Near or far, we go on holiday for your benefit
There’s plenty to discover in Italy, and until recently the sleepy fishing towns that dot its northeastern coast was pretty much undiscovered by the masses. It has everything the Italophile in me craves: the burning Italian sun, an endless Mediterranean coastline, an abundance of fresh seafood and centuries old history. Last September I headed to Puglia to check out the newly launched Masseria Torre Maizza, a new feather in the cap for Rocco Forte Hotels.
A16th-century farmhouse transformed into a heavenly retreat on Italy’s Adriatic coast, Masseria Torre Maizza is set amidst ancient olive groves and a sprawling, verdant garden. A seaside sanctuary that marries lush natural beauty with an elegant Italian aesthetic and the distinct, warm Forte hospitality, it provides a perfect retreat to explore the stunning region of Puglia.
There are plenty of hotels on this coast that can curate holiday fun, but nowhere could be smarter or more sparkling with sophistication than at Masseria Torre Maizza.
The bright and airy rooms and suites are exquisitely decorated in a contemporary eclectic style and have views out to the terrace or to the gardens. The suite that I was assigned to has a private terrace and an expansive roofdeck complete with a daybed for soaking in the beautiful Puglia sunsets in privacy.
Lavish features like Italian floor tiles, oversized beds covered with luxurious Italian linen, finely crafted furniture and a mountain of pillows are perfectly complemented by sophisticated in-room amenities like rain shower, a deep bathtub that looks out to a private courtyard, Wi-fi and an espresso machine. Exquisite local craftsmanship
throughout in the form of beautiful ceramics from the neighboring town of Grottaglie adds distinctive Italian detail that echoes the cultural uniqueness of the region.
Measuring at 80 square metres with sweeping vistas of the entire resort and the ocean beyond, the two-bedroom suite offers guests the ultimate luxury experience. Housed in the distinct tower building by the entrance to the resort, it consists of two bedrooms, a lounge, a dining area in an open-plan style and a spacious sundeck with daybeds. Let the butler indulge your every whim by arranging spa treatments, private yoga sessions, and sunset cocktails prior to an intimate dinner on the private deck.
A series of indulgent imbibing and dining experiences are available within its exceptionally stylish surroundings, with an ambience that perfectly combines the laid-back spirit of Puglia with the marriage of Italian tastes and local flavours. Carosello, the main restaurant, offers the perfect setting to melt to into the chilled-out vibes of Puglia while savouring their locally inspired dishes. A simple of lunch of pizzas, pastas and salads are available at the resort’s pool bar and restaurant, located next to the bustling pool.
But my favourite has to be the Bougainvillea Bar – an Instagram-worthy venue that features an outdoor terrace decked with pretty bamboo lounges and creeping bougainvilleas. Many of my evenings were spent here enjoying delicious pre-dinner cocktails prepared by Francesco, who helms the cavernous bar, while being entertained by Carmelo – the resident entertainer who will get you tapping along to his repertoire of English and Italian songs. And if that doesn’t perk you up, his colour coordinated ensemble and cheerful antics will surely brighten your evening.
It’s just a stroll into the azure waters of the Adriatic sea after a leisurely lunch at the nearby private beach club, where there is access to a wealth of water activities. Back at the resort, guests have the option to indulge in a 9-hole game of golf or whack some balls at the driving range. A leisurely horseback ride can be arranged, or you can just set up camp by the swimming pool that looks directly out onto acres of unspoiled landscapes studded with citrus and olive trees. For a little me-time, drop by the spa for a massage and a range of beauty treatments, or work up a sweat amongst lemon trees at the open-air gym located next to the pool area.
And when the yearn to dive into local culture kicks in, the resort offers a range of unique activities and excursions to provide guests with ample opportunities to explore its idyllic surroundings. Pay a visit to the picturesque Alberobello village and take a close look at the UN world heritage Trulli houses the village is known for, all of which are made entirely of local limestones. The village of Martina Franca, also known as festival town, is home to buildings with exquisite baroque details that have been the backdrop of the Summer Opera Festival since 1975.
Also within easy distance is Locorotondo, and we encourage you to get lost exploring its labyrinthine alleys and walkways while soaking up the rich architectural details of this pretty little town, while the picturesque whitewashed buildings originating from Grecian times is sure to astound you over at Ostuni village. And that, frankly, is just touching on the surface of this Puglia region that offers a truly different Italian discovery.
MASSERIA TORRE MAIZZA C.da Coccaro, s.n. 7205 Savelletri di Fasano (Brindisi) Puglia, ITALY Tel: 39 063 288 8890