Spa*, Wi-Fi
*Denotes local charge
This luxury residence has a fine heritage and has been welcoming guests since 1880. Upon arrival, the resort’s resplendent historic façade gives way to luxurious, contemporary interiors that set the tone for your exploration of this beautiful city. You’re only moments away from all of Lecce’s famous sights – or you can revive your senses in the spa on the days when you don’t want to venture too far. The fabulous breakfast makes a wonderful start to the day, and dining at the resort is always a pleasure. Whether you choose the sophisticated gourmet tastes of Le Quattro Spezierie or the laid-back city bistro vibe of The Salento, both serve up superb Puglian cuisine in an elegant setting. Pick a table on the stylish roof garden for stunning views of the cathedral towering above the narrow terraces. Creative design touches are in evidence throughout all of the rooms, where natural fabrics and traditional colours have been given a stylish, modern treatment. Superior Rooms have marble-panelled bathrooms while Deluxe Rooms have extra space. Executive Rooms feature a lounge area and if you opt for a Junior Suite, you’ll have the luxury of a separate living room and wonderful views.
This modern hotel is a good-value base for self-drive holidays in Puglia, especially if you’re planning on exploring the region’s famous trulli houses. Stroll into the historic heart of Alberobello and discover the unique buildings with conical roofs that house shops, restaurants, homes, a church and a museum. A guided tour of Alberobello is a great way to learn about the history and construction of these distinctive UNESCO-listed buildings. There’s lots to see and do in this charming region, from wine tasting and olive oil-making experiences to bike tours and exploration of the beautiful nearby trulli village of Locorotondo, which is just ten minutes away. It’s also just half an hour from the coast so you’re within easy reach of seaside towns such as Savelletri and Monopoli. Prepare for a day of local exploration by filling up at the breakfast buffet and choose from a range of Pugliese, Mediterranean and international dishes for dinner at Eden. Choose from a selection of local wines that are housed in a rock-walled cellar. There are also a number of local restaurants just a short stroll away. During balmy summer evenings, head to the roof terrace for cocktails or coffee. The modern and cosy Double Classic Rooms overlook the street or an olive grove and include free Wi-Fi.
This chic white-washed hotel is a refreshing alternative to some of the more classic hotels that line Italy’s coast. With its scattering of objet d’art, coffee table books and orchids, it feels more like an elegant villa than a hotel and despite the high service levels and attention to detail, it retains a relaxed, laid-back feel. The soothing cream palette, Apulian white stone and light wood enhance the bright blue of the sea which is just steps away. Yet, despite these modern touches, the hotel respects local traditions and gives you an authentic flavour of Puglia. When you’re taking a break from exploring the region, you can sink onto a sun lounger under the shade of an olive tree, swim a few lengths in the saltwater pool, soak in the warm waters of the Jacuzzi or stroll down to the narrow strip of sand. Savour the best of Puglian cuisine on the bougainvillea-draped terrace of the Ristorante T_imo, which uses locally sourced produce in its daily-changing dinner menu featuring the likes of Puglia’s signature orecchiette pasta washed down with Primitivo red wine. During the summer, tuck into pizzas and grilled seafood at the poolside A_Neto restaurant. The hotel’s Typical Apulian Night is held on selected nights on the terrace, with classic Puglian street food such as Apulian bombette – slices of pork wrapped around cheese, and panzerotti – a delicious fried snack, similar to calzone. You can also learn how mozzarella and burrata cheese are made and watch traditional pizzica dancers. Head to the Cumino Bar for tasty cocktails, fine wines and rosolio – a traditional Italian liqueur made from plants grown in the hotel’s garden. The contemporary rooms are set across two floors and feature memory foam mattresses and a balcony or terrace. Double Classic Rooms have garden views and Double Superior Rooms come with partial sea views. The Junior Suites are more spacious and are available with partial or full sea views while the luxurious Canne Bianche Master Suite has a living area and its own plunge pool.
Kalidria Hotel & Thalasso Spa is a fresh, green spin on spa resorts. The amphitheatre-shaped hotel is one of four different hotels in the new Ethra Reserve, where you’ll get the perk of facilities at the other hotels and the luxury of staying in an eco oasis with just over 100 rooms embedded in the greenery. The whole reserve is open for play; go on a pine-scented bicycle ride, put your maritime skills to the test at the Sailing Club, set up for the day on the three-mile sandy beach and get active in your preferred way – you’ll have your pick from all kinds of activities, from diving to five-a-side football. The Ethra Thalasso Spa is one of the biggest draws for the Ethra Resort and guests staying at Kalidria are just steps away from its marine-themed therapies. All guests get access to the spa’s relaxation area, sauna and Turkish bath, while Suite guests also get access to the spa and waterfront beach loungers. Choose between thalassotherapy treatments like seawater massages and skin-smoothing rituals like Himalayan salt scrubs and massages using Mediterranean herbs. The resort keeps the focus on the reserve’s brilliance with light and uncomplicated décor. Rooms have a light and simple style; it’s the private suntrap terrace that draws your attention with its slanted ceiling hidden under a plant-based roof that makes up the building’s innovative design. Breakfast buffets and an à la carte dinner are included in your stay at Kalidria Restaurant – though guests can also try neighbouring hotel’s seasonal pizzeria for dinner instead and have lunch down by the water at the beachside Mediterraneo Restaurant.
This masseria (traditional farmhouse) was the first in Italy to open its doors to overnight guests. It’s since claimed status as a Small Luxury Hotel of the World while effortlessly holding on to its 400-year-long authenticity. Gnarled trees and trailing bougainvillea are strewn around the grounds, and antique chairs and dressers used by past owners are put centre stage against the white-washed walls. Each room has its own unique shape, from cosy Classic Rooms to the old family Deluxe Rooms. The secluded location off a modest country road gives you the chance to switch off among olive groves and citrus trees. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, Mùmmulo, where the menu features the best of the season’s produce with fresh pasta and locally made buffalo mozzarella. The chef runs an Apulian cooking class so you can learn how to knead focaccia dough and thumb orecchiette ‘little ears’ pasta, or taste your surroundings with an olive oil tasting session. The masseria is also in a convenient position for making day trips; head to fishing town Monopoli for the seafood and local vibes or go inland to see the famous white trulli (conical houses) in UNESCO-listed Alberobello. It’s just ten minutes for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic, where you can hire sun loungers at discounted half- and full-day rates at the private Tamerici Beach Club. Both indoor and outdoor pools are long enough for lapping, and there are courts for perfecting your serve or learning padel, a tennis-squash hybrid sport. At Petramare Spa, there are aromatherapy-led treatments using French brand Decleor.
Risorgimento Resort, Lecce
Grand Hotel Olimpo, Alberobello
Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel, Torre Canne
Kalidria Hotel & Thalasso Spa
Masseria Il Melograno
