|
Opened: May 2019
Last September Rocco Forte took over the reigns of Masseria Torre Maizza, a 16th century farmhouse, in Pulgia. Now, nine months later the hotels skills of Rocco Forte, a six million euro budget and the design flair of his sister Olga Polizzi have given birth to a new and beautifully renovated hotel.
The hotel is set off the beaten track, in Puglia’s picturesque area of Savelletri di Fasano only minutes away from the Adriatic coast, Cloaked in ivy and surrounded by centuries old olive trees the intimate resort has just 40 rooms and suites.
Forte's director of design, Olga Polizzi, has blended colourful prints with local, white linens and terracotta. Heavy carpets and wicker furniture have been used throughout the suites, many of which have their own private patios and original fireplaces, perfect for evenings with a chill in the air . Olga Polizzi has personally sourced the best local craftsmanship and artefacts giving each suite and room an entirely personal character and sense of place.
The Luxury Travel Bible's readers will love the top Torre Suite, a two-bedroom option with a walk-in wardrobe and a separate living room. Bedrooms have either one super-king-size bed or two single beds. The suite is located on the top floor of the tower and has a private, 500-square-foot terrace offering views of the surrounding olive groves, the golf course and the sea, and is fitted with sun loungers, table and chairs. The living room is equipped with a 55-inch smart television; the bathrooms have local stone, double sinks and a bathtub with a separate walk-in shower with a bench.
Travelling in Italy is always about the food and Masseria Torre is no exception. At the heart of the hotel is the local cuisine, artfully curated by Maestro Fulvio Pierangelini. The result is the feeling that you’v been invited to a stylish local home where a feast of natural products from the Masseria’s own gardens and orchard are used to create fresh innovative food. Pierangelini’s artful menus are served by candlelight in the vaulted dining room or open air, whether in the gardens or under the stone colonnade surrounding the 20 metre pool. Guests with a passion for cooking can also book private lessons and learn how to take a taste of Puglia home with them.
General Manager is Franco Girasoli. An Italian native (with many years with Belmond under his is belt) so expect a warm welcome and superlative service.
On the new opening, Rocco Forte, chairman of the eponymous brand, said: “Puglia is one of Italy’s greatest treasures, a land of extraordinary architecture, colour, intense flavours and untouched nature.
“Masseria Torre Maizza is a beautiful place which combines all the deepest traditions and revelations of Puglia and we look forward to offering an experience that combines the highest levels of Rocco Forte service and hospitality in a place of character and unique beauty.”
The resort also tailor made experiences and excursions to coastal villages and historical towns, including the extraordinary Matera (2019’s European Capital of Culture). Alternatively guests can stay within the hotel grounds, relax at the spa, play the 9-hole golf course, head down to the private beach club.
Lisa Edwards 1/5/2019
|