Hotel Review: Masseria Palombara

Puglia has taken over social media feeds – and for good reason. The region boasts (in my opinion) Italy’s best cuisine, countless country houses, and resorts, as well as a stunning coastline. It’s unimaginable how it stayed “hush-hush” for so long because no trip to Italy is complete without visiting this incredible place.

Situated in the heart of the boot lies a special place named Masseria Palombara, an adults-only resort run by a local family. From the moment you arrive until the moment you depart, you’ll feel welcomed to this place like you are a member of their family and you’ll remain in a state of bliss during your time here.

Location

Masseria Palombara is located in the Puglian countryside, situated between Manduria and Oria. It’s approximately 20 minutes from San Pietro Beach and an hour from Brindisi airport. The nearest railway station is Oria, with transfers able to be arranged to the hotel.

The Resort

Masseria Palombara is a 20 key adults-only resort, featuring 18 rooms and two very special suites. The resort sits on 100 private hectares of gardens with olive groves and farm space to explore.

Rooms and suites are either in the main area or located in the “Dependance” building. The main building is the oldest part of the resort, with whitewashed walls, vaulted, ceilings, and vintage furnishings. The reception, spa, wine bar, and restaurant are all located in the main building.

Each room has its own private entrance and features rustic homemade furniture. In my opinion, it may be the region’s best-kept secret.

Food and Drinks

Masseria Palombara’s namesake restaurant serves produce grown onsite and some of the most flavorful local Puglian dishes. Each pasta dish was memorable and we appreciated the locally sourced wine to pair with meals.

The breakfast offering, which was included with the room rate, was unbelievably fresh, with homemade ricotta and farm eggs on the menu daily.

Room Booked: Deluxe Double Room, Garden Area

Rooms at Masseria Palombara are simple but elegant. Décor is light and airy, with no TVs placed in the room for added relaxation. All rooms are air conditioned. Our room’s outdoor area felt very private, making it the perfect place to have a glass of wine after an enjoyable day at one of the resort’s pools.

The ensuite bathroom was spacious and tastefully designed, featuring luxurious local bath products for use.

Activities

On-site, there are two pools, a gym, a spa, a wine shop, and a farm – leaving plenty to explore without leaving. Bicycles are provided by the hotel, so it’s easy to get around the resort and nearby areas.

The nearest beach is San Pietro and Lecce is approximately an hour’s drive away.

Overall

Masseria Palombara is a unique place with loads of character. Our stay here exceeded all expectations, giving us a very different and enjoyable experience. Service was attentive but unobtrusive and we would go back to this dreamy, hospitable place.

What We Loved

• The hotel is family-owned and operated, making the experience truly personal and special.
• Gorgeous olive and almond trees line the vast property, giving the entire area a feel of tranquility and peace.
• Food and drinks at Masseria Palombara are exceptional. In fact, the menu was so exciting and we were so relaxed that we never left the property once.

What You Should Know

• Masseria Palombara is an adults-only resort. Only children over the age of 12 are permitted to stay at the property.
• There are no TVs in the room.
• There is a “funny room”, as noted on the website, that features an odd layout that seems to have upset previous guests based on reviews.
• Some rooms are located in the resort's Dependance (annex) building, which is further away from the main area. For ease of getting around, the staff provides guests with bicycles.

Book your own stay at Masseria Palombara on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia.

Check out my other hotel reviews here.