Masseria San Domenico has my heart. My whole heart! When deciding where to travel to this summer Brice (the hubs) and I knew we wanted four things: quiet, non-touristy, warm, and easy to get to from Geneva. We looked into Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Greece. None of which satisfied our every need. We were feeling a bit stressed as our trip was approaching, when his parents recommended a place they had visited and loved – Masseria San Domenico in Puglia, Italy. It wasn’t but two minutes after googling this place that we were sold.
Not only was Masseria San Domenico absolutely stunning, but it is located in a part of Italy that is still quiet under the radar, which made me love this place even more. We took a direct flight from Geneva to the Brindisi airport, got in our little Fiat 500 and drove about 1.5 hours north. Through fields of olive trees and the ancient lands of Italy, we arrived at one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I have ever been.
Masseria San Domenico has a long history and dates back to the XIV century. It was used by the Knights of Malta as a watch tower against Saracens’ attacks. The hotel has since been restored with the utmost attention to detail. It is surrounded by fields of Olive trees – which are used to make their very own olive oil which is delicious (be sure to buy a can before you leave). One of the things we loved most, besides all the colorful flowers, was the pool! It was gigantic yet so peaceful. The staff wait on you hand and food which makes a normal “day by the pool” that much more enjoyable. The beach is about a three minute drive from the hotel and is done impeccably well. Everything from their lounge chairs to the all white dining area is perfection! You could spend all day here and it still wouldn’t be enough!
If you can’t tell, I am so in love with this place! I am very weird about visiting the same place twice. I actually have a rule against it. However, before leaving I made my husband promise we would be back! It is that amazing!
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***If you plan on going to Puglia we took a great road trip along the southern coast which I will be sharing in the next few days!
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So funny–I just got back from Puglia (and Rome, but mostly Puglia–we did a week there)! What a beautiful region–we stayed 3 nights in Gallipoli (at the Palazzo Mosco Inn–highly recommended if you go back!), 2 nights in Monopoli, and 2 nights in Martina Franca (at a Masseria there–Iazzo Scagno, really, truly lovely!). Can’t wait to see where you went so I can compare notes.
Wow!!! That place is beautiful!!! I’ll have to keep it in mind for my (eventual) trip to Italy
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