From Alberobello and Ostuni to Borgo Egnazia and Pettolecchia La Fortezza, the backdrops for Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda 2023 show have us dreaming of a Puglian escape. Here’s where to stay …
Borgo Egnazia
Best for: A resort-style, family holiday
Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda weekend extravaganza in July began at Borgo Egnazia, where celebrities such as Helen Mirren, Alessandra Ambrosio and Diana Ross partied around the property’s pools and courtyards. It has always attracted an in-the-know crowd and is the perfect destination for authentic, local experiences. Facilities on offer include a championship golf course, two private beaches, three outdoor pools, an exquisite spa and cinema, a Michelin-starred restaurant, Due Camini, and state-of-the-art tennis facilities. www.borgoegnazia.com
Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa
Best for: Boutique hotel experience
This quintessentially Puglian property (formerly called Palazzo Rosso) has been transformed by designers Pascale Lauber and Ulrike Bauschke and now boasts eleven individual rooms and suites. Steeped in history but with a cosmopolitan vibe the hotel also has an underground cave spa. A further plus, the hotel has a shuttle to Brindisi Airport – only 30 minutes away. www.paragon700.com
Masseria Calderisi
Best for: A coastal retreat
This 17th century farmhouse has recently been renovated and revived as a 24-room boutique hotel. Surrounded by secluded olive and citrus groves it’s very close to the Adriatic coast. The design reflects the owners’ (Max and Jutta van Braunmuhl) love of travel and Puglian culture – whitewashed stone walls and locally crafted furniture combine with luxury French fabrics and Moroccan furniture. The hotel is arranged around an expansive piazza, which includes a poolside bar. There is also an onsite restaurant, La Corte, serving traditional Puglian cuisine. Private dining, olive oil and wine tastings, pizza cookery classes and complimentary yoga are other additional pleasures. www.masseriacalderisi.com
Palazzo Sant’Anna
Best for: Discovering Lecce
Lecce is a city renowned for its Baroque influence and extraordinarily beautiful architecture. Palazzo Sant’Anna is perfect for exploring its charms. While the hotel is small (formerly a convent), it has many courtyards, gardens and panoramic terraces. Each room is unique in style but all have been collectively created using the oriental techniques of Vatsu Shastra. They optimise energy flow, and the furniture is arranged to ensure mental and physical health, particularly during sleep. www.veretreats.com
Palazzo Ducale Venturi
Best for: Rest and relaxation
This five-star boutique hotel is in a restored palace dating from the 16th-century. Fully refurbished, it now comprises 20 bedrooms, a restaurant, an indoor and outdoor saltwater pool, spa and Puglia’s first cryotherapy chamber. Outside there are several idyllic gardens – a main garden space, accessed via a pretty rose garden. After a busy day exploring the sites (such as the UNESCO cultural landscape of Matera and its dramatic ravine) the citrus garden is an oasis of peace, relaxation and Mediterranean scents. The hotel offers complimentary bicycles and can arrange a variety of activities from traditional cookery classes to whisky pairing masterclasses/ www.palazzoducaleventuri.com
