Masseria Torre Coccaro, Fasano

Location

Surrounded by ancient olive groves and almond trees, the hotel is set in the heartlands of Puglia’s wine country just a few minutes’ drive from the picturesque fishing village of Savelletri. The estate itself features atmospheric natural caves – now home to a romantic indoor pool – while the main courtyard features the masseria’s original chapel that dates back to 1730 and still hosts mass for the Savelletri fishermen. Next to the courtyard, there’s the hortus conclusus or ‘garden enclave’ where local grapes ripen in the summer, watered by an ingenious, gravity-fed irrigation system of wells and channels.

Accommodation

All suites and rooms are set in among the olive grove gardens and feature pristine Apulian interiors. Expect charmingly rough, whitewashed walls, fine linens and inlaid bookcases. Deluxe Rooms come with private porches and gardens, ideal for enjoying breakfast while suites can enjoy the vaulted ceilings and sea views of the tower and its balconies. Others still come with Jacuzzis and sunbeds. For something special, the hammocks, sunbeds and countryside views of the Chapel Suite and the luxury cave location (complete with Jacuzzi and private pool) of the Orange Garden Suite are particularly enticing. To keep you up to date, WiFi is available throughout along with daily newspapers.

Dining

Each of the masseria’s four restaurants follow the seasons that bring fruit and vegetables to its organic farm and fresh fish to the Salento Sea. Dine in the 17th century stables or pergola-laden terraces of Egnathia where meat and cheese from local farms are exquisitely prepared or enjoy the grill of poolside Cabana with its fresh salads and pasta. There are also the grand fireplaces of Le Palme, which serves creative Puglia cuisine to orange garden views or the Coccaro Beach Club where sunbeds and terraces make for a luxurious setting to enjoy sushi, pizza and – of course – freshly caught seafood.

Facilities

Aside from the rock cave pool, you’ll also find a picturesque spa set into the stone walls where a full range of therapies and beauty programmes are designed to relax and reinvigorate. There’s also yoga, pilates and tai chi group sessions conducted among the olive groves or on the sandy beach. On site, you’ll find jogging paths, horse riding, biking trails, beach volleyball and even a private, 12m yacht.