Don Ferrante

Puglia is a picturesque corner of Italy that's steeped in history, therefore, many of the best design hotels in the region beautifully mix the old and the new. From ancient Masseria (large farmhouses) to 16th-century forts on the edge of the sea - there are some truly spectacular choices. Our hotel experts have scouted out a concise collection of the best design hotels in Puglia. Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a family break or a gastronomic experience - there is something to suit all tastes here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your trip?

For foodies

Paragon 700

  • A welcome new addition on the hotel scene of Puglia, Paragon 700 is a red palazzo in the white city of Opuni. The rooms are rustic-chic, spare and artisan, with antiques, faded walls, cathedral ceilings and wide-open balconies. Expect Michelin-star cuisine and a pampering spa.

For great value

Sa Suites

  • Design-led properties don't often come with a reasonable price tag, but Sa Suites bucks the trend. Here the elegant, spacious interiors are totally on trend, whilst still managing to incorporate the building's original high ceilings and smart polished wood floors. The facilities are superb (tennis court, swimming pool and bikes for hire) and you're just 15 minutes from gorgeous Lecce.

For a B&B


  • Corte dei Francesci is a former tannery and one of the best value design hotels in Puglia. The rustic-chic rooms are draped in breezy white linens, with exposed stone walls hung with artworks and chic splashes of colour. Snug, stylish and comfortable!
  • Palazzo de Noha is another charming B&B perched on a quiet cobbled street in Lecce. An adults-only stylish old townhouse conversion with its own contemporary art gallery. Light-filled rooms are a cool mix of rustic-minimalism and chic decor. A rooftop plunge pool and bicycles to hire make this a truly hip stay.

For a rural escape

Masseria Bagnara

  • The rooms and suites at Masseria Bagnara come in all shapes and sizes. The unique rooms of this gorgeous villa set in stunning Puglian countryside range from white, modern affairs to more traditional options with vaulted ceilings and four-posters. The spa is a delight, the pool affords astounding views of vineyards and the hot tub on the sun terrace is the perfect place to unwind.
  • A lovingly restored Masseria in the heart of the countryside, the original features of Masseria Trapana make it one of Puglia's most enchanting design hotels. Featuring fading frescoes, alfresco baths, cast iron beds and exposed stone walls set alongside floor-to-ceiling windows. With yoga in the garden and delicious homegrown food - what's not to love?
  • Just steps from the beach, Masseria Mongio is one of the best located design hotels in Puglia. The 12 individually-styled suites have rustic-chic minimalist decor. Expect exposed brickwork, cool tiled floors, overhanging beams, and rooms that open out onto private terraces. The seafood restaurant is divine and the pool is a lovely place to relax on a hot summer's day!

For a romantic break


  • One of Puglia's most romantic design hotels, La Fiermontina offers warm and seriously chic rooms with pinnacled ceilings, sink-into beds and tasteful arts - all in a minimalist style. Perfect for couples - relax in the pool surrounded by olive trees, or dine on some delectable Puglian cuisine. Simple, beautiful and intimate.
  • Don Ferrante is one of the most unique (and beautiful) design hotels that Puglia has to offer, a gorgeous boutique set in a 16th-century fort staring out to sea. The rooms are breezy, with vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls, artisan furnishings and chic splashes of art. Couples will love the romance of the candlelit rooftop restaurant in the evening and the on-demand massages!
  • Palazzo Daniele nestles quietly in the historic coastal town of Gagliano del Capo. Certainly one of the most unique design hotels in Puglia, the interiors are a beautiful combination of uber-modern minimalism and original features. The pool sits in the shadow of the ivy-covered walls, and the chef serves up regional, locally-sourced dishes.

Still not sure where to book?

The 10 Best Puglia Design Hotels

Corte dei Francesi

Maglie

Contemporary hotel in former tannery. Large rooms have exposed bricks walls, furnishings in cream and white, modern bathrooms and artworks. Sunny outdoor terrace to enjoy breakfast. Short walk from city's sights. Chic, elegant and grown-up.

  • Romantic Break - Elegant rooms with four posters draped in white, charming private terraces and Italian dining close by
  • Sights nearby - Maglie Duomo, Palazzo Baronale Capece, and Madonna Addolorata Church are nearby
  • Great walks - Corte dei Francesi is just a short walk from city centre
  • Boutique
from AU$129 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Don Ferrante

Monopoli

A seriously stylish conversion of an ancient fort overlooking the Adriatic. Individually designed rooms have travertine vaulted ceilings, and elegant furnishings. There's a little rooftop plunge pool for cooling off & a myriad of terraces for sitting and soaking up the stunning views. Total bliss!

  • Sights nearby - You're right in the centre of historic Monopoli, but most of Puglia's attractions can be easily reached by car
  • Restaurant - Serving Puglian specialities, Locanda Don Ferrante is an outdoor restaurant overlooking the sea.
  • Views - Stunning views over the Adriatic Sea
  • Swimming Pool - Small outdoor pool
from AU$453 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Fiermontina

Lecce

A small corner of tranquility in central Lecce. Bearing distinctive local architecture, the hotel's minimalist aesthetic is complimented by pinnacled ceilings and tasteful modern art. Relax by the swimming pool, surrounded by olive groves, and enjoy some delicious Pugliese cuisine.

  • Total relaxation - A modern retreat in the heart of town - an urban idyll
  • Romantic Break - A great escape to take a loved one
  • Sights nearby - Within five minutes walk of Basilica of Santa Croce, Roman Amphitheatre and Duomo Square.
  • Local markets - Browse the local markets of Lecce.
from AU$534 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Masseria Trapana

Puglia

An immaculately converted Masseria providing the ultimate in laid-back luxury. Airy rooms and suites feature large floor to ceiling windows, exposed stone walls and delicate cast iron beds. Sample the best of Puglian cuisine with much of the produce coming from the kitchen garden. Total bliss.

  • Romantic Break - Privacy, tranquility and al fresco baths designed for two.
  • Total relaxation - A secluded abode ideal for lazy days under the sun.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the trulli houses in the UNESCO heritage Alberobello. The towns of Ostuni, Gallipoli & Martina Franca are nearby.
  • Cooking classes - Offered in spring & autumn, specialising in Cucina Povera. Enquire for dates of cooking weeks.
from AU$486 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Masseria Bagnara

Puglia

A luxurious masseria set in glorious Puglian countryside. Rooms are chic and contemporary with crisp white linen, exposed stone, white washed walls and luxurious bathrooms. Expect fabulous wines, an abundance of outdoor pursuits (for those who choose) and plenty of quiet spots to simply unwind.

  • Country Escape - A beautiful masseria offering both luxury and remoteness in a glorious part of rural Italy.
  • Cooking classes - Learn to make Apulian dishes in the cookery school.
  • Sailing - Spend a whole day aboard a luxurious yacht.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from AU$272 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Masseria Mongio

Puglia (Puglia)

An elegant masseria conversion just north of Otranto. Seventeen individually designed suites offer chic minimalist accommodation, and all come with either a private terrace or garden. Large outdoor pool, excellent restaurant specialising in Salento cuisine, and just steps from the beach.

  • Local exploring - A great base for exploring this beautiful corner of Puglia
  • Spa - There is a spa with a large spa bath, Turkish bath, sauna, multi-sensory shower and herbal tea corner
  • Restaurant - Serves typical cuisine of the Salento region using mainly local produce
  • Sights nearby - The historic coastal town of Otranto is just a few minutes in the car
from AU$265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Paragon 700

Ostuni

The only red palazzo in the white city of Ostuni, Paragon 700 is an absolutely stunning addition to the boutique hotel scene in Puglia. A timeless place where elegance and history are found in each one of the beautifully finished rooms and suites. Plus a gourmet restaurant & pool. Open year-round.

  • Local exploring - The white cities and Valle d’Itria Golf are 30 minutes away.
  • Short break - It's easy to reach Puglia, fly to Bari or Brindisi.
  • Honeymoons - Luxurious, quiet and private.
  • Sights nearby - The white cities and Valle d’Itria Golf are jut 30 minutes away.
from AU$486 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palazzo de Noha

Lecce

A boutique property in the heart of historic Lecce. The old building has been renovated by its art-loving owners and now also boasts a superb contemporary art gallery. Rooms are spacious and bright with a simple white-on-white-style, and there's the added bonus of a roof terrace with plunge pool.

  • Local exploring - Set in the heart of the city with many of the main attractions within walking distance
  • City Style - A stylish design hotel filled with antiques and artworks
  • Sights nearby - Visit the 17th century Basilica di Sante Croce and admire its stunning Baroque facade
  • Swimming Pool - Small plunge pool on the roof terrace
from AU$308 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palazzo Daniele

Puglia (Gagliano del Capo (LE))

A lovingly restored palazzo set in the quiet coastal town of Gagliano del Capo. The interiors have been entirely reworked culminating in a heady mix of original features and cool minimalist style. Homemade regional meals are exceptional and the courtyard pool and sauna are utterly divine.

  • Foodies - A local chef cooks regional dishes with organic produce. The menu is decided on the day and is always bound to impress
  • Total relaxation - Send days strolling through the palazzo, reading a book beside the pool, and relaxing in the sauna
  • Great walks - Enjoy long walks along the coast stopping for swimming breaks along the way
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from AU$549 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sa Suites

Puglia (Puglia)

About 15 minutes north of Lecce, Sa Suites is a new elegant hotel whose spacious interiors are modern but retain original high ceilings, polished wooden floors; all rooms have outdoor spaces. Extras include an outdoor pool, tennis court, bikes, restaurant & bar. Ideal for relaxation or exploring.

  • Local exploring - Situated just outside a village a few km north of Lecce, Sa Suites is ideally located for exploring the whole region
  • Total relaxation - Beautifully designed interiors and great facilities: there's no need to leave!
  • Groups - There is a three bedroom suite which can easily accommodate six people
  • City Style - A period property with chic up-to-the-minute interiors
from AU$199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Edmund Wise

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