Masseria Torre Coccaro

If you’re in the business of keeping up with these sorts of things, you probably already know that Puglia, in Italy’s southeast, is the country’s latest undiscovered travel paradise — smart money has it down as the new Tuscany, now that the old Tuscany has been so thoroughly traveled. And Puglia has plenty to recommend it: gorgeous beaches, balmy weather, the intangible thrill of going against the grain, and some remarkable hotels — like the unique Masseria Torre Coccaro, just outside of the village of Savelletri, less than an hour’s drive from both Bari and Brindisi.

The setting is classic Puglia, on a sun-bleached hillside facing the Adriatic Sea, amid groves of olive trees. The view is no accident — the Masseria began its life in the 16th century as a watchtower, a fortified farmhouse, designed as a stronghold against marauding Turks. Today the fortifications are strictly ornamental, and the Masseria’s architecture just adds to the charm.

Some rooms, in the old farmhouse, are fairly typical, while others are located in the towers, or under the arched ceilings of barrel vaults, and two are carved from limestone caves, one opening onto an orange grove and a private pool. There’s a restaurant in the old stable house, and another at the beach club, as well as a golf course, an Aveda spa, and a cooking school — because exporting the local cuisine is Puglia’s next step toward global travel dominance.

How to get there:

From Bari, take the S.S. 16 motorway towards Brindisi; from Brindisi, head towards Bari. Exit at Fasano/Savelletri and follow the signs towards Savelletri.