Puglia, Italy’s sun-drenched heel, known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland, and lengthy Mediterranean coastline, Puglia promises an escape into an authentic Italian experience replete with opulent accommodations. Here, ancient olive groves and vineyards stretch across the landscape, offering a serene backdrop to luxurious villas that blend historical charm with contemporary comfort. Whether indulging in the region’s rich culinary heritage, exploring its architectural wonders like the iconic trulli houses, or simply basking in the tranquil beauty of its pristine beaches, Puglia offers a sublime retreat for those seeking the finest in villa holidays.
Borgo Egnazia Villa Magnifica
Immerse in Italian old-world elegance at this villa, decorated with antique furnishings, artworks and carved ornaments — almost exclusively in a palette of cream. Magnifica also brings guests into the 21st century with a home theatre system, games table, an iPod dock and an honour bar. A walled private terrace provides a swimming pool, cabana and BBQ – although you’ll also have access to the main resort’s four pools. The villa has three main bedrooms and a fourth space that can be used as an adjoining sleeping area, or in-villa treatment room.
Borgo Egnazia Villa Bella
Built from tufo limestone to create a period feel, this charming residence blends seamlessly into its Puglian surroundings. The pastel-toned three-bedroom villa is arranged across three floors, including a basement. One is a king-size with a canopied four-poster bed and the other two can be made up as doubles or twins. Loaner bikes for adults and a child, L’Amande bath products and a twice-daily turndown service are all provided. Spend your days at the 40-acre resort’s beach clubs, or on a plush lounger beside your own five-metre, L-shaped pool.
Palazzo Bernardini de Pace
The two wings and walled gardens which make up this columned palazzo once belonged to aristocracy. And it retains a grand, period aesthetic, with high vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, roll-top baths, rooftop terraces, antique furnishings, works of art and swirling marble floors. To these has been added a chic square three-metre pool with a hydromassage corner (ozone sterilised and chlorine-free), integrated and outdoor sound systems, a wood-burning pizza oven and many other mod cons. Views of Bagnolo del Salento piazza and church add to the authentic charm of Palazzo Bernardini de Pace.
Villa Elia
Up to 17 guests can be accommodated in this centuries-old three-storey eight-bedroom villa (although it can also be hired by slightly smaller groups, with the use of five bedrooms). A gym, hammam/steam, tennis court, table football, bicycles and yoga mats, provide plenty to keep active types occupied. Nature lovers will enjoy spending time on the grounds, with their walled gardens, orchards, herb gardens, two al fresco dining areas (one with a wood-burning pizza oven) and a swimming pool beside the original well. The decor inside includes furniture from Brown’s Hotel London, wooden sculptures from the Gambia, Dogon masks and Jordanian carpets from the Queen Rania Foundation.
Villa Padalini
Located on the outskirts of San Michele Salentino among acres of olive trees, is this modern and minimal three-building villa. Its owners — an architect and a fashion designer — have accentuated the natural light in its interiors. And, due to the layout, each of the three bedrooms enjoys a sense of privacy, ideal for those groups wishing to retreat to their own space. Outside is a 40-metre swimming pool, sun loungers, a seasonal outdoor shower, an outside kitchen with BBQ and a dining table. Villa Padalini is family-friendly (and that includes pets).
Casa Salento
You can walk easily into the village after which this 16th-century villa is named, and access the coastline in half an hour with a car. Terrazzo-style floors with cosy Australian-made rugs, a range cooker, a BOSE sound system, an 18th-century dining table and chairs and a media room are among the interior highlights, while outside, guests can enjoy a salt water plunge pool within a sunny courtyard and a split-level terrace. Casa Salento accommodates guests across three double bedrooms, a single, two living rooms.
Masseria del Vigneto
This former farmhouse and accompanying outbuildings have been restored by Puglian craftsmen, with interiors by Anthony Filmer of Tully Filmer and James Waterworth of Thurstan Design. The grounds of existing vineyards, Mediterranean gardens, pastureland, pathways and wooded hills have been augmented with a pool and tennis court for guests’ enjoyment and the old cowshed has been transformed into a dining area. All of Masseria del Vigneto’s 10 double bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, most with a ceramic roll-top or stone deep-soaking tub. Maid service and a private chef is included in your stay.