MASSERIA SAN DOMENICO

About the Hotel

Meticulously restored in the early 1990s and opened as a boutique-style hotel in 1996, Masseria San Domenico is a deluxe resort that reflects the history of the regions Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. The hotel's restoration kept intact the old shapes and original building materials used centuries ago.

Surrounded by 60 acres of ancient olive trees and orchards, the hotel's architectural structures were developed around the XX century and designed according to the needs of the areas agricultural activities.

While its history and architectural features entice the guest to Masseria San Domenico, modern features have been added to ensure each visit meets the travellers' desire for peace and tranquillity. As well as the outdoor swimming pool, the hotel has a private beach, two tennis courts, spa, sauna and steam bath. Nearby is the hotel's challenging 18-hole golf course.

Location

Hailed as "the new Tuscany", the Puglia region of Italy has played host to the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Spanish over the centuries.

Located in the town of Brindisi, the area is rich in archaeological finds, castles, cathedrals and historic towns.

Accommodations

Masseria San Domenico offers a variety of rooms that will meet the needs of all types of travellers. Superior Rooms offer a delightful garden or courtyard view. Deluxe Rooms have private patios overlooking the olive groves. Junior Suites are spacious and include a living room with garden views. Talasso Suites are the largest in the hotel, offering a separate living room and balcony overlooking the garden or featuring a sea view.

The exclusive San Domenico Suite has a huge terrace offering breathtaking views of the sea. There are two double bedrooms and a separate living room with a fireplace and kitchenette. The two bathrooms include a Jacuzzi bathtub or shower.

In addition, the hotel's concierge will arrange for a variety of services from sightseeing tours (guided or not), to theatre reservations and babysitting.

Dining

The architectural features of the San Domenico Restaurant, with its' arched vaults dating back to the 1700s adds to the ambiance. It is renowned, both locally and internationally, for exquisite food and features Apulian specialities complemented by a selection of fine local wines.

Sala Il Fico offers guests a buffet breakfast service and the Pool Grill serves a daily regional buffet lunch.

Spa

Masseria San Domenico is home to one of Italy's best Thalassotherapy spas. The spa offers a host of treatments using the rich seawater and seaweed found in the nearby Adriatic Sea. The seawater and seaweed, very rich in minerals and vitamins, is combined to make an invigorating tonic that also helps to detoxify all who seek this relaxing therapy.

The most popular treatments include a relaxing massage by two masseuses using special oils containing marine extracts, and the Thalatherm treatment, in which the body is covered with a layer of crushed seaweed and then warmed with seawater steam for 15 minutes. The latter treatment is believed to improve blood circulation.

Golf

Located between the ancient Greek colony (5th century B.C.) of Egnathia and the tiny fishing village of Savelletri, the San Domenico Golf Course's southern boundary is as close to the sea as the road and rocky coastline will allow. Golfers are faced with a challenging 18-hole, par 72 course. Every tee, green and fairway boasts an amazing view of the sea and visitors will truly test their skills when faced with sea winds, strategic bunkering, definitive fairway shaping and clever green design.

Designed by the British firm of European Golf Design, the course has been constructed to the highest standards, with greens conforming to USGA Specifications.

The clubhouse is within view of the Adriatic and features a Pro-Shop, Bar, Restaurant, Sauna, Solarium and the necessary equipment for hire.

Extra details

Historic towns, such as the beautiful Alberobello with its small, white-washed "Trulli" houses, are plentiful in this region. Of notable interest are the ruins and Museum of Egnazia, an ancient city dating back to Roman times. Not to be missed is Martina Franca, a city renowned for its baroque architecture, or Polignano, with its houses clinging to steep cliffs, and Ostuni, referred to locally as the "white city".

Puglia is well-known for its' Roman remains, including the impressive theatres of Lecce and Lucera, and the celebrated Roman columns, which mark the end of the Appian Way.

While out enjoying the areas historical features, there are many restaurants that offer local cuisine, which include the best seafood dishes and wines popular in this region.

Rates

Rates range from 195 to 2300 Euros per night based on suite type and time of year traveling. A 10% V.A.T. is added. A hot & cold buffet breakfast is included.