Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

La Masseria San Domenico was once one of Italy’s oldest watchtowers that dates back to the 14th Century. This beautiful whitewashed stone building has undergone careful restoration, and been converted into a luxury five-star hotel whilst still retaining a distinct Greek feel owing to its ancient connections. The hotel is surrounded by ancient olive groves with distant views of the Adriatic Sea. La Masseria has a private sandy beach and an 18-hole golf course within minutes of the hotel, and the thalassotherapy spa offers a comprehensive range of seawater therapy treatments.

The spacious and elegant rooms and suites have beautiful garden or sea views and are well equipped with satellite TV, mini-bar and safe. Some suites boast Jacuzzi bathtubs and a private terrace with panoramic sea views. The restaurant uses fruit, vegetables and olive oil grown on the hotel's own land as well as fresh fish and shellfish from the Adriatic coast. The cuisine specialises in the favourites from the Puglia region.

The relatively undiscovered Puglia region offers much to see and do including visits to Alberobello, Castellana caves, Lecce and Polignano a Mare.

Guide price £1,700 Per person

£1,700 per person for 7 nights in a Double Superior room on a B&B basis including scheduled flights to Bari and car hire in mid season.

Accommodation

The rooms and suites are spacious with beautiful garden or sea views and the suites have large luxurious living areas. Junior suites are perfect for families and feature a Jacuzzi shower and large balcony with private patio overlooking the olive groves. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and DVD player.

Childcare

There are no facilities for young children.

Facilities

The San Domenico restaurant offers specialities from the typical cuisine of Puglia and a rich selection of the best wines from this region. The Pool Grill serves mouthwatering buffets and the Ulvio bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink in the light evening breeze. Other facilities include a salt water swimming pool, a private sandy beach, 2 tennis courts, an 18 hole golf course, a volleyball pitch, mountain bikes to hire, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a gym and a fantastic Thalassotherapy Spa.

Activities

The hotel has bikes available to hire and there are opportunities for horse riding, golf, and scuba diving nearby. There are plenty of interesting sights to visit including Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Castellana caves, Lecce and the Salento area.

When to travel

Location and directions

Puglia, Italy

Restaurants within 5mins drive from hotel, Bari - 65km 45mins, Brindisi - 45km 35mins, Naples - 350km.

How to get there

2hrs 45mins flight to Bari, followed by a 45mins transfer.