OK! TRAVEL
ITALY IS NOW WELCOMING BRITISH VISITORS – WITH NO NEED TO QUARANTINE ON ARRIVAL OR WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
WHY GO THERE?
The unspoiled region of Puglia, on the heel of the boot of southern Italy, is a popular holiday spot due to the ease of flying to its two airports – Bari and Brindisi. Holidaymakers are drawn to the sandy beaches along its 500-mile Adriatic Sea coastline, its stunning whitewashed hilltop towns and valleys dotted with the region’s iconic conical-shaped trulli houses. Puglia has a loyal celeb following, too, with the Beckhams enjoying a family holiday there last summer as did Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.
WHERE TO STAY?
There are many masseria – fortified stone farmhouses often with watchtowers – scattered across Puglia. They were built from the 14th century onwards to protect against sea-faring invaders. Several of these, such as the delightful Masseria San Domenico (above), have been turned into boutique hotels.
The family owned and run hotel is a perfect spot for couples to relax and if you’re lucky, as OK! was, you may even spy a celebrity (international DJ and producer Mark Ronson) from your sun lounger! Although the 40-bedroom retreat has a traditional design, with arched passageways and shaded piazzas scented with bougainvillea and jasmine, the interiors are elegant and luxurious. OK! stayed in a Junior Garden Suite with an outdoor patio facing olive groves, which was just a short stroll from the seawater pool.
Puglia is famed for its cuisine and the hotel’s wonderfully atmospheric stone-vaulted dining room is the perfect place to try some traditional dishes – such as pasta with pork sausage and peppers, and tricotta and cinnamon crepes. If you fancy a change of scenery, head to Domenico’s sister hotel Masseria Le Carrube, near the enchanting hilltop town of Ostuni, where OK! was a big fan of its vegetarian Sunday brunch.
MUST-DO ACTIVITIES?
Only 500 metres from the coast, guests at San Domenico can walk, cycle or get a shuttle bus to the private beach, where you’ll find sun loungers and La Nassa, a lovely al fresco beachfront restaurant famed for its linguine with lobster sauce.
Book a thalassotherapy cellulite-busting treatment using mineral-rich seawater or an olive oil-infused massage at the hotel’s impressive wellness centre that also features an indoor pool.
Hire a car, as there’s so much to see in the vicinity and further afield. OK! spent a lovely day visiting Matera in the neighbouring region of Basilicata that was the designated European Capital of Culture last year. Built on a rocky outcrop, the city is famous for its labyrinth of cave dwellings that have been carved into the mountainside. The historic city and the Unesco-protected caves have a starring role in the next James Bond movie, No Time To Die.
No trip to Puglia would be complete without viewing some of the conical-shaped stone trulli houses. The best place to see them in all their glory is the pretty cobbled town of Alberobello (below), where many have been turned into souvenir shops and restaurants.
WHERE CAN I DINE AND BE SEEN?
Spectacularly positioned on the edge of a rugged cliff pockmarked with caves overlooking the sea, the coastal town of Polignano a Mare is one of the oldest settlements in Puglia. Get lost in the narrow winding streets of the medieval old town or soak up the sun on the gorgeous beach, flanked by cliffs from which local teenagers dive into the water below.
If you’re in the mood for love – or should we stay amore – you should book ahead for a meal at Grotta Palazzese (above), an upmarket restaurant in Polignano. Set in a candlelit natural cave, this must be one of the most romantic places OK! has ever dined. And it wasn’t just OK! that thought this as, while we were devouring our lobster ravioli, we witnessed a marriage proposal!
Book ahead to get a ringside seat with a sea view.