Puglia Beyond the Postcard

Puglia has long been the quieter alternative to Tuscany, less manicured, less overrun and, until relatively recently, far less developed at the top end of the hotel market. That is changing quickly. Boutique hotels and restored masserie now seem to appear with remarkable regularity, while more established names are beginning to take notice. From the much-photographed Borgo Egnazia to newer arrivals such as Vista Ostuni, alongside established city hotels including Patria Palace in Lecce, the region’s luxury-hotel landscape is evolving fast, which makes this a particularly interesting moment to visit.

The appeal of Puglia itself is not difficult to understand: endless olive groves, whitewashed villages, handsome old towns and some of the most enjoyable local cooking in Italy. The hotels, however, proved rather less consistently convincing. Over several stays, we found plenty of beauty, ambition and good ideas, but also a surprising number of rough edges. Puglia may now be ready for its moment; whether all its hotels are quite ready with it is another matter.

Vista Ostuni


Borgo Egnazia


Paragon 700


Palazzo Zimara


Patria Palace


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