Tucked in the heel of Italy, Puglia is very different from the rest of Italy. The area’s history is exotic – Greek, Arabic, Byzantine as well as Roman – its countryside full of extremes (lush valleys and dramatic ravines) and the atmosphere less ordered, more laidback. And it’s certainly hotter. Its style is also more individual – the delightful trulli buildings are just one example. And one of the best ways to discover its individuality is to stay in one of Puglia’s many boutique hotels. These range from palazzi and farmhouses to the iconic trulli houses.
For a luxury boutique hotel
- Castello di Ugento is a magnificent castle hotel in a sleepy town by the sea. Adults only, this property is the one to book if you want to enjoy boutique luxury accompanied by fabulous food, and an onsite museum!
- If you want to be in the heart of an atmospheric city, take a look at Palazzo Bozzi Corso, an 18th-century palace in wonderful Lecce with its Renaissance architecture and Roman heritage museums. High-ceilinged rooms have a contemporary elegance – modern art, parquet floors – without losing their grandeur. There’s a courtyard plus garden terrace for al fresco breakfasts.
- Also in a historic town, Monopoli, and in a historic monument – a former fort – Don Ferrante sits perched over the Aegean with glorious views. Whitewashed rooms with stone-vaulted ceilings and many with sea-views, are furnished in elegant style. There are plenty of terraces plus a rooftop plunge-pool.
- Set right on the seashore – the bar and restaurant terrace have stunning views – La Peschiera is one of Puglia’s most romantic boutique hotels; a luxuriously cool retreat of white-on-white rooms, and lots of natural materials. Close to Alberobello’s trulli houses, it also has a swimming pool and excellent seafood restaurant.
- Also renowned for its food is Paragon 700 in Ostuni, the white city’s only red palazzo. Expect French parquet flooring, high ceilings and a mix of modern and vintage furnishings, put together with a cool design eye.
- In quiet San Cassiano, the 18th-century palazzo of Don Totu offers elegant accommodation – some rooms with vaulted stone ceilings – in peaceful surrounds. The large private garden with swimming pool is perfect for relaxation after a day’s exploring; bike hire can be arranged.
- Another quiet boutique hotel in Puglia is Palazzo Daniele, set right on the southern coast in sleepy Gagliano del Capo. The palazzo has beautifully restored rooms with original tiled floors, smooth plaster walls and quirky modern pieces. There’s also a pool in the garden.
For a boutique hotel in trulli country
- Set in Puglia’s iconic houses, Nina Trulli Resort offers a truly unique boutique hotel. With thick pale-stone arched walls, polished stone floors, and curious nooks and crannies, the trulli houses offer a timeless feel. Elegantly simple with rustic furniture and colourful cushions, the rooms are also romantic. Outdoor pool, too.
- Another trulli conversion is Masseria Cervarolo where rooms in trulli houses sit next to a former farmhouse. Spacious and rustic, with colourful rugs, they feel very private. There’s a large garden with pool and a choice of indoor or outdoor dining.
- Also in ‘trulli country’, Ottolire Resort is a traditional stone farmhouse given a sympathetic contemporary makeover. There’s a small spa, pool in the garden and modern restaurant.
For a complete escape
- Masseria Montelauro, a former monastery, also offers a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by gardens, olive trees, date palms and vineyards, its rooms are white-on-white with cool flagstone floors, delicate wrought-iron beds and sultry Moroccan lamps.
- Yet another quiet place to stay is Masseria Le Mandorle, a former farmhouse that’s been converted into 12 chic bedrooms while the public areas show off wonderful original features. Food is a big draw here, and you can dine outside on the terrace or inside the romantic barrel-vaulted dining room.
- If you want to be close to both town and beach, yet still feel like you're escaping the crowds, have a look at Masseria Mongio. This group of former rural buildings, close to Otranto and the coast, has been carefully converted to create contemporary rooms that retain original features of beams, exposed-stone walls and flagged floors. Choose either a terrace or garden room.
For a boutique city stay
- For a city-based boutique hotel in Puglia, Palazzo de Noha, in Lecce, offers a stylish stay. Rooms are slick with designer touches with bold bathrooms and modern art. The roof-top terrace lounge surrounds a plunge-pool.
- Also in Lecce, but quietly tucked away, Mantatelurè offers just six elegantly contemporary rooms that mix pale, neutral shades with original features. There’s also a bar – with home-made cakes – and a garden with hot tub.
For great value
- In the heart of Lecce, close to Sant’Oranzo Square, Palazzo Gorgoni is cool and simple with whitewashed plaster or exposed-stone walls, polished wood or flagged floors, and traditional furnishings. One of its four rooms is also family-friendly.
- In one of Puglia’s iconic white towns, Ostuni, La Sommità Relais Culti is cool and chic: airy rooms with white-on-white décor, limestone floors, sleek wooden furniture and fat creamy candles. There’s a romantic vaulted dining-room, small spa plus glorious views from the terraces.
- Exceptional value for money is Relais Il Mignano, a 16th-century palazzo in the centre of Nardo. Rooms retain original features and are elegantly furnished with the occasional antique, plus there’s a courtyard garden, and rooftop terrace with whirlpool tub.
- Another superb value boutique hotel in Puglia is Palazzo del Corso. Set on the Gallipoli peninsula, rooms are light and traditional, some with stunning sea views. There’s a small spa, rooftop plunge pool plus rooftop bar; the latter perfect for sunset drinks.
- For a remote-feeling place, that’s still in a small town, Palazzo Guglielmo is an unexpected find. A chic boutique hotel close to the Salentine coast, it offers cool, creamy rooms – some with exposed stonework – a vaulted lounge, shady garden and pool.
Still not sure?
- For more choices, browse our full range of Puglia hotels.
- Or check out our pick of B&Bs in Puglia, or our recommendations for neighbouring Basilicata.
- Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.
