Set off the beaten track, in Puglia’s picturesque area of Savelletri di Fasano, only minutes away from the Adriatic coast, Masseria Torre Maizza is a renovated 16th-century farmhouse draped in ivy and surrounded by centuries-old olive trees. On May 1, it will open as a member of Rocco Forte Hotels.
The intimate resort of just 40 rooms and suites has been entirely renovated by Rocco Forte’s director of design, Olga Polizzi, blending colorful prints with local, white linens and terracotta. Heavy carpets and wicker furniture have been used throughout the suites, many of which have their own private patios and original fireplaces. Rocco Forte took over the property in September 2018 and undertook a six million-euro, six-month-long refurbishment.
The top suite is the Torre Suite, a two-bedroom option with a walk-in wardrobe and a separate living room. Bedrooms have either one super-king-size bed or two single beds. The suite is located on the top floor of the tower and has a private, 500-square-foot terrace offering views of the surrounding olive groves, the golf course and the sea, and is fitted with sun loungers, table and chairs. The living room is equipped with a 55-inch smart television; the bathrooms have local stone, double sinks and a bathtub with a separate walk-in shower with a bench.
Suite guests receive in-room check-in, personalized concierge services before and during your stay, full in-room bar, full breakfast in your suite or in the restaurant, unpacking and packing service (along with complimentary pressing up to four garments), high-speed Internet access, a bespoke cultural or gastronomic experience, and a one-way transfer from or to Bari or Brindisi airport or train station.
Fulvio Pierangelini
At the heart of the resort is the local cuisine as interpreted by Rocco Forte’s creative director of food, Maestro Fulvio Pierangelini. Serving as a focal point on the menus will be products from the Masseria’s own gardens and orchard. Pierangelini’s plates are served by candlelight in the vaulted dining room or open air—whether in the gardens or under the stone colonnade surrounding the pool. Tip: Gourmet guests will be able to book private lessons.
Looking for the must-order dishes? We hear guests must try the orecchiette, typical of the Apulian region, any of octopus dishes or the tartare, which is always fresh.
The resort offers a variety of local tailor-made experiences and excursions to coastal villages and historical towns, including Matera, which is this year’s European Capital of Culture. For those who prefer a more relaxing stay, you can book a treatment at the spa, play the nine-hole golf course or head down to the private beach club.
Leading the hotel as general manager will be Franco Girasoli. An Italian native, Girasoli brings 30 years of hospitality experience to the resort. Prior to taking the helms here, Girasoli spent a large part of his career with Belmond Group, where he started in the F&B department of Villa San Michele and eventually moved his way up to general manager in 2004. After 20 years in Tuscany, Girasoli transferred to Ravello in 2008 where, for 10 years, he led the team at the Belmond Hotel Caruso.
Good to know: The resort may be booked as a whole for a small wedding, a renewal of vows celebration or any other multi-generational or group occasion. As part of Masseria Torre Maizza’s celebration experience, guests will be treated to Champagne, chocolate truffles and a romantic breakfast in bed.
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