Masseria Cimino

IT STANDS WITHIN STROLLING distance of the first tee, but you don't need to be golfers to adore a stay at Masseria Cimino. Its red tower standing out against the deep blue of the Adriatic, this chic luxury guesthouse next to Puglia's San Domenico golf course looks more like a sugar-cube villa plucked from the Aegean.

Outside, the former 18th century farmhouse – captivatingly lit at night – gazes out over undulating acres of green fairway. Inside Masseria Cimino, it’s pure southern Mediterranean done up with great style: take in the rough-textured, dazzling white walls, cream-on-cream furnishings, mood lighting.

Beds are framed in drifts of muslin, while tiny alcoves are fetchingly set off with a well chosen pot or plant-filled vase. Candles twinkle everywhere after dusk, while flames flicker in the fireplace on cool nights. Bathrooms are an elegant treat with travertine stone basins and rustic taps.

Golfing big guns

Masseria Cimino's bedrooms are split between the ancient tower and the old farmhouse – the latter being next to an ancient site where slaves were kept in the ancient city of Egnathia. Some have balconies with a little terrace overlooking the green fairways and the blue Adriatic beyond.

Puglia's San Domenico golf course has hosted some prestigious golfing events, and you could  find yourself teeing off here with some of the sport's big guns. Don't know your divots from your irons? Enjoy indolent days by the pool, head for one of the nearby beaches or explore the region's fascinating hilltop towns.

© Room for Romance