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Why you should stay in a masseria in Puglia

Relaxation area at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

If you’re looking for a truly unique and historic place to stay in Puglia, stay in a masseria! A masseria is typically a fortified farmhouse, consisting of a number of stone or marble buildings, surrounded by a wall. Their origins can apparently be traced back to Roman times. In medieval times, a masseria housed not only the owners of the farmland but all of the workers too. Some started their origins as buildings where monks lived and then were gradually turned into masserie (the plural of a masseria) when agricultural sites, such as mills and stables, grew around them.

Masserie are typical to the Salento region of Puglia, which is a peninsula stretching from Brindisi to Santa Maria di Leuca. We stayed in Otranto, which had many masserie to choose from. We chose to stay at Masseria dei Monaci, which is a luxury masseria located less than a 10 minute drive from the centre of Otranto. The masseria was a former dormitory of the Abbey of San Nicola di Casole – ‘monaci’ is Italian for monks – and has been lovingly and painstakingly renovated to become a luxury guesthouse.

Courtyard at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

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Why stay at a masseria?

Masserie are located outside of towns, in more rural settings, so they offer peace and tranquility and an oasis from the bustle of the town. Some of the masserie are really luxurious and have stunning pools. They’re also not very big – compared to hotels – making them the perfect place to relax. Many of them also offer dinner, so there’s no need to travel at night, if you don’t want to. And when you stay at a masseria, you’re staying in a place of historical significance.

Our stay at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

Masseria dei Monaci has 11 bedrooms and 3 suites. We stayed in one of the duplex suites, Casole, which was large at 40 Mq and had its own pool inside the room – which was pretty unique! Often indoor pools can be a bit on the cold side, if they’re not heated, but this one was the perfect temperature.

Pool inside suite Casole at Masseria dei Monaci

On the ground floor, as you enter the room, is a large relaxation area right by the pool. Behind the pool is the bathroom, with a beautifully tiled shower, and heated towel rack. The heated towel rack was such a bonus as there’s nothing worse than damp towels. Also, you’re asked not to hang any towels or wet costumes outside of your room – there’s a drying area behind the rooms for that.

Shower at Masseria dei Monaci

Upstairs is the bedroom with a king-sized bed. The decor is in a typical Puglian style of creams and neutral colours with woven textile bedspreads and cushions.

What I loved about staying here was that, whilst the bedroom was huge and beautiful, the property itself is just stunning and one that you definitely want to spend time enjoying. There are lots of places you can just sit and relax, such as this pretty stone seating area with cushions.

Relaxation area at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

The pool area is so gorgeous with a fairly large pool with stylish sun loungers, a sea view and also olive trees dotted about. There is also a bar by the pool where you can order drinks and also light food for lunch.

The pool at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

As well as the big pool, there’s also a smaller plunge pool that you can relax in, rather than swim. It’s also next to sun loungers that have a roof, offering shade.

Plunge pool at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

If you’re staying in the masseria, then definitely make sure you have an aperitivo one night. We ordered an Aperol Spritz and they came with some local Puglian treats, such as focaccia barese and taralli.

Aperitivo at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

The masseria also serves dinner every night at 8pm. It costs €40 per person for a pasta, a main and a dessert – drinks are excluded. The menu is sent to you in the morning for you to confirm if you’d like to have dinner that night. It’s usually a fish-based menu so you need to let them know in advance if you’re vegetarian or you have any allergies.

The setting for dinner is really very pretty. It’s set up according to how many people are dining and when we had dinner there were two other tables of three people so a fairly intimate affair.

Dinner setting at Masseria dei Monaci in Otranto

Breakfast is served inside and is a buffet, consisting of cereals, cakes, pastries and savoury options such as cheeses and cooked meats. There’s also a lounge area where breakfast is served, if you fancy sitting there and reading. Even though our room was right near the breakfast area in the main building, the WIFI in the room wasn’t great. So the lounge was good when I needed to download something to watch in the room, although there was a TV in the bedroom.

Lounge area in the masseria

What we loved about our stay

Masseria dei Monaci is in a great location, just a short drive from Otranto, and there’s free parking on-site. Because it’s outside the centre, it’s really tranquil and quiet. Our room was stunning and we were given a bottle of sparkling wine, which was a lovely touch, as well as a bowl of fresh fruit and bottles of mineral water. There were also fluffy dressing gowns and slippers.

The staff were friendly and helpful and always willing to help with recommendations or booking a taxi. If you’re looking for a luxury stay, I’d definitely recommend staying at Masseria dei Monaci if you’re planning a trip to Otranto.

Pool inside the suite at Masseria dei Monaci

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Staying in a masseria in Puglia

Kirsty Marrins

Reader, writer, runner, travel and food lover.

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