Not many of our clients have ventured down the heel of the boot of Italy, there is a good reason to visit now that Rocco Forte has a newish property. Benjamin recently stayed and enjoyed the best of the best in this enchanting area. Until Masseria Torre Maizza opened, we advised private Villas, as I hadn’t fallen in love with any local properties.

Many reasons to head to Puglia: stunning beaches, sun-soaked days, the darling Trulli houses, and oh, the Florence of the south: Lecce. distinctive rich creamy Baroque architecture with two smashing small hotel properties. The ancient gnarled huge olives trees are older than Jesus, scrumptious cuisine featuring regional specialties like creamy burrata and the tiny ear shaped orecchiette pasta, ancient history and vivacious local culture… experiences in an authentic and less commercial Italian setting. With its rugged coastline, golden beaches, and ancient olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see, this southern gem is a haven for those seeking authentic Italian charm. Rich in history and culture, Puglia’s landscape is dotted with hilltop towns, centuries-old farmland, and architectural wonders that reflect its Greek, Roman, and Norman past.

Whether you’re drawn by the flavors of traditional cuisine, the rhythm of local festivals, or the serene pace of village life, Puglia offers a deep and soulful experience far from the beaten path.We can coordinate days of touring, drive the Puglia Loop in a fun little Fiat! The Baroque town of Lecce stole my heart, dine at classic masserias, taste olive oil in Fasano fields brimming with ancient olive trees, stroll the Trulli villages… Apulian Spirit is contagious!

Masseria Torre Maizza is located in the most glamorous destination on the Italian Adriatic coast. The olive grove that’s lovingly tended on the estate has trees thought to be over a thousand years old. The Torre Maizza grove is still harvested and pressed today to make olive oil—one of Puglia’s globally renowned exports.

Masseria Torre Maizza, one should know that Masseria is translated as farmhouse. This dashing 16th-century Puglian Masseria has been given a contemporary twist to its original design. It has its own golf course and a blue ribbon of sea, as well as 40 bougainvillea-draped rooms, a vine-shaded colonnaded pool and small spa. On-site and beach-side restaurants, and outstanding service complete the picture.

The medieval watch tower of Torre Maizza scans the coastal plains of eastern Puglia to the Adriatic Sea. There are easy day trips to many of the area’s most beautiful tourist sights: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Monopoli, Ostuni and the lovely Valle d’Itria. The nearest town is Fasano where there’s a railway station just a mile from the Masseria. A complimentary shuttle service runs to the hotel’s private stretch of beach less than 10 minutes away. International flights and ferries come into Bari, 48 miles away, and Brindisi, 40 miles away.

Rocco Forte’s sister and director of design, Olga Polizzi, has given a contemporary twist to vernacular traditions in her chic restyling of this handsome Apulian Masseria. It’s now a luxurious and rather exotic five-star hotel, graced with a chivalric medieval tower, majestic reception rooms with Moorish-style arches and vaults, and an open-air colonnaded pool that looks like something out of Hadrian’s Villa. The place is a symphony of light and color: cool white walls, hot-pink bougainvillea, turquoise water and emerald-green grass, set against Puglia’s burning blue sky.

As in all Rocco Forte properties, service and staff provide impeccable care with effortless charm. The concierge can organize excursions to local towns and villages, ceramic-making workshops, the music festival at nearby Martina Franca and other customized tours. In the summer months, guests can enjoy a complimentary boat trip along the Adriatic to Monopoli in a Puglian peschereccio (a traditional fishing trawler), and there’s a private shuttle to the Lido Bambù beach club (10 minutes away), where there are rows and rows of shaded lounge beds, a breezy bar and restaurant.

Most of the 40 rooms stretch out along the edge of the golf course, which is studded with ancient olive trees, while some look across the freeway to the sea. The décor, by Olga Polizzi, blends traditional and contemporary styles: Puglian woven-wicker furniture and splendid Grottaglie ceramic platters sit against cool-white walls with vaulted ceilings. Fabrics and table lamps mix patterns, stripes, textures and colours, yet they somehow manage to come together in a luxuriously casual fashion.

Deluxe rooms and Junior suites have private terraces, while the Deluxe suites have either a plunge pool or a garden. The best view is from the two-bedroom Torre Suite, complete with a vast panoramic terrace. Ample-sized bathrooms have bidets, walk-in showers, finest quality towels and robes, and all the toiletries and accessories you’d expect of a five-star hotel.

And What to Do? One of Puglia’s true riches is its organic food scene. Every local producer is keeping alive a distinctive tradition and creates flavorful produce with amazing passion.
What could be more fun than visiting these producers in a vintage Fiat 500? Visit Alberobello and lunch with cheese tasting experience. enjoy an E-bike ride from Masseria Torre Maizza to Monopoli. E-bike adventure: Gain a different perspective of Puglia: explore on 2-wheels and discover the hidden country lanes and fragrances of the fields. The Itria Valley boasts some of the oldest and most beautiful countryside in the region. Cone-shaped trulli houses emerge from the gently rolling hills. Seasonal flowers and fruits adorn the streets. Our expert bike guide
will share stories of the traditions and culture while you pedal along the quiet, picturesque roads, lined with dry-stone walls. We an add an afternoon boat tour from Monopoli to Polignano a mare
Enjoy the slow rhythms of Puglia on the water exploring the crystal clear waters surrounding Monopoli, reaching Polignano. Head back for a well deserved nap and be transported to a divine dinner in Ostuni.

The Bougainvillea bar and Carosello restaurant are splendid spaces, forged from the 16th-century farm buildings graced with vast arched windows, cross-vaults and stone fireplaces. Most of the season though, guests sip and sup al fresco on shady terraces. 

For dinner, chef Nicola Lenoci draws inspiration from Apulian traditions emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients; some from the Masseria’s own kitchen gardens, others from local providers. Seafood is the main protagonist – lobster, octopus, red prawns, Taranto mussels, or the catch of the day cooked to your liking: Mediterranean style with olives and tomatoes, perhaps, or simply grilled? Portions are generous; you won’t go hungry.

Need more temptation? Revive your mind and body in the Irene Forte Puglian spa, where the fuse the regenerative powers of nature and science. The floral scent of orange blossom fills the air and nourishing Mediterranean botanicals – harvested from Verdura Resort’s Organic Farm – enrich our proprietary skincare products. This is complemented by innovative, high technology that’s integrated into their advanced facials and body treatments which, alongside the relaxing and indulgent therapies. I love the Irene Forte products, I dream of a few days at the spa here! Andiamo!

Highly Recommend! Our Clients are always VIP at a Rocco Forte Property!