Furnirussi Tenuta

Hotel review

Furnirussi Tenuta started as a bare plot of land back in 2006 when the De Santis family decided to embark on this project. The land had been used for centuries by shepherds and the De Santis family have roots in the area going back generations. The story started with the gradual planting of 6000 certified organic fig trees (48 varieties) reviving an ancient tradition of the area, along with the building of the house which then became a boutique hotel in 2012 which now has 29 roooms and suites. Owners Luigi and Francesco both studied hospitality and have worked in the international hotel arena gleaning as much experience as possible to enable them to offer guests the best Puglian experience possible which they do with grace and a generosity of spirit.

Authentic charm and warm hospitality coupled with a chic, relaxed vibe makes Furnirussi one of the best hotels in Salento and Puglia. The interiors are light and fresh in a soft muted colour palette of whites, greys and beiges; floors are covered with rugs made by the local nuns, furniture, made in Puglia, adorned with local ceramics. Rooms and suites are bright and spacious; there are some that have interconnecting rooms, making them ideal for families. Bathrooms are modern and British brand Votary bath and body products packaged in aluminium are used to avoid the use of plastic in keeping with the organic way of living. Room 104, one of the hotel's dazzling suites has a huge private terrace with panoramic views across the estate and would work for a family of four with small children but is also wonderful as a romantic hideaway.

The area 'Grecia Salentino' is rich in culture and many locals still speak with a Greek dialect - in fact from Otranto, which is 10 minutes by car, and the most eastern point of Italy, you can reach a handful of small Greek islands within 1.5 hours by boat. The expansive pool has a decidedly beach feel to it and there's a pool bar which is open May to October. It's made from marble powder a and is certified with a patent in bio design making it entirely organic. Keen to keep up with your fitness? There's a 2.5km track around the property if you like to run or you'll find the gym, equipped with Technogym machines in the garden and even in the summer it's cool enough to work out as three of the glass walls slide open providing a refreshing through breeze. The spacious spa can be booked for two to four people. There are two treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, hammam and emotional shower and all treatments use local Pugliese produucts.

Sip a cocktail from a gluten-free pasta straw by the pool or in the sitting room before making your way to 'Il Ristorante';a relaxed affair with simple, delicious and mostly organic food. If it's not in season it's not on the menu. The organic fig jam at breakfast from the estate is delicious mixed in with ricotta, we finished a whole jar in one sitting! Organic herbs come directly from the kitchen garden, oranges, cherries, pears, lemons, medlars and figs from the estate and olive oil from the hotel's olive trees. Try Il Spaghettone with their organic home made tomato sauce, made with the rare datterino tomato, it's the best you'll ever have or the fresh grilled octopus with mint mashed potato and chicory, tender, healthy and delicious. Foodie heaven where you can enjoy 'dolce far nient' (the sweetness of doing nothing) and a place where absolutely nothing is too much trouble.

Lulu Townsend Review published: 21/10/2024