This charming, peaceful and lovingly-restored hotel near Locorotondo, in the very heart of Puglia’s fashionable Valle d’Itria has retained an endearingly authentic appeal, whilst offering every modern comfort and convenience. Rosalba, the delightful owner, inherited it as a farm from her uncle Leonardo, who used to work the land here; the beautifully tended gardens have been bearing fruit and providing an array of seasonal produce since long before she was born. The result is a place with real soul, that speaks to you softly and holds you in its gentle embrace.

The trulli, originally used to store grain, were designed with conical roofs and a keystone that could be removed so that the structure would collapse when the tax collectors were around. Nowadays, these restored little buildings are built to last, with the reassurance of cement holding the limestone tiles in place.

Rosalba has converted them into cosy bedrooms, excellently furnished, with king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms; each with its own lovely private garden and open-air shower. The original farmhouse, Villino, has been extended in the local Masseria-style and offers larger bedrooms and bathrooms with access to a sunny roof terrace above. But, wherever you stay, the owner’s impeccable eye for detail is evident, with local ceramics and hand-crafted linens enhancing the appeal of all the comfortable rooms at the hotel.

The gardens here are a particular feature and blissfully fragrant borders edged with the silvery foliage of sage and lavender line the white gravel pathways that meander through the grounds leading to the lovely saltwater pool. This elevated spot offers captivating views across the valley where the endearing roofs of trulli pop up amongst the olive groves and shape this mystical landscape. Roses and bougainvillea wind their way up the pale stone pillars of the delightful pergola surrounding the dining terrace and poolside bar; an elegant and tranquil setting for meals and refreshments or for simply sitting back to soak up the timeless beauty of the place. The breakfasts are beautifully presented and offer a tempting variety of sweet and savoury options which may be enjoyed inside the hotel restaurant or outside on the terrace. For lunch and dinner, the menus make full use of the excellent ingredients the region has to offer, and the hotel chef produces wonderful locally inspired dishes with flair and imagination.

Rosalba is a charming host who will happily help you make the most of this fabulous region. Amongst other things, she can arrange cookery classes, wine-tasting at renowned local vineyard il Pastini, or a trip to a world-famous ceramic factory in Grottaglie where you may even try throwing a pot or two yourself. But she is equally happy to let you experience the grace and beauty of Puglia for yourself. There are bicycles available for exploring the stunning local towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca and by car, you are well-placed for exploring the many delights the area has to offer: including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, the dazzling white city of Ostuni, the beaches of the Adriatic, and the fantastic coastal towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.

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