Masseria Le Mandorle

Masseria Le Mandorle is one of the newest additions to the Puglia luxury hotel scene, and this small boutique hotel doesn't disappoint. A gorgeous farmhouse conversion, you'll find beautifully restored rooms and suites which exude contemporary style, whilst not forgetting the period details. The public spaces in particular have paid attention to the original features: the restaurant is housed in a room with stunning barrel-vaulted ceiling and the bar too boasts beamed ceiling, white washed walls and original stone work.

There are twelve rooms ranging from cosy to grand, and whilst they may vary in size, what you'll find in every one is a fabulously comfy bed, oversized monsoon shower, fine Italian linens and spoiling organic olive oil based complimentary toiletries. The decor is subtle and chic; think neutral palettes brightened up with a colourful headboard here or a patterned cushion there. But the overall vibe is relaxed and stylish. For something special go for one of the spacious suites, each one has either a private balcony or terrace and walk-in wet room.

The restaurant at the Masseria is another reason to book. Food is part of the raison d'etre here. Chef Odette Fada (who also oversees the top notch cookery school at sister property Castello di Ugento) is passionate about local seasonal produce so you can expect a gastronomic journey with Puglia's "cucina povera" as its theme.

For those who like a bit of activity there's plenty on offer here too: there's a tennis court (which can also be used for basketball if that's more your thing) on site, plus large pool and terrace with outdoor hot tub. Or you can borrow a bike and either head out to the nearest beach or explore the surrounding countryside at your leisure. A short boat ride to the waterfront restaurants of Gallipoli and just an hour from Brindisi airport.

For an elegant, sophisticated stay with lots going on, you'd be hard pressed to top this masseria.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Restaurant
• Serving seasonal local cuisine with a wood fired pizza oven for casual bites.
• Suites
• Each of the three suites comes with private balcony or terrace.
• Swimming Pool
• Outdoor pool with surrounding terrace and loungers
• Minimum Stay
• There is a minimum stay of 3 nights.
• Hot Tub
• Outdoor hot tub terrace
• Sit-out Terrace
• Bicycles available

• Roof terrace
• Bar
• Safe
• Wifi
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Air conditioning
• Gym

• Cooking classes
• Pop down the road to sister property Castello di Ugento for its top notch cookery school
• Sights nearby
• Ugento is home to a world class archaeological museum and Gallipoli is very close by.
• Great walks
• There are plenty of excellent walking trails in the surrounding countryside.
• Wine tasting
• Enjoy a tutored wine tasting with the Masseria's sommelier

• Other Activities
• Shoot some hoops at the onsite basketball court
• Tennis
• On site tennis court
• Tennis coaching

Why do people love staying in your hotel? At Masseria le Mandorle our guests feel an authentic bond with the territory, history and Apulian culinary tradition. Masseria le Mandorle is a newly restored farmhouse where guests can relax and enjoy our facilities such as a pool, a multi sports field court, a state of the art fitness room, a rooftop Jacuzzi and our traditional dinners under the stars in our beautiful courtyard. A lovely destination for a family holiday where children are very welcome.

What is there to do in the area or on site? The white sandy beaches of the Ionian, the tip of the heel at Santa Maria di Leuca, at only 25 minutes from Masseria Le Mandorle, the myriad small towns each with its own beautiful piazza and history and of course the proximity with Lecce at only 40 minutes are all gems in our region. The area known as Salento is very rich in treasures to explore not least the authentic and protected town of Ugento with its well established museum of archaeology and crypt. Ugento has been the centre stage of all passages to the orient since the Messapian civilisation dating back to 800BC. Olive oil tasting, wine tasting, hiking, biking, horse riding, boating along both coasts make the stay at Masseria le Mandorle more than unique. Another reason to come to Masseria le Mandorle is the Puglia Culinary Centre situated within the family owned property of sister property Castello di Ugento. We have the most sophisticated teaching kitchens in Puglia and create cooking classes like nowhere else for all food enthusiasts.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? At Masseria le Mandorle food and seasonal produce are our focus and passion. We offer a gourmet breakfast served family style in the refined courtyard or in the cool barrel-vaulted dining room. We propose a large variety of dishes and choices of freshly squeezed juices, sweet and savoury plates, season fruit baskets, homemade breads, cakes, marmalades.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? At Masseria Le Mandorle we celebrate Puglia’s cucina povera “garden to fork”. We offer dinners at our restaurant under the 18th-century vaulted ceiling and in the courtyard. Add a wood-burning oven for pizza and breads , making evenings wonderful for family holidays. Guests from both properties love our Pizza and Pizzica dancing evenings at Masseria and all are welcome. For a special night out, guests from Masseria are welcome to reserve a table at Castello di Ugento’s fine dining restaurant Il Tempo Nuovo where Pugliese Chef Tommaso Sanguedolce uses his passion and experience to artfully interpret Apulian traditional cuisine.

Which is your most popular room, and why? Masseria le Mandorle offers 12 elegant rooms and suites. All the rooms have 5 star beds, over-sized showers and are decorated with creamy colours. Of course, La Salentina, on the first floor of the main building, is very special. It offers a private terrace overlooking the courtyard, the tennis court and the pool.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Children are more than welcome at Masseria le Mandorle and they can enjoy all our facilities such as the pool, the multi sports field for tennis, basketball, mini-football and volleyball, and the fitness room under parental supervision. We have rooms that can fit a third bed or baby cots.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Let yourself be captivated by the enormous charm and beauty of one of the most unique destination in Salento close to the finest beaches of the area. Enjoy silence, relaxation and traditional beauty and live an experience made of local and fresh produce and typical recipes. Let us take care of your stay with experiences we will curate for you.

Masseria le Mandorle: A prefect destination for families.