Il Giardino Grande

Rooms

Six tastefully renovated, light-filled rooms, named for trees and fruits found in the gardens, balance the dimora’s traditional honeyed stone with colourful modern décor. Ornate iron headboards provide a focus amid terracotta wardrobes and mid-century writing desks. The high ceilings, whether barrel vault or cane, provide an airy sense of space.

Three of the rooms (Carrubo, Cilegio and Ulivo) come with cementine tile terraces; honeymooners will be happy in any of these. Sit in vintage wicker armchairs and take in the lovely views over the umbrella pines and carob trees, while a gentle floral fragrance drifts in from the ornamental gardens below.

Of the three other rooms, Loto offers garden views from the bedroom, Melograno is on the ground floor and closest to the gardens, and only Fico has an Antonio Lupi bath (so deep it almost qualifies as an immersion tank). All bathrooms have generous rain showers and Essentia Puglia toiletries.

Loto and Ulivo can interconnect, with the addition of a living area overlooking the main colonnade, to create the Salice Family Suite for those travelling in a group or with teenagers.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Satellite TV
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

The breakfast buffet is fresh and delicious, served within the Soleto stone walls of the Secret Garden. Expect glistening fruit (bursting with that Italian vividness of flavour), fresh pastries, crispy-yet-fluffy Puglian focaccia, fresh cheeses, tangles of prosciutto, and pots of Nutella to be nabbed by the kids. And naturally rich and delicious espresso is on tap to set you up for the day.

The Pergola Bar by the pool is open from 10am and serves light bites and snacks from 1230-7pm. Think prosciutto speared to quartered figs, bite-size bruschetta, and generously speck-laden focaccia. Have a sundowner before cycling into Parabita for a romantic dinner alfresco at Il Contenitore.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Vegan options
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• This part of Italy is low-rise and therefore superb for easy-going cycling jaunts. Hop on one of the free-to-use bicycles and speed off along winding country roads until the sea shimmers into view
  
• You can arrange yoga or fitness classes at the hotel's fitness room to help offset the focaccia indulgence during your stay. In-room treatments with a masseuse are also available
  
• Take a day trip to the water-encircled centro storico of Gallipoli, or drive northeast for forty minutes to arrive at Lecce. Known as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is as famous for its Baroque historic heart as for its delicious pasticciotto pastries
  
• You’re close to some of the Ionian coast’s most come-hither beaches, so drive or cycle west to Baia Verde (10km) or protected Porto Selvaggio (27km, ideal for secluded bathing) at Gallipoli or Nardò respectively. There are beach clubs for lunch and drinks – you'll need to book sunbeds in advance
  
• Book activities through the hotel including nosing into sea caves in a traditional gozzo (wooden boat with sundeck), tasting Primitivo wine amid the vines, or riding horses through the countryside

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Swimming
• Well being
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

The hotel welcomes youngsters aged 12 years and over. The warmth of the staff means your kids will feel immediately at home, and between the pool, bikes, and the reading chapel there are enough youthful distractions/boltholes. Beyond the hotel, there are beach trips to plan, medieval fortifications to explore, and local gelato to taste. Their stay at the hotel is charged.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Melograno Room can fit two plus an extra single bed (charged) within its warmly hued walls. Or combine Loto and Ulivo to create the Salice Family Suite offering a maximum occupancy of five. Salice also has a private terrace, while its two bathrooms offer even more independence for strong young personalities.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Il Giardino Grande is situated inland from Gallipoli, near beaches and the small town of Parabita, amid the rustic hinterland of the beautiful Salento Peninsula – typically referred to as Italy’s “heel”.

By Air:
Brindisi is the nearest airport, just over an hour’s drive away.

By Car:
A car is essential to discover the treasures of this sleepy region, with public transport somewhat unreliable. The hotel can arrange an airport transfer from Brindisi, or there are car rental services available at the airport. If coming in an electric car, there are two complimentary electric car chargers on property.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.