MASSERIA SAN DOMENICO

Lavish resort property on the Adriatic coast

THERE'S BEEN NO STINTING at Masseria San Domenico, a lavishly styled five-star resort hotel on the Puglian coast. Standing proud above impeccably groomed grounds, this dazzling white 15th century masseria on the Adriatic shores – its palm trees and brilliant white walls lending it an almost Moorish look – is designed for plush living.

Centrepiece of the manicured grounds is the magnificent free-form salt-water pool, flanked by natural rocks and beautifully floodlit at night There’s an immaculately combed private beach 15 minutes away – just hop on board the hourly free golf cart shuttle or pick up one of the hotel's free bikes –  where tanned beach boys are on hand with soothing iced drinks and towels.

Should you unstick yourself from your poolside lounger, Masseria San Domenico's  thalassotherapy spa awaits with a yard-long list of pampering and therapeutic treatments. You'll also find tennis courts, a water gym and a sprawling 18-hole golf course.  This is a grown-ups' pamper-ground par excellence. 

Eager-to-please staff

Bedrooms at Masseria San Domenico have wrought iron bedsteads, Frette bedlinen, rich colours and burnished woods, while bathrooms pamper with monogrammed towels and expensive toiletries. Young, eager-to-please staff are at your service, while Puglia's white hilltop towns of Ostuni, Alberobello – famous for its conical trulli houses – and Villa Franca await exploration nearby.


Masseria San Domenico was reviewed by Room for Romance

Dining in
Enjoy typical Puglian dishes, with a few house specialities thrown in. Dining is informal by day at the Pool grill, and more dressy at night at the smart San Domenico restaurant, with its arched stone ceiling. Those with a veggie inclination will love the medaglioni di melanzane con velluta di pomodoro (medallions of aubergine with tomato). Indulge your sweet tooth with the deliciously devilish dita degli apostoli (apostle’s fingers). Don’t worry, no holy men were harmed in the making of this dish.

Dining out
If you can tear yourself away, Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni (25km away) is worth the trip.

See & Do
With a spectacular swimming pool, a private beach, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course and a gym awaiting, you'll want to make the most of the resort's impressive sporting amenities. You can also rent a boat, go underwater fishing or scuba diving, or try windsurfing. If dry land is more up your street, try riding, go-karting, cycling or clay pigeon shooting.

Ready for a change? Head out to the ancient caves, stalactites and rock formations of Castellana Grotte, near Bari. The Baroque town of Lecce is the nearest big city and has plenty of cosmopolitan buzz as well as some luminous churches. The nearby hilltop towns of Ostuni (dazzling white from a distance) and Martina Franca offer a wealth of  historic churches, cafes and art galleries.

Shop
This isn’t Milan so don’t expect Valentino on every street corner. Local goods and gifts can be picked up in Monopoli, Fasano and local villages.

Spa
Indulge yourself with de-toxifying thalassotherapy or olive oil aromatherapy treatment in the spa.

After dark
Have a sunset swim, a poolside cocktail and a relaxed al fresco dinner.

Dates
June
Fasano's  Scamiciata re-enacts part of the story of the Virgin Mary.

GETTING THERE

Location
Strada Litoranea, 72015 Savelletri di Fasano

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Fasano station – 5km

Taxis
EUR 15 from the station. Private transfers can be arranged.

Airport
Brindisi – 50km

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 300 - 920

Open/closed
Closed 10 January – 15 March

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
12 midday

Minimum night stay?
Seven nights in August, but not restricted at other times of the year

Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30am

Room service
Available morning and evening

Children
Over-10’s are welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Languages
Italian, English, French and German

Wedding license?
No

Your contact
Genny Mansi – general manager