Dream boutique hotels in Lecce and around
The majestic entrance @ Mantatelure
Ancient palazzos, masserias, seafront suites: Salento offers a plethora of refined accomodations where the local heritage meets the contemporary with style and creativity. As well as a sense of hospitality that will win your heart instantly. Welcome to dreamland
PALAZZO GUIDO | Lecce
Experience the Leccese aristocratic living from back in the day at this romantic palazzo, where former journalist turned hotelier Geltrude Guido keeps alive the memory and the style of her grandma Donna Geltrude. She obviously had a vision of grandeur here, with a creative mix of the antique and the contemporary that taks you back to another era. Without sacrificing the comfort of a modern b&b. It all feels regal here– think details such as breakfast served in the marvelous nonna’s porcelains and rare silver cutleries. Also a gem is the mini spa set in the palazzo’s former stable
MANTATELURE | Lecce
Charming guest house set in a building dating back to 1550.Besides the convenient location and the charming essential design, this place’s magic lays in their care of details. Guests here feel ultra-pampered, unique and special in an atmosphere of quality hospitality at great value for money. How not to love their in-house bakery, which delivers every morning the freshest croissants and bread? Or the multi-channel dedicated radio making music lovers feel at home? Or the large choice of pillows? It’s all about details, yes, and beauty, and real sense of hospitality
PALAZZO DE NOAH | Lecce
Their motto “Research into the beautiful” could not be more appropriate for this ancient palazzo from the 1500, half way between the Lecce movida and one of the old town’s few remaining intact areas. A thrilling mixture of comfort, art & design and good service, guests fall in love with the domestic feel that perfectly blends with this “lifestyle design hotel” luxurious yet casual approach. Where everything is artsy and creative, let alone elegant. The rooftop hosts a smal pool, perfect for a urban sunbath or one of their excellent apertitivo. Very fancy indeed
MASSERIA BERNARDINI | Nardò
One of the very first high-end relais in the region, the glamorous Masseria Bernardini still is one of my very favorite. Set in one of Salento’s sweetest country areas – and only 5 minutes from the sea- this is the ideal place for a discerned stay in nature and relax. The fine interiors, the luxuriant vegetation, the big alfresco space where to have memorable dinners by the pool, and last but not least the vast collection from some of Italy’s most renowned contemporary artists, make this masseria a Salento benchmark. You can really sample the truest Italian style here (with a slight Asian feel too)and it is all authentic and unpretentious: pure uncompromised quality. Also available for rent as a whole villa
LE CAPASE | S.Cesarea
Santa Cesarea Terme is one of the few villages that aren’t chaotic even in august. And it is beautiful, really beautiful. So is this resort set by the cliff, harmoniously surrounded by majestic rocks, wild plants and the bluest sea. The infinity pool is breath taking, so is the private access to the sea (formally the ancient path the local fishermen used to reach their boats). The rooms aren’t overly spacious but still super nice and comfy. The Prestige and Superior suites also come with a private seafront terrace. And when it comes to food, the restaurant delivers quality breakfast and a superb menu from the sea. The experiences on offer include rides on their little private boat; driving on a vintage Fiat 124 car, and some interesting treks. Love it.
CASTLE ELVIRA| Trepuzzi
Now this is cool! Come find the true spirit of London in the deep Salento inland at what the owners claim to be Puglia’s hottest residence. And it might make sense: yes, this is a real castle with torrets (even though it was built in the early 900), where the Puglia bucolic vibe comes nicely revisited in a remarkable London approach. Besides the funky, artsy decor, i love the diffused scent of the incredible variety of indigenous plants surrounding the premise. From the beautiful pool area to the lounge and the four extensive suites (each one with very own personality and good view) the keywords here are beauty and serious comfort. The limited number of the suites helps keeping the level of hospitality as personal as very attentive
NATURALIS | Zollino
Ancient country village turned into world-class hotel offering the discerned clientele a unique Salento journey in deep, stylish connection with mother nature. By combining maximum comfort, top notch service and a number of mind-blowing experiences, your stay at naturalis will be as enjoyable as regenerant: the spa too is one of a kind, with a variety of treatments based on their world famous home-made cosmetics.The rooms and suites are large and elegantly decored with refined rustic antiques, terracotta artefacts and precious hand-crafted textiles. Also awesome are the majestic pool, the decadent breakfast and the good farm-to-table restaurant: all the elements for a sensorial Salento bliss are right here awaiting you
VIGNA CORALLO | Otranto
This is the only vinery by the sea in Salento, a young establishment producing a wine whose unique character is also transported into the lovely resort built among the vineyard. Just a short walk from the Baia dei Turchi – one of Italy’s most spectacular beaches – Tenute Corallo consists of eleven apartments all with private outside patio overlooking the vineyards, and a vast communal area dominated by an extensive pool, a fine restaurant and a bar. The large rooms guarantee comfort and privacy. They are not any glamurous but still nice and fresh. Of course wine takes the scene here, so expect big wine tastings, glasses a go-go and visits to the vinery. The lucky September guests could take part to the harvest. Amazing place, nice and unpretentious, so far highly recommend
BASTIONI S. DOMENICO | Gallipoli
There is no better place than this if you want to wake up, just open the windows and enjoy a privileged view of the Jonian sea, along with the vibrant life of an ancient fisherman town. Located all the way upon the ramparts of old town Gallipoli, this small relais is as stylish as convenient. In fact Gallipoli gets super busy in summer, and not many hotels can offer that sense of peace and calm that you can experience here… despite being close to the big summer buzz. You will hardly want to leave your room with such a view, so much comfort and such pleasant interiors. If so, make sure that you won’t miss a dinner at their restaurant “Il Bastione”, which is one of Gallipoli’s benchmarks for all seafood and fresh fish. Service is very good here, with decades being in the hospitality business they will surely make your stay in Gallipoli as memorable as unique
