On the border between Puglia and Basilicata, only a few kilometers away from the Ionian Sea, lies Borgo Valle Rita, a sprawling 103-hectare family-owned agricultural estate. Acquired in 1972 by Pasquale Lunati, today, three generations later, it’s overseen by his grandson Carlo and his wife Antonella, who has given a dynamic new life to this estate. Adjacent to the Rita stream, which lends its name to the property, lies an ancient palm grove leading to a rustic 14th-century manor restored by the Milan-based architect Anna Mazzucchelli. With a commitment to preserving its historical significance, local materials like the “tufo Pugliese” stone were used and matched with simple furnishings sourced from local artisans. There are 15 rooms, apartments, and villas here, each with its own unique design. At the restaurant, housed beneath an elegant barrel-vaulted ceiling, you can savor a farm-to-table style menu curated by the chefs, who celebrate Apulian heritage through a seasonal menu blending traditional recipes with contemporary culinary techniques. Additionally, guests can enjoy a swimming pool offering breathtaking valley views, a tennis court, and three scenic hiking or mountain biking trails, with complimentary classic and electric bikes available for use throughout their stay.
Palazzo Presta, Gallipoli
Palazzo Presta is where 17th-century grandeur meets global wanderlust in the heart of Gallipoli’s old town. Once home to Giovanni Presta, an Enlightenment-era doctor considered the best in the south, Apulian powerhouse couple Antonio and Eugenia acquired the property. This boutique bolthole now reimagines the world through ten uniquely styled rooms thanks to the vision of both the owners and Italian architectural firm Studio Atelier P. Each space is inspired by a different far-flung city where Japanese scrolls, Moroccan carpets, and vintage suitcases transport you across continents. Beyond these curious rooms, Palazzo Presta treasures various rooms to keep you entertained. Our favorite hideaway is the Libreria del Mare, a library that reveals Salento through several books. If you search well enough, you may find the hidden speakeasy amidst the shelves. In the evening, just before dinner, head up to Terrazza Laurus, a rooftop bar overlooking the sea, where you can savor a fresh cocktail and small bites while you embrace the Mediterranean awe. After sundown, head downstairs to Lazzaro & Caterina, the in-house restaurant that reinvents local classics with gourmet flair. Nearby, Gallipoli offers many activities from strolls along the coast to walking through the historic center, splashing around at Punta Pizzo or Lido di San Giovanni to watching the sunset from the Bastioni.