High-End Accommodations You Can Book in Puglia
A Guide to Masserie, Aristocratic Estates, Historical Palaces, and Trulli.
If you are looking for high-end accommodations in Puglia, there are four main types I recommend you consider: Masserie, Aristocratic Estates, Historical Palaces and Trulli.
These were once private residences, many of which have now been transformed into boutique hotels.
All four types of accommodations offer unique experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Puglia's rich history and culture.
The choice between them often depends on the desired location (rural vs. urban), the level of luxury sought, and the type of experience one is looking for (e.g., farm stay vs. city palace).
Masserie
Masserie (singular: Masseria) are traditional fortified farmhouses that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They were originally built to protect landowners and their produce from invaders and bandits. Today, many Masserie have been beautifully restored and transformed into boutique hotels or luxury accommodations, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts.
Location: Masserie are typically found in the countryside, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and farmlands. They are often located near small villages or towns, providing a tranquil and authentic rural experience.
Features: These farmhouses are characterized by thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and large courtyards. Many have retained their original features, such as olive presses, stables, and storage rooms, now repurposed for modern use. Guests can expect spacious rooms, often with antique furnishings, swimming pools, spa facilities, cooking classes and access to farm-to-table dining experiences using locally grown produce. #
Experience: Staying in a Masseria offers a peaceful retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy homemade meals, and explore the surrounding countryside.
Things to consider: It’s important to note that these accommodations vary significantly in comfort and architectural style. Some Masserie have been thoughtfully restored to preserve their original charm while incorporating modern amenities, offering a blend of history and comfort. Others have undergone extensive renovations and now feature a more contemporary design. Meanwhile, some remain simple, rustic, and small, providing an authentic, yet basic, stay. To ensure you find the Masseria that best suits your preferences, it’s essential to research your options thoroughly.
Aristocratic Estates and Castles
These are grand homes, palaces, castles, and villas that once belonged to noble families. These estates reflect the opulence and elegance of Puglia’s aristocratic past, often featuring elaborate architecture, beautiful gardens, and luxurious interiors. Some are still owned and operated by the original families.
Location: These estates are usually located in or near historic towns or cities, providing easy access to cultural landmarks while offering a sense of seclusion and privacy. Some may also be found in the countryside, surrounded by extensive grounds.
Features: Aristocratic estates often boast grand entrances, frescoed ceilings, and antique furniture. The architecture may include Baroque or Neoclassical elements, offering large suites, private chapels, and extensive gardens or parks. Some have kept their allure, while others have been renovated with a modern twist. £
Experience: Guests staying at an aristocratic estate can enjoy a more exclusive, high-end experience with personalized service and attention to detail. Many estates also host events like weddings, private dinners, and cultural activities, making them ideal for those seeking a lavish and historically rich stay.
Historical Palaces
Historical palaces in Puglia are former residences of wealthy merchants, doctors, and members of the upper middle class. They are architectural masterpieces that have been meticulously preserved or restored, offering guests a chance to experience the grandeur of Puglia’s history.
Location: Typically found in city centres or prominent locations within historic towns like Lecce, Bari, or Ostuni but also in quaint villages.
Features: Historical palaces feature grandiose architecture with elements such as ornate balconies, intricate stonework, and impressive courtyards. Interiors often include high ceilings, grand staircases, and richly decorated rooms with period furnishings.
Experience: Staying in a historical palace offers an immersive experience of Puglia’s architectural and cultural heritage. Guests can expect a blend of old-world charm with modern luxury, often with amenities like gourmet dining, spa services, and guided tours of the palace’s historical features. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate history, art, and luxury.
Trulli
Trulli are traditional stone huts with conical roofs, unique to Puglia, especially in the Itria Valley and Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Originally agricultural homes constructed without mortar (allowing them to be dismantled easily to avoid taxation), trulli were built using a prehistoric dry-stone construction technique, featuring distinctive pyramidal, domed, or conical roofs.
Their construction dates back to at least the mid-14th century, with Alberobello housing over 1,500 well-preserved examples.
Location: Trulli are located in Alberobello and the Itria Valley. Some are in the countryside, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. This serene setting offers guests a peaceful retreat, with the opportunity to enjoy nature, take leisurely walks, and savour the slower pace of life in Puglia.
Features: The thick stone walls and conical roofs are not only visually striking but also provide natural insulation, keeping the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. The whitewashed exteriors often feature decorative symbols, adding to their unique aesthetic. While trulli are steeped in history, they have been thoughtfully renovated to include modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and contemporary bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay without sacrificing authenticity. The interiors are typically cozy, with rustic stone walls, arched ceilings, and traditional Puglian furnishings that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Experience: Staying in a trullo is a one-of-a-kind experience that transports guests back in time. Their distinctive design and cultural significance make them a memorable choice for accommodation, offering a deeper connection to the local culture than a standard hotel.
Things to consider:
Standards: When planning your stay in a Trullo, it’s important to note that not all of these historic structures have been converted into high-end accommodations. Some trulli remain simple, rustic, and very small, so be sure to research your options.
Size: Another aspect to consider especially if you prefer more spacious lodging is that some Trulli can be small.
Location: As these unique dwellings are concentrated particularly around the Itria Valley and Alberobello, if your itinerary includes exploring other areas of Puglia, consider booking additional accommodations to fully experience the diversity of this beautiful area.
Things to consider when Selecting The type of Accommodation
Should you create your own itinerary, I recommend including at least one of these distinctive accommodations to experience facets of the local culture that standard hotels simply can't offer.
One aspect to consider when searching for high-end accommodations is that some of these properties are not listed on mainstream booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia, and others may not be listed on any booking platforms at all; therefore it’s essential to be aware of their existence through local knowledge or specialised travel resources.
On our tours, retreats and bespoke itineraries, we feature only these exclusive types of high-end properties, allowing guests to relish Puglia's rich culture through the history, style, and architecture of these characteristic accommodations.