Puglia is a favourite of holidaymakers, beloved for its sandy beaches, historic towns, unique cuisine, and its olive groves and vineyards. The region has its fair share of luxury hotels, however, what makes the best five-star hotels in Puglia especially appealing is that, compared to destinations such as Tuscany, the rates are very reasonable. Our hotel experts have compiled a list of their favourite five-star hotels in the area ranging from renovated masserias to converted 16th-century forts by the sea or palazzos in historic towns. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your trip?
For a coastal stay
- Castello di Ugento is a stunning castle hotel in a sleepy village by the sea, where they have effortlessly combined Old-World elegance with contemporary sophistication — you'll find original period frescoes rubbing shoulders with modern art and artisanal pieces. The food is outstanding and there's a fabulous cookery school too. And you're only 10 minutes from a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach.
- Canne Bianche is all about the beach life. The light-filled, contemporary rooms are primed for relaxation, furnished with antiques, and affording spellbinding views. But this 5-star hotel in Puglia has so much more: a hot tub, spa, swimming pool and Turkish bath - not to mention the hammocks swinging gently between the trees. Very chic.
- Masseria San Domenico dates back to the 14th-century and was once home to the Knights of Malta. Set just a stroll from the beach, this is the perfect spot for a romantic seaside holiday. The thalassotherapy spa is obviously a highlight, but the gorgeous, airy rooms which all come with hot tubs, balconies and generous four-posters really make this feel indulgent. For some, though, the 18-hole golf course will make this the perfect choice.
- Masseria Torre Coccaro is another beautifully renovated farmhouse and undoubtedly one of the finest five-stars in Puglia. It's a particularly romantic experience if you book your own secluded cave, complete with a swimming pool and an olive grove. The private beach club is a favourite of guests, while the Aveda spa and private yacht make this primed for romance.
- Il Melograno is all courtyards blooming with flowers, whitewashed Moorish outbuildings and tiled rooms with breezy linens. Indeed, it was something of a trendsetter: the first ancient farmhouse in Puglia converted into a five-star luxury hotel. It has got a private beach club and a pampering spa, tennis courts and gorgeous grounds in which to roam - what's not to love?
- Borgo Egnazia is a five-star modelled on an ancient Apulian village. Just a short walk from the beach and boasting an excellent kids club - making it one of the best five-star hotels in Puglia for families. The marbled, airy rooms are lovely, and while you indulge in the spa (using ancient Puglian rituals of healing) the kids can go kite surfing and snorkelling.
- Masseria Torre Maizza is a gorgeous five-star romantic getaway. Rooms are spacious and airy, the olive oil massages at the spa (held in an ancient watchtower) are memorable, and it's just a stone's throw from the beach.
For Families
- If you're looking for a family friendly five star hotel, we recommend booking Masseria Le Mandorle. It's a stunning little hotel in the depths of southern Puglia, in a sleepy village near the sea. Rooms and suites are finished in a chic contemporary style and guests of all ages can enjoy the superb on-site facilities including swimming pool, tennis court (coaching can be arranged), basketball court and gourmet restaurant.
For a country escape
- Masseria Trapana is chic yet traditional. Expect frescoed interiors alongside exposed stone walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and iron-cast beds. The garden is expansive and beautiful while the homegrown food gives the place a wholesome feel.
- The ultimate back-to-nature five-star hotel in Puglia. Furnirussi Tenuta is solar-powered and set on the largest organic fig plantation in all of Europe! Incredibly family-friendly, with a huge lagoon-like swimming pool, spoiling spa and a delectable restaurant. A five-star with a relaxed, natural, touch.
For the spa
- Borgobianco Resort & Spa is one of the best five-star spa hotels in Puglia. The spa covers 1000-square meters, complete with numerous treatment rooms, Turkish bath, sauna, hot tub and a heated pool. Yoga classes are held on the lawn while the rooms themselves are also primed for unwinding: simple, chic, bright and breezy, opening out onto terraces and balconies.
For a romantic escape
- La Peschiera is a gorgeous adults-only boutique set beside the sea. A tranquil and intimate choice that has long been a favourite of honeymooners. The airy, white-on-white rooms are beautiful and the alfresco dining, above the water, is the perfect way to spend an evening with a significant other.
- Mantatelure is a secluded and intimate choice in the heart of Baroque Lecce. The contemporary rooms are full of light, with rustic flourishes like exposed stone walls. Surrounded by citrus trees and complete with a hot tub - this is a perfect choice for a low-key romantic break.
- Don Ferrante is a beautiful five-star coastal boutique set in an ancient fort. Intimate and stunning, the rooms have vaulted ceilings, artisan furnishings, exposed stone walls and breezy white linens. The candlelit dinners on the rooftop are particularly appealing while the massages make this an indulgent choice.
For a luxury B&B
- Palazzo Bozzi Corso is a B&B with a difference: it's all-out luxury and an absolutely world-beating stay. A neoclassical palazzo dating back to the 18th-century, in keeping with its former grandeur. The spacious rooms have plush linens, high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, French windows, and refreshingly simple decor. Relax in the lush garden or take a cooking class with a local chef. A stand out choice.
For great value
- Palazzo Ducale Venturi is perfectly placed for sightseeing, a fantastic five-star hotel in Puglia between the sea and historic towns. The beautifully renovated 15th-century palazzo comes with two pools, yoga, cooking classes, a pampering spa and beautifully appointed, breezy old stone rooms. With great rates too, this one is hard to beat.
- Incredible value for money, Relais la Sommita has Michelin-star dining, a pampering (and extensive spa) and a plunge pool, all set in a 16th-century palazzo in the heart of Ostuni. Expect bare stone walls, minimalist white furnishings and vaulted ceilings - it's an airy delight, and one of the best value five-star hotels that Puglia has to offer.
- Watch the sun go down at Palazzo del Corso, another value-chic five-star hotel in Puglia. Perched above the sea, this refined and sophisticated luxury hotel boasts airy rooms with four-posters and elegant decor. The rooftop terrace, and the bar, are good fun, the seafood is delectable and the spa is a pampering affair. A luxury stay that won't break the bank.
- The best value five-star hotel in Puglia that's on this list, Relais Villa San Martino is surrounded by olive groves and parkland. Flower-filled terraces spill out towards the massive pool, with elegant pastel-hued suites furnished with antiques and balconies. Complete with a spa, this is superb value for money.
- For a five-star city stay in Lecce, your best bet would be Risorgimento Resort. With its roof garden, laid-back bistro, fine dining restaurant and spacious, contemporary rooms, it's a real treat. But what makes it amazing value for money is the spa: multisensory showers, beauty centre and a Turkish bath.
Still not sure which to book?
