
Puglia, in the heel of Italy, isn’t just about historical sites or a fabulous coastline – though it has both of those. It’s also a region where you can go for complete relaxation with a stay at a spa hotel. Some of Puglia’s spa hotels offer plenty of other activities, too, so the whole family will be entertained – several are on the coast close to beaches – while others are in historic towns so you can combine culture with relaxation. And several are rural hideaways where peace is guaranteed.
Luxury spa hotels

- The village-style resort of Borgo Egnazia, close to the beaches of Savelletri, has a large and lavish spa where toga-clad therapists induce a sense of serenity. This luxury, family hotel has a beach club, several pools, tennis courts, and choice of restaurants, while rooms are huge affairs in soft shades; the best with private gardens and plunge-pools.
- Two other Puglian spa hotels near Savelletri’s beaches are Masseria San Domenico and Masseria Torre Coccaro. The former is a sophisticated resort-style hotel with a spa specialising in thalassotherapy treatments. Rooms are elegant country-house plus there’s a golf course, private beach and salt-water pool. Masseria Torre Coccaro has an Aveda spa, outdoor pool plus a private beach. Rooms in the handsome restored farmhouse are styled with elegant rustic charm.
- The vast spa at Borgo Bianco, a contemporary resort near the pebble-white beaches of Polignano a Mare, includes a vitality pool, Turkish bath and sauna as well as a tempting range of treatments. Rooms are airy, cool and white, many with balconies or terraces.
- For something a little more boutiquey, take a look at Masseria Mongio, close to the beach near Otranto. This former farmhouse has been converted into contemporary rooms that retain original features of beams, exposed-stone walls and flagged floors, and all with garden or terrace. The spa includes a Turkish bath and sauna plus there’s a garden with large pool, bikes to borrow and a small spa.
Mid-range spa hotels

- For a luxury spa hotel at an affordable price, the Palazzo del Corso on the Gallipoli peninsula ticks the box. There’s a top-class spa with sauna, hot tub and pool while bedrooms are quietly elegant in pale colours, some with stunning sea views. The rooftop bar, with plunge-pool, has terrific views.
- Also exceptional value is Il Melograno, a 16th-century farmhouse with Moorish outbuildings. In contrast to the contemporary spa – with its huge indoor pool – rooms are furnished with antiques. There’s also an outdoor pool, flower-filled courtyards and private beach.
- The charming country villa, Relais Villa San Martino, is also furnished with antiques and offers 21 elegant rooms in traditional country-house style. The comfortable spa specialises in regenerative treatments (as well as the full range of other therapies) plus there are beautiful grounds, a pool and a romantic dining room which all add up to a truly relaxing stay.
- For a mix of traditional and contemporary, the Puglian spa hotel of Ottolire Resort would be our choice. The traditional stone farmhouse has been given a sympathetic modern makeover including a spa in a former trullo with hammam, hot tub and sensory shower. There’s a delightful pool in the terraced garden and a modern restaurant.
Good-value spa hotels

- In Ostuni, one of Puglia’s iconic white towns, the well-named Ostuni Palace offers traditional Italian elegance with beautiful drapes, hardwood floors and pretty pastel shades. The spa includes a sauna and Turkish bath as well as a range of treatments, and there’s an elegant courtyard terrace.
- Also in Ostuni, La Sommità Relais Culti is a good choice for foodies (Michelin-star restaurant) and those who like their room cool and minimalist: white-on-white décor, limestone floors, sleek wooden furniture and fat creamy candles. There’s a small spa with Turkish bath and sauna, plus glorious views from the terraces.
- The bold, design-led Risorgimento, in a gracious building in Lecce, offers great value for money. Rooms mix bold colours and Baroque-style furnishings while the spa includes a hammam and Turkish bath. There’s a stunning rooftop restaurant, too.
Still not sure which to book?
- For more choices and our full range of the best hotels in Puglia, click here.
- Or you could expand your search to include neighbouring Basilicata or The Amalfi Coast.
- Alternatively, you can contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.