By far the one of my best highlights of 2019 was being a guest here at Castello Di Ugento. Puglia was on my bucket list for years. Now I understand why people love it and I now know how to sell it! I was invited by one of our exclusive suppliers to come and inspect the place. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the experience.
The owners (now my new best friends) former Pepsi CEO, Massimo Fasanella d'Amore di Ruffano and his partner, Diana Bianchi, began renovations over four years ago to transform the property which had gone unused by Massimo family for decades—into this new landmark on the region's Salento Coast. Formerly a palazzo before its transformation, it is now a very well publicised and sought after boutique hotel, with a state-of-the-art cooking school, museum, and is fast becoming one of the most upscale seaside retreats. The renovations don’t get much more extreme than the six-year, €15 million (£13.2 million) spent on the project!
Everything about the place feels like it must have been in the 18th-century, from the scented gardens outside to the lofted ceilings and 17th-century frescoes of the salons inside.
The on-site cooking school, and the restaurant led by one of the country's best chefs are both quite incredible. We were utterly spoilt and had the privilege of experiencing the cookery school by making our own pasta.
WHERE IS IT?
Located at the highest point in Ugento, southern Puglia. Ugento is a sleepy little town in Salento. Along with its magnificent Castello, a cathedral towers over an elegant square and Byzantine and Baroque churches can be glimpsed down tiny alleyways. It is also the site of a state-of-the-art archaeological museum housed in an old Franciscan monastery, a glass roof soaring over a courtyard between the ancient walls and protecting the tomb of an athlete from the 6th century BC.
There are small supermarkets, a pharmacy and the town’s array of pizzerias are within walking distance. The coast is 4 miles (7km) away – it’s worth hiring a car to explore the area.
HOW TO GET THERE
AIR
Brindisi airport, known as “Aeroporto del Salento”, has direct connections to many Italian and European cities. It is 90 km away and an hour by car from the Castello di Ugento.
Bari is 200 km away and about a 2.15 hour drive.
RAIL
The nearest train station on the Italian National Rail service line is Lecce
HOW MANY ROOMS?
Only nine individually decorated suites, and all of them simply gorgeous: Vaulted ceilings, large windows; exposed stonework and the expected five star luxury items like Italian linen, contemporary furniture; organic locally made olive oil-based products are all included. The attention to detail is magnificent.
THE VIBE/ATMOSPHERE
It feels like you are staying in someone’s home, well an estate and a castle more like! It’s very personal and Diana and Massimo, who live on-site, truly make the place so special as they are on hand for your every need. There is no room service but a restaurant. Everything is top-notch quality. Everything is tailor-made.
HOW TO PUT IT INTO WORDS
A five-star luxury “historical monument” turned hotel. Special. Unique. A Gem. Exquisite. It’s difficult to use too many superlatives but Ultimate Wow springs to mind. Just read the reviews online if you don’t believe me!
THINGS TO DO LOCALLY
Private Walking Tours - Visit of the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, 50 minutes away: Discover the Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the piazza del Duomo with the cathedral. Arches of triumph, obelisks, aristocratic palaces, caryatids, fountains, everything is arranged according to a theatrical baroque decoration.
Exclusive Palace Visits - Enjoy a coffee or an aperitivo inside a privately owned property such as a historical palazzo or masseria. Discover architectural gems and gardens that are very often hidden to the public eye. The owners will be there to welcome you, show you around their private homes, and offer you a coffee or a glass of wine.
Food Tasting - Food, olive oil and wine are one of the trademarks and excellencies at the heart of the Puglia’s culture. Let us take you to centuries-old olive oil mills and wineries, run by the same families for generations; meet the owners, visit their property accompanied by them and enjoy tasting their product; and gain a unique insight on Salento and its traditions.
Boat Excursions - Come and explore the tip of Italy’s heel, where the majestic Adriatic Sea and the lush Ionian Sea meet: beaches, dunes, nature reserves, watchtowers, grottoes, high cliffs… Choose from one of our many sea-centered options: A unique sailing cruise on a vintage 15-meter boat.Private gozzo-boat excursions to explore the coast and it grottoes. Self-driven or accompanied by experienced skippers.Relaxing day at the sea in one of the elegant sea establishments along the Apulian coast.
Also: Trekking, Hiking, Bicyling; Private Yoga and Pilates Classes; Local Artisanship; Hands-On Grape Harvesting & Olive Picking
Castello di Ugento has a sister property Masseria le Mandorle nearby with a further 12 rooms. Here there is also a swimming pool that guests from Castllo di Ugento can use.
Please call me for more information and my own personal photographs. I can assure you that you will treated like a VVIP if you let me take care of your travel arrangements from beginning to end!
