What it is

A former 15th century watchtower turned iconic seafront golf resort.

What it isn't

Colossal. Unlike mega-resorts on the continent, this is an intimate 40 room respite.

What we think

We would hate to travel all the way to Italy—land where ancient Roman Architecture still stands as if it was built yesterday—and stay in a charmless, clean-lined hotel. Yet we’d rather give up pasta than not have air conditioning. Which is why rooms at Masseria San Domenico are so idyllic, combining the best of old (spindled wood furniture and iron canopy beds) and new (gratis WiFi, stocked mini bars and highly functional AC). Ask for one overlooking the sea or the olive groves, then prepare yourself with a To the Manor Born experience. Guests of Masseria San Domenico have the spoils of Puglia at their disposal, right on site, including an alfresco seawater pool that looks like a natural, palm-tree lined lagoon, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Andy Haggar, slung along the Adriatic, and scented with thick plantings of rosemary, sage and thyme. This is Italy: don’t forget.

You're here because

The Mediterranean-inspired spa is wellness-focused enough to satisfy Gwyneth Paltrow herself. You can’t wait to take a dip in the thalassotherapy pool, full of seawater taken from a subterranean stratum more than 1,300 feet below sea level.

The Moment

You spent the afternoon cycling through olive groves, and now you long for only one thing: a sunset aperitif to sip on the poolside terrace at Bar Ulivo. A flute of local bubbles does the trick—until they call your name for dinner, that is.

Restaurants & Bars

San Domenico Restaurant - A culinary landmark for the typical cuisine of Puglia

Al Fresco - Mediterranean recipes overlooking the magnificent swimming pool

La Nassa - Traditional seafood cuisine with Adriatic Sea views

Sala Del Fico - Indoor and outdoor space featuring breakfast specialties

Bar Ulivo - Cosy outdoor bar offering views over the pool and the Masseria gardens

Pool Bar - Casual poolside bar featuring drinks, snacks and fresh seasonal fruit juices

Location

In the boot of Italy’s proverbial heel, a 30 minute drive from the famed town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its cone-roofed limestone dwellings.