Masseria Torre Maizza

The Masseria Torre Maizza is a beautiful country retreat, with bougainvillea, lemon trees, olive groves, and grapevines throughout the resort. The estate features white-washed buildings with navy blue doors and purple flowers climbing up the sides, and the ground is covered in stone slab walkways. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed, from the swimming pool surrounded by hammocks to casual patio dining beneath the shade of a pretty pergola.

This luxury hotel is in the countryside on the outskirts of Fasano, on the “heel” of Italy. Just under an hour away from the airport, it’s in a quiet area with small roads cutting through open fields and farmland. Its sister property, the Masseria Torree Coccaro, is next door and is more family-friendly. The Coccaro Golf Club is on the property and the larger San Domenico Golf Club is less than 10 minutes away by car. The beach is just as close and the resort offers a free shuttle service there. One of the only restaurants in the area is Mia Cucina, a five-minute car ride north. The heart of Fasano is a less than 10 minutes away by car and features more restaurants, movie theaters, and other entertainment.

Aside from the sister property, the closest hotels are the Masseria Don Luigi and the Masseria Burgo, both about a 10-minute walk away. The Don Luigi is similar in the style of Torre Maizza, but is more expensive. Burgo is much less expensive but is a bed and breakfast, providing a different experience.

The estate has spacious rooms with plain white walls, high ceilings, and a few large black-and-white framed photographs on display. Each has a seating area with all-white furniture, and beds typically have white or blue comforters, lending an airy, slightly beach-y vibe. The charming space has all the basics, including a desk, large closet, minibar, and flat-screen TVs. The chic bathrooms each have a shower/rub combo (but it's better than most, with a deep tub for soaking), basic toiletries, a makeup mirror, hairdryer, robes, and towels. All rooms have a private outdoor patio while some suites have a small, private pool surrounded by a wooden deck, lounge chairs, and umbrella.

The hotel is home to two restaurants, each offering a different menu -- Le Palme serves up fresh local products, including fresh fish, burrata from area farms, and vegetables grown on the estate, while the more casual Le Colonne provides traditional cuisine from Puglia by the pool. The Aveda spa utilizes natural products grown on the property, and yoga and Pilates instructors offer classes to guests in the olive groves or on the beach. The olive groves are also home to a golf course -- other outdoor activities include bicycling, sailing, and hiking. The beach is a quick shuttle ride away, a service provided for free, and is host to the Coccaro Beach Club with a lounge, boutique, a restaurant, and a private terrace. For business, the historic olive mill seats 90 people.