Paragon 700

Hotel review

This stunning boutique hotel in Puglia is a hard act to beat on all levels. First of all one night isn’t enough! This magnificent red palazzo (the only one in the White City of Ostuni) is a ravishing 17th-century beauty with 11 unique suites (4 more coming soon). Polished concrete floors kiss wooden parquet floors like lovers under the watchful eye of the original frescoes. Beds are huge, mattresses firm and pillows soft and downy. Vaulted ceilings are adorned with striking, bespoke metal flower lights; the Swiss owners, who used to have a hotel in Cape Town, have mixed and match furniture from all over the world, but the feeling is decidedly Italian in the best, paired down way; chic, understated elegance without a smidge of pretentiousness.

This red palazzo (the only one in Ostuni) should be at the top of your bucket list. Expect French parquet flooring as well as complimentary L:A BRUKET bath and body products and massive Simmons mattresses with soft, downy pillows. Cathedral vaulted ceilings, original frescoes, fireplaces, sunken baths, private terraces and balconies are just some of the other luxurious features. The Paragon Suite is a showstopper, huge, it has its own working fireplace as well as sunken bath and large terrace, perfect for a romantic stay.

The spa, on the lower ground floor, reserved for hotel guests and only two at a time has an emotional shower, private Jacuzzi and treatment area - the room is heated by a Himalayan salt wall. The private parking at Paragon 700 is a rarity in Ostuni and hiring a car is a must if you want to explore Puglia during your stay. You'll find the outdoor swimming pool (the only one in Ostuni) with bar in the spacious garden and there's a private citrus orchard where you can hideaway and catch up on your favourite book. If you're after a bit of beach action head to sister club P-Beach and make the most of the pre-reserved sun beds and umbrellas. Or if you want to keep up with your yoga and Pilates you can book (for an additional cost) into one of the sessions in a secluded part of the garden.

This exceptional hotel wouldn't be complete without an exceptional bar and restaurant; Restaurant 700 offers gourmet contemporary Puglian cuisine with the kitchen led by Milanese Kevin Fornoni who studied music (organ) at the Conservatory of Milan. Kevin paid for his studies by becoming a waiter and then assistant chef and is now one of the most promising chefs to emerge on the Italian food scene. Mixologist extraordinaire Leonardo used to have his own cocktail bar in Ostuni but the owners found his talents irresistible and encouraged him to close it down and head up the bar here - genius idea! The organic fruit is from the owners Masseria and the syrups are homemade. Add to your bucket list if you haven't already.

Lulu Townsend Review published: 2024-10-21