing town of Savelletri, this five-star retreat set amid palm-shaded gardens is one of many stylish Puglia country hotels owned by the Melpignano family. Here, 40 classically designed rooms and suites are accompanied by a range of indoor and outdoor restaurants, a wellness center specializing in Thalassotherapy, tennis courts and a large seawater lagoon pool that many say is the highlight of this property. There are two private beaches nearby, one rocky and the other sandy, and shuttle services are available during the summer months.
The century-old farmhouse that now houses Masseria Il Frantoio is located in a vast expanse of olive groves and poppy fields, three miles from the sea, northwest of the hill town of Ostuni. Beyond the 500-year-old farmhouse courtyard, where bougainvilleas cover the whitewashed walls, the historic buildings now reveal 16 characterful guest rooms, a vaulted dining room displaying Puglian cuisine, and a pool amidst ancient olive trees on the ground. Masseria has long produced its own olive oil, and experiences offered on-site include olive oil tastings, cooking classes and bike tours.
Located near Savelletri di Fasano, overlooking ancient olive groves jutting out to the Adriatic Sea, this masseria hotel has 18th-century buildings surrounded by ancient Roman walls. A sense of timelessness is felt when you step into the rural retreat, now decorated in a rustic Mediterranean style. This old farmhouse has just 14 rooms in its tower and accompanying buildings; all feature rustic decor and farm objects as decorative touches; The tower suite on the first floor has sea views. Local cuisine is featured in Masseria’s restaurant, which combines a bar, lounge and small pool, and bike rental is also available.
With its location amid olive groves at the end of a winding trail, Masseria Le Carrube feels particularly remote, although it is within easy reach of the villages and towns of Valle d’Itria. Once used as an olive mill, the whitewashed farmhouse has managed to retain its rustic charm with design details such as the giant olive press that recall this site’s past. Serving tasting menus in the evenings, the masseria’s vegetarian restaurant focuses on locally sourced and seasonal dishes. This masseria has 19 rooms and suites, most with balconies and terraces overlooking the olive groves; There are bikes available to borrow and two swimming pools.
A 16th-century masseria featuring this region’s distinctive trulli quartet, Cervarolo is a charming rural retreat in Puglia’s lush Valle d’Itria near Ostuni. The spirit of this architecturally impressive site has been preserved by its transformation into a boutique hotel. Combining traditional and contemporary, this retreat’s 17 rooms and suites are located in the main building; some junior suites also have a terrace or balcony, while the remaining suites take over the site’s trulli. The restaurant takes over the lamia of the masseria and the bar is located next to the pool in a natural sinkhole of terraced gardens.
This former masseria brings guests closer to city life with its location on the edge of Lecce’s historical centre. The property pays homage to both Puglia’s past and present, with contemporary artworks and designer furniture adorning the 18th-century site. The inviting house is surrounded by a walled olive grove with an outdoor pool. The accommodation, which consists of 16 sophisticated rooms and suites, also includes a living room full of works of art, a restaurant and a garden terrace. The hotel’s private art gallery is just a few minutes’ walk away and houses a sculpture garden. The main attractions of this city are also easily accessible.
As its name suggests, this masseria hotel combines a rural resort with winemaking. The farmhouse and ancient manor house, as well as a chapel, stables and other outbuildings, are located on approximately 170 hectares of land, mostly composed of vineyards, on a plateau overlooking the Gulf of Taranto. Each of the buildings has been transformed by a local architect with a minimalist approach and using the natural materials of the site. The family-run property has 18 spacious rooms and suites and a restaurant inspired by the masseria tradition. Vineyard-based experiences include tastings and scenic tours.
Contributions by Clare Speak, Paula Hardy, Hayley Lewis and Jade Conroy