The Best Luxury Masseria in Puglia
WRITTEN BY THE CITRINE COMPASS FOUNDER, KALYN SALINAS
In my research on where to stay in Puglia, I kept seeing the term masseria pop up in a lot of the hotel options. I had no idea what the term meant but it was clear that masserie in Puglia something that I should look in to.
It turns out that a masseria is a renovated historic estate, often on former farmland, where you can experience a remote stay in the Italian countryside. While all are intimate, they vary greatly in style from rustic and relatively inexpensive to contemporary and ultra luxe.
You may also see the term agriturismo pop up while researching where to stay in Puglia, which indicates that you will be staying in a farmhouse-style resort. Most agriturismos that advertise online are modern and meant for vacationing but prioritize serving food grown on the property or nearby farms and may also have animals living on the property.
Either way, staying at a masseria is a traditional Puglian experience that is a must during your stay.
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OUR STAY IN A MASSERIA
My husband and I stayed at Masseria Muntibiachi outside of Otranto and can say, with certainty, that if we had to choose any place in the world to return, we would go back to this magical masseria. Set on a 40-acre olive grove, the property has minimalist decor with clean white finishes and (best of all) only 17 guest rooms so it’s an intimate affair even at max capacity.
The experience starts when you pull off the strada and head down a dusty country road, bumping along until you see the sign welcoming you to your stay. Olive trees extend in every direction and, during our visit, the sound of cicadas coupled with the July heat lulled us into a perpetual dreamlike state.
Masseria Muntibianchi is a perfect balance of modern with chic design touches, whitewashed walls and air conditioning, and also nostalgic charm with its exposed stone, one story buildings and very close knit (and often related) staff.
Our room had a modern four-post bed and large French doors that opened on to our private garden. Some rooms even had plunge pools in the backyard, which we would have opted for had they not already been booked. The rooms are lovely but if you’re doing thing right, you’ll spend the majority of your time out by the saltwater pool and jacuzzi.
At the hotel’s pool, a small white hut serves as the bar. You’ll know you can order a drink when the window is propped open and the fresh herbs picked from the garden are out for display, just waiting to be mixed into a mojito.
When we decided to order lunch, the bartender/waiter/poolboy extraordinaire shared that there was no menu, just a dish of the day, which was a delicate white fish with waffled potatoes and fresh parsley. We ate the plato del dia alongside of bruschetta crostini and crisp white wine without a care in the world.
Most masserie will also include breakfast, which follows the regional culture of “slow food” and serves up produce grown on their property or by local farms. Our daily breakfast at Masseria Muntibianchi included a delightful assortment of airy almond cake and sugar-dusted croissants along with cold cuts, fresh tropical fruit, poached eggs and strong Italian coffee.
We stayed for two nights but could have stayed at this magical property for ten, there was just something about being out in the countryside with nowhere to be and nothing to do but settle in. It could have also been that we were the only Americans there; the other guests all well-coifed Italian vacationers that spoke in hushed tones as they too leaned in to the relaxing din of the sicadas and warm summer sun.
No matter which masseria you choose for your Puglia retreat, don’t miss the hospitality, local cuisine and culture that staying in one of these converted farmhouses will offer.
THE BEST MASSERIE IN PUGLIA
Here at The Citrine Compass, we’re fans of the more rustic masserie as we think visitors can experience more of an old world experience. However there are some fantastic modern masserie that are worth checking out as well, depending on your budget and travel style.
Read on to see some of the best masserie that Puglia has to offer.
Masseria Torre Maizza | Fasano
Photo via Traveller Made
You’ll shell out a bit more to stay at Masseria Torre Maizza in Fasano but the golf course, private beach club, rooftop bar and exquisitely designed rooms and suites are worth every penny.
Masseria Torre Maizza is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are often able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary breakfast for two each morning, hotel credit, early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, subject to availability. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Masseria Bagnara | Lizzano
Photo via Masseria Bagnara
Chic on chic on chic at Masseria Bagnara on the western side of Puglia. A 5-year renovation took this farmhouse from rural to modern although historical touches have been well-preserved across the property.
Masseria Moroseta | Ostuni
Photo via Anniversary Magazine
Modern, eco-conscious and built with traditional techniques, Masseria Moroseta in Ostuni is a fan favorite in Puglia.
Masseria Montelauro | Otranto
Photo via Masseria Montelauro
Set amongst pergola trees and with a modern farmhouse vibe, Masseria Montelauro is a perfect oasis in Otranto to explore Salento or just settle in to a countryside oasis.
Baglioni Masseria Muzza | Otranto
Photo via Masseria Muzza
Set near the coastal town of Otranto, Masseria Muzza is a restored property that dates back to the 17th century. It’s the perfect balance of mod, shabby chic and has an infinity pool that lasts for days.
Baglioni Masseria Muzza is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are often able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary breakfast for two each morning, hotel credit, early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, subject to availability. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Masseria Prosperi | Otranto
Photo via Masseria Prosperi
Run by an impossibly chic Italian family, you’ll get an elegant yet down to earth stay at Masseria Prosperi in Otranto. It’s sure to be an intimate experience staying in one of their six boutique guest rooms and you’ll have unlimited access to their farm animals as horses, donkeys, goats, cats and dogs live on the property (BYOPets if you’ve got them).
Masseria Il Frantoio | Ostuni
Vintage vibes at Masseria Il Frantoio, which has been a farm since the year 1500 and has an old world feel and some majorly drool-worthy gardens.
Antica Masseria del Fano | Salve
Photo via Antica Masseria del Fano
Rustic vibes abound at Antica Masseria del Fano, which is set among acres of olive trees and coastal land. You will get your dose of nature, history and authenticity.
