Stay in “Masseria” in Puglia

Biomasseria Lama di Luna

This charming Masseria which dates back to the end of the XVI century has been restored following the environmental friendly and feng shui criteria in order to guarantee guests a total relaxing atmosphere. Surrounded by 190 hectares of olive groves, vineyards, almond and cherry trees all of organic agriculture, it stands out because of the unusual white chimneys rising from the roofs. The stones, the light and the land are the real protagonists of this Estate. A monumental gate opens on a Spanish – style courtyard. The 11 rooms beautiful and sober and all with a fireplace, face the courtyard. A handmade terracotta floor, natural paint used for the walls, wooden or iron beds, raw cotton made linen and fabrics, sinks of ceramic. Everything  has been designed  to let energy to flow freely around the rooms. The name Lama di Luna comes from Pietro Petroni whish to “ take man back to his natural cycles of being one with the Mother Earth and the Universe”, therefore “ lama” indicates the valley and “luna” (moon) is conceived as an element connected with the Earth, to its cycles of sowing and harvesting.”

Borgo San Marco 

 The history of this place lose track in the mists of time. In the XVI Century it was a rocky settling home to the Basilian Monks and it is still possible to admire some important frescos of the time; at the end of the XV Century it became a fortress of the Knights of Malta and there was a tower with sentry boxes and machicolations to defend themselves from the raids of the Saracens. In the XVII Century the Amati family bought it from the Knights of Malta and turned it into an “`Azienda Agraria” (a farm house). Today Borgo San Marco is the perfect gateway to spend a weekend in a total relax with coloured, minimal chic rooms and some suites with old furniture belonging to the family; a restaurant where guests can enjoy local cuisine; the old frantoio (oil mill) where is still possible to admire the millstone has been turned into a library – bar with sofas where it is possible to plunge themselves in interesting readings. However, the most fascinating place is an old sheepfold that is now a small beauty centre, Borgo Aquae, with hammam, indoor heated pool, tea corner and an area for massages. For those who like to be active, can choose if going for a jog or for a ride on a mountain bike. For those instead who prefer to idle about, they can do it by the swimming pool surrounded by thousand years old olive trees and “ `macchia mediterranea”, the  Mediterranean maquis.

 C.da S. Angelo 33, Fasano (Ba), tel. + 39 080.4395757, www.borgosanmarco.it, double room € 190 and / or suites subject to availability.

Masseria Montelauro  

 In old times this place used to be a Byzantine hermitage ; at the end of the XVI century it was a fortress by the sea; until the 70’s it was home of an herbalist and since 2003 is a charming country relais , appreciated by princes and intellectuals, actors and musicians.

Once living in Milan, Elisabetta and her daughters Caterina and Mercedes Turgi Prosperi decided to go back to Salento (in the “ heel “ of Italy) and they discovered this Masseria just outside the town of Otranto. They decided to buy it and, after an attentive restoration they turned it into a “ maison d’ hotes”.

They decided to keep the old walls, the typical ceiling “ a botte “ or “ a stella”, the old terracotta floors.

All around the guests can enjoy the “ noises “ of the nature, the smells of the Mediterranean plants, the flavours of the vegetable garden and the swimming pool for their relaxing moments.The main hall and the 29 rooms, all white with shutters painted in baby blue, are furnished in a Mediterranean style with a touch of Moroccan especially the sofas at the exterior and the appliques. The restaurant, made in the old stalls, offers exquisite local cuisine. In summer time dinner is served outside at candle light and later, everyone can go on the terrace to look at the stars.