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WHEN Justin Timberlake married actress Jessica Biel, they had sunshine in their pocket – and blissful surroundings befitting a showbiz superstar couple.
They tied the knot in the haven of Borgo Egnazia, a luxury retreat that blends fivestar style with the heritage of Puglia, the sun-kissed region in the heel of Italy.
Located between the Itria Valley – filled with the white-walled Trulli houses for which the region is famous – and the quiet seaside town of Salvelletri, the dazzling limestone complex is within striking distance of all the best Puglia has to offer.
It’s easy to spend hours wandering among the 1,000-year-old olive groves.
Or exploring the UNESCO world heritage sites of Alberobello. Or visiting the stone city of Matera. Or enjoying a wine tasting at a beautiful local vineyard just a short car journey from the hotel.
If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful surroundings of Borgo Egnazia itself, that is.
The team of local advisors on hand at the hotel is keen for guests to explore their beautiful part of the world through the people, the food and the landscape.
A highlight of our four-day stay at Borgo Egnazia was a wine tasting organised by our advisor Helena at Terrie di San Vito vineyard.
The warm and welcoming owner Giovanni showed us around the beautiful estate he runs at the age of just 27.
The wine was impeccable, but what was truly special was the welcome, the company and the laughter while learning about the culture, history and, of course, the wine of the area.
The warmth of the Puglian people was a recurring theme of our stay, and was reflected in the hotel.
No detail was overlooked in the design of Borgo Egnazia. The mastermind behind the hotel, Pino Brescia – born in the nearby town of Fasano – has ensured that every nook of the complex harks back to the essence of Puglian life.
The keys and ropes adorning the walls reflect the area’s farming heritage, while the hotel’s logo, consisting of four uneven squares, symbolises sunlight piercing the windows during each of the four seasons.
The history of Puglia is also reflected in the accommodation options. La Corte, in the central part of the complex, is the most hotel-like of the three styles on offer. The sophisticated, soothing interior oozes chic and is targeted at couples and those on an individual break.
La Corte houses a gourmet restaurant, two outdoor pools, one indoor pool and a spa, which specialises in treatments to help both body and mind.
Children are not allowed to stay in La Corte over peak season, but Borgo Egnazia isn’t aimed solely at adults.
The Borgo – or ‘village’ – is home to the Kids’ Club and an outdoor play area for children, as well as a heated pool and kids’ restaurant. The Borgo consists of 92 apartments situated around a piazza, mirroring a traditional Puglian village.
Finally, Borgo Egnazia houses 29 villas, each run by their own ‘massaia’ – a Puglian housewife who cooks, cleans and brings a warm, motherly feeling to the grand villas.
All but one of the villas are the same size, but vary in price depending on the size of private pool and garden surrounding the white hitelimestonewallslimestone walls.
The 29th villa – Villa Padronale, or Owner’s Villa – extends over 500 square metres, with seven bedrooms with en suites over three floors, plus a 27-metre private pool.
Our local advisers recommended some of the region’s highlights, which included excursions to the beautiful Alberobello and Polignano A Mare, allowing us to experience the local culture and way of life.
A trip to Masseria Maccarone gave us another insight to the history and the Puglian lifestyle.
The owner, Alejandro, showed us around his beautiful farmhouse, enclosed in rolling olive orchards, and explained the importance of his olive oil to the region.
The twisted branches of olive trees, like living sculptures dotting the countryside, spread as far as the eye can see.
Alejandro’s property is a perfect snapshot of Puglia’s beauty, and something you can experience by taking a leisurely bike ride from the hotel.
Whether you want to relax, to experience the culture or have a more active holiday, Puglia could well be the place for you.
And, as Mr and Mrs Timberlake discovered, Borgo Egnazia is a wonderful starting point.