The Nardò-based Tenuta Monastero Santa Teresa is a Baronial palace dating back to the 14th century which was later donated to the Vatican, who converted it into a Monastery. Under the Napoleonic influence of the 18th century, it was confiscated and fell into the hands of numerous noble families until it was finally acquired by the current owner Antonello Rizzetto who alongside the Italian architect Luigi Ripa, took the palace back to its former splendour and opened its doors as an ‘Albergo Diffuso’. The property is comprised of four grand palazzi, with a total of 30 contemporary-designed rooms treasured among frescoed walls, grand 12 metre high vaulted ceilings and sumptuous ornaments that walk you through centuries of architectural styles – the most notable being the original intricate baroque rose window and sculpted portico. Two of the four palazzos of the ‘Albergo Diffuso’ boast large swimming pools, while Relais il Magnano houses a rooftop terrace with eye-catching views across the historical centre of Nardò, as well as a restaurant that delivers the magnificent flavours of Salento. Nardò in itself is a great base for discovering the treasures of the south, as well as simply strolling through its cobblestone streets, admiring the ornate balconies and glamorous arches that represent centuries worth of history. Lucrezia Worthington
Address: Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 31, 73048 Nardò LE, Italy
Ostuni a Mare, Ostuni
Ostuni a Mare is the contemporary evolution of Rosa Marina Resort, owned by the Marseglia family since 1984 which, under consultation of the Gruppo Egnazia, has seen a trendy new restyle ready to show off from the 9th May. Situated along the Adriatic coast of Ostuni, Ostuni a Mare represents the beauty of its territory through its whitewashed, coastal chic design. Twenty new suites will be added to the 240 rooms as well as a brand new lounge and restaurant. For sports fanatics Ostuni a Mare is a playground; there are tennis, padel and volleyball courts, two football fields (one for the minis), a gym complete with Technogym equipment overlooking the swimming pool and, for golfers, the 18-hole San Domenico Golf Club is only a short drive away. As for the beach, a sandy private cove framed by the rocks is within walking distance from the resort. Lucrezia Worthington
Address: Via Carlo Gallozzi, 18, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
Borgo Valle Rita, Ginosa
On the boarder between Puglia and Basilicata, only a few kilometers away from the Ionian Sea, lies Borgo Valle Rita, a sprawling 103-hectare family-owned agricultural estate. Acquired in 1972 by Pasquale Lunati, today, three generations later, it’s overseen by his grandson Carlo and his wife Antonella who have given a dynamic new life to this estate. Adjacent to the Rita stream, which lends its name to the property, lies an ancient palm grove leading to a rustic 14th-century manor restored by the Milan-based architect Anna Mazzucchelli. With a commitment to preserving its historical significance, local materials like the ‘tufo pugliese’ stone were used and matched with simple furnishings sourced from local artisans. There are 15 rooms, apartments and villas each with its unique design. At the restaurant, housed beneath an elegant barrel-vaulted ceiling, you can savour a farm-to-table style menu curated by the chefs, who celebrate Apulian heritage through a seasonal menu blending traditional recipes with contemporary culinary techniques. Additionally, guests can enjoy a swimming pool offering breathtaking valley views, a tennis court, and three scenic hiking or mountain biking trails, with complimentary classic and electric bikes available for use throughout their stay. Lucrezia Worthington
