Masseria Il Melograno

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 Apulian brand Physio Natura.