Luxury hotel holiday Masseria Torre Maizza Puglia

Situated just 1.5kms from the sea, the Masseria Torre Maizza is set in a large estate with ancient olive trees, fields and crops. Dating back to the 16th Century the Masseria has been and continues to be a working 'farm', producing herbs, fruit and vegetables. The old buildings of the original farm have now been converted, retaining many original features, but with all the modern amenities expected of a 5* hotel. The emphasis is on rest and relaxation with supreme locally sourced produce and cuisine. The orchards and fields provide a fabulously calm environment to take walks in or to have a picnic under the shade of an ancient tree. The heated swimming pool (open March-November) is sheltered from the sea breeze by the original farm wall and is surrounded by ancient colonnades, giving it a truly Roman Baths feel. The teak decking and sun loungers provide the perfect environment in which to relax. The 26 rooms and suites are all spacious and airy and have beautiful original, vaulted ceilings and are decorated in a tasteful, muted style. Some have views of the sea, whilst others look out over the gardens and olive groves. The restaurant is situated in what was the 16th century cow shed, over looking the beautiful swimming pool and the orange groves beyond. The 'Ristorante delle Palme' focuses on producing excellent Mediterranean cuisine with a special emphasis on Apulian tradition. All the produce is sourced locally, from the fruit and vegetables which are grown on the farm to the fresh fish of the day sent from Fasano down the road or the meat from the local organic farm. The Masseria also produces its own hams, mozzarella and pasta and rears it own poultry (including ducks, chickens and pheasant). Fresh eggs are available at breakfast as are wonderfully prepared pastries by the in house pastry chef. In summer, they even use their own 500 year old pizza oven to produce calzoni and fresh pizzas. The chef also organises cookery classes where you can learn traditional Apulian dishes and how to make local pasta, all using the fresh ingredients from the local market and the Masseria. There are many places to visit nearby, including the Trulli 'capital' of Alberobello and the wonderful Baroque city of Lecce. The hotel can organise numerous excursions for you and will even take you out on sea excursions to discover the secret coves, inlets and hidden caves along the coastline. The Exclusive Coccaro beach club is nearby and offers sun loungers and beach activities on the lovely sandy beach. There are many areas for relaxing in and two massage pavilions. There is also a boutique with the latest fashions from Positano and an excellent fish restaurant which is open in the evenings. The hotel has an excellent spa with Aveda treatments, a Jacuzzi and Turkish Bath. The 9 hole Coccaro Golf Club encircles the Masseria and has a large of pitching area and a putting green. The lay out is varied and offers the player many challenges. Golf carts and clubs are available to rent.