Hotel Masseria Bandino

Masseria Bandino’s grounds resemble a cross between arid desert and green countryside; there are plenty of cacti about, but green lawn, trees, and bushes as well. The hotel sits a few hundred feet beyond the unpaved entrance road, and consists of both a brick and concrete renovated farmhouse, originally built in 1700, as well as newer buildings that house the rooms. For those looking for a farmhouse retreat, the unremarkable and rather bland appearance of the room buildings is definitely a downside. Reception is found through the wood paneled glass doors of the farmhouse, and weather forecasts for the next few days are on display. Off-white tones and varying shades of brown wood, wicker furniture, planted succulents, and hanging artwork give the lobby a vaguely Southwestern vibe. Back outside, two different seating areas of immaculately white wooden sofas, love seats, and tables can be found under a gazebo-type covering.Exterior concrete staircases lead up to some of the room terraces, while some rooms are accessed by a large, light brick walkway, flanked by green grass. In the latter case, sounds of neighing horses and barking dogs from the affiliated horse stables can be heard.Covered parking is located across the gravel road from the main entrance.

A 10-minute drive from the coastal town of Otranto, Masseria Bandino is nestled within a valley of the Puglia countryside. It's surrounded by pine forest, numerous olive trees, and citrus crops, so the fresh air can be quite aromatic. Also nearby is a horse stable affiliated with the hotel. The hotel’s location is just miles away from Puglia’s beautiful Alimini and Due Mori beaches. The Otranto Cathedral, whose entire floor is a seventh-century mosaic depicting the tree of life, and the Ortanto castle, are less than 10 minutes away by car.

All 20 of Masseria Bandino’s comfortably sized rooms have personal, but public-facing terraces. Bottom floor terraces are largest and the most private, although some sacrifice size in exchange for a grassy patch of lawn. The exceptionally clean and homey rooms have wood or tile floors, fluffy duvets covering comfortable beds, and whitewashed simple wood furniture that embodies a shabby-chic Pottery Barn style. Silver fixtures and accents add to the modern vibe and woven straw and colorful paintings adorn the walls. Bathrooms are spotless, tiled, and contain bidets.All rooms have air-conditioners, flat-screen TVs with digital channels, mini-fridges, and safes.

A rustic, indoor dining room has simple country decor -- concrete block floors, white walls, and a light bricked ceiling, a concrete fireplace, plaid tablecloths over white tables, and fresh flowers in terracotta vases. The continental breakfast buffet is served here and reservations for dinner are appreciated. Al fresco dining is also available in an covered rock alcove surrounded by succulents. The small bar serves espressos and alcohol has minimal seating and a fireplace. In warm weather, guests can take advantage of the outdoor pool surrounded by olive trees and sun chairs, simple children’s playground, horseback tours of the area, and on-site bicycle rentals. The hotel also has room service with limited hours, a concierge, and cooking classes. In August, the hotel provides a free daily shuttle service to the beach and nightly shuttle service to town.