Puglia: Italy’s Heel Has It All

On the heel of Italy’s boot, you’ll find Puglia. Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, this region has everything the Italophile could ever dream of, including extravagant Baroque churches realized by the finest architects, golden beaches with crystal clear water, whitewashed towns perched on limestone cliffs and lots of burrata (it is the birthplace after all). Puglia is also home to some of the country’s most splendid hideaways and masserias. Cracking the code for the perfect Mediterranean vacation, these hotels are the very definition of la dolce vita in Puglia.

Palazzo Lecce

The sun-drenched city of Lecce is home to countless beautiful baroque buildings, including the majestic Cattedrale di Lecce. Fitting in with the mesmerizing town’s aesthetic is Palazzo Lecce, housed within a classic building that was once the private residence of a family of Italian nobles. Six intimate guest accommodations are clad in calming whites and historic design elements, with artworks from the Greek and Latin world throughout. After a day of exploring the city’s unique architecture, returning to this intimate hideaway feels like coming home. Read in the cozy living area known as Vesta, relax in the elegant wellness area called Venus (equipped with a sauna and Turkish bath, naturally ) or have a nightcap up at the rooftop bar.

Masseria Torre Maizza

Masseria Torre Maizza has all the fixings needed for an authentic Puglian hideaway—from bicycles to cruise through the olive groves to horses you can ride along the Adriatic shore. Once a traditional farmhouse, this 16th-century hideaway has been transformed by thoughtful design accents and details to create a unique sense of place. The vision of British hotelier and interior designer Olga Polizzi, the glamorous accommodations are spacious and bright, featuring local artifacts that add an Italian flare. You can admire Puglia’s natural beauty from the hotel’s private beach club, executive 9-hole golf course or restaurant over an al fresco dinner. The romantic rooftop bar is perfect for watching the sunset, while the swimming pool below offers a refreshing oasis.

Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA

Theatrical-yet-intimate, Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa is no ordinary Italian palazzo. Within the spectacular labyrinth-like city of Ostuni, designers Pascale Lauber and Ulrike Bauschke stumbled upon Palazzo Rosso, the red palace which lay abandoned for 40 years. Behind a façade of rusticated Pompei red stone, they uncovered an interior of frescoes and majolica tiles, of tucked away vaults and high-ceilinged grandeur—it was all too beautiful to stay hidden. The 11 individually designed rooms are intentionally calm, with warm lighting fixtures and stonewashed linen sheets. Beyond the rooms and suites, don’t miss the spa, an old water cistern featuring a hydromassage basin and a relaxing lounge clad in Himalayan salt walls.

Masseria San Giovanni

Located in the Itria Valley, home to expansive, ancient olive groves, Masseria San Giovanni is an invitation back in time. Epitomizing classic Italian countryside living, the former farmhouse dating back to 1600 is surrounded by orangeries, vegetable gardens and Mediterranean flower shrubs Home to just 14 accommodations, the property invites guests to experience its most charming areas—enjoy a picnic under the shade of trees, meditate in the fruit orchard, read a book in the nooks of the former stables or swim in the saltwater pool that seamlessly integrates with the majestic landscape.

Borgo Egnazia

Where the hills of the Itria Valley gently fall away to the Adriatic Sea, Borgo Egnazia is a dream come to life. Inspired by the shapes, materials and colors of a typical Puglian village, this open-air masseria spanning over 70 hectares has everything under the Puglian sun. There’s two beach clubs, a golf course and an atmospheric spa inspired by Roman baths. They offer vintage car tours, cooking classes and oil and wine tastings. Taking in the winding limestone passageways, cerulean pools, citrus trees, cascading bougainvillea and shady enclaves, it’s no wonder Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake chose to have their wedding here.