Puglia is a place with an astonishing and varied history that pre-dates all known civilisations. It hides its treasures well and despite boasting a vast 800km of coastline, even the beaches reveal themselves slowly here and finding a hidden gem within walking distance of the sea it is not as easy as you might imagine. So we were delighted to discover Masseria Mongiò dell Elefante, a stylish restoration in the unspoilt Salento region of southern Puglia, a short stroll from the glittering shores of the Adriatic. A tranquil oasis of beauty and sophistication, our Partner Hotel also enjoys a privileged position close to some of the region’s most celebrated historic towns and villages.

17 suites enjoy this wonderful spot, all with either small garden or terrace overlooking the lovely grounds - some with enticing views across the treetops to the sea. Spacious, tastefully appointed and in perfect harmony with the beauty of their natural surroundings, the suites sleep two to four and feel contemporary and comfortable, maintaining the quiet simplicity so befitting of this magical region.

The generous pool and its surrounding terrace is an inviting venue for lazy days in the sun and a five-minute stroll along a fragrant pathway through the trees leads to the beach and the crystalline waters of Baia dei Turchi. If you long to bathe and snorkel in a place largely untouched by mainstream tourism, this is it – or for a little more infrastructure, there’s a charming beach club just a short walk or cycle ride away and complimentary bikes are available to hotel guests looking to explore the local area.

Daily breakfast is included, and the elegant hotel restaurant and dining terrace promise a timeless experience overlooking the gardens, serving beautifully presented dishes that showcase the freshest fish and a wealth of local produce. The hotel has its own vegetable garden too and you’ll find a tempting selection of oranges, pomegranates and corbezzolo adorning the many fruit trees as you meander through the grounds. If you'd like a taste of the region but feel overwhelmed by choice, the Chef's Choice set menu is a great introduction.

The hotel spa, complete with Turkish bath, sauna and large hydrotherapy pool, offers a range of massage treatments to ensure your stay is as indulgent as it is restful but when you are ready to up the ante a little, the stunning coastal town of Otranto (a World Heritage Site for Peace) is just a five-minute drive away.

This utterly bewitching town, the most easterly in Italy, is home to the magnificent Castello Aragonese and the Duomo di Otranto which dates back to the 11th century. Among the maze of narrow streets, you’ll find countless other treasures - not to mention a tempting selection of restaurants and an authentically local café society.

Further afield, Lecce is a half-hour drive away and offers culture and cuisine to rival anywhere in Italy. The jewel in the crown of Puglia’s baroque period, it also plays hosts to a wealth of exhibitions, music festivals and artistic events throughout the year.

A perfect base for anyone wishing to discover Italy’s southern tip, Masseria Mongiò dell Elefante can be booked alone, or combined with a stay in one of our villas or hotels in northern Puglia, allowing you the flexibility to discover as much or as little of this unique region as you choose.

Our choice of Italian properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.