Framed by two dazzling coastlines, Puglia - the heel of Italy’s boot - is an alluring tapestry of higgledy-piggledy towns, trademark trulli houses, ancient vineyards and rolling olive groves. We’ve long touted the region as one of our favourite corners of Italy, so we were delighted to discover two truly stunning houses in the most desirable of locations - benefiting from both coast and country - both of them managed by an old friend of i-escape, Massimo Provenza.
Each is architecturally striking. Close to the Adriatic coast, Martina Franca Trullo (sleeps 4-9) and Polignano Design Villa (sleeps 4-8) both sit within the pretty Itria Valley but are in no way alike in style. The former is a renovated trullo house with classic conical design and a sprawling layout; the latter is a modern masterpiece with all-glass walls and magazine-worthy interiors - just look at that hanging fireplace!
Both villas have their own private pools (the Polignano villa takes first prize in that regard) and outdoor areas for al fresco living, plus private caretakers to help with arranging activities, restaurant bookings, beach recommendations and just about anything else you desire. The villas couldn’t be better set up for a family or two travelling together, with bunk rooms, even an outdoor pizza oven. They’d also work well for groups and special occasions: arrange a private chef, or stock up on Primitivo, pizzette and pasticciotti, and watch the sunset from a secret roof terrace. That's dolce vita, Pugliese style.
Puglia Boutique Villas
Martina Franca & Polignano, Puglia & Basilicata, Italy
Highs
- Architect-designed villas with unique layouts, original features and very contemporary styling
- Great for families – all villas have twin or bunk bedrooms
- Picture windows capture the rugged landscapes surrounding the villas, creating a sense of indoor-outdoor living
- All villas have private swimming pools and gardens, with plenty of space for relaxing
- A concierge service at your fingertips: Massimo and his caretakers are extremely knowledgeable and can arrange almost anything!
Lows
- The villas are in rural areas: you’ll need a car to reach shops and beaches
- Martina Franca Trullo has two kitchenettes but no full kitchen – keen cooks might appreciate a little more work space
- The sprawling layout of this Trullo means that some bedrooms are in separate buildings – not so great if bringing small children
- The Polignano villa is often booked for events or for the owner's use
Best time to go
We think Puglia is at its best in spring (April-May) for pleasantly warm days and wild flowers, and in autumn (September-October) for sea swimming without the crowds. For those who like it hot (and busy), July and August are perfect, and you may catch one of Puglia’s many holiday-season food and music festivals. The Trullo doesn't have air con but it is kept cool by 1-metre thick walls. They are available year-round: November and March can be sunny enough for long walks and short swims.
Our top tips
Ask the concierge about cooking courses and wine tastings. Puglia has some delicious regional dishes such as potato and mussel stew, orecchiette (small pasta shells) with cime di rapa (turnip tops), or pasticciotto (custard-filled pastries). Recommended Puglian wines include Primitivo and Negroamaro (two intense local red varietals), a Muscat-like Minutolo and the ruby Salice Salentino in the south.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests