Il Melograno

345 Contrada Torricella

Monopoli , Italy http://www.melograno.com/

39-080-690-9030

Italy’s only Relais & Châteaux property south of Naples sits just outside Monopoli on the Adriatic coast of Apulia, the “heel” of the Italian boot—a sunbaked corner of the country where everything is white-on-white. In a peaceful setting amid olive groves, this 17th-century masseria (farming estate) was converted into a small hotel by antiques collector Camillo Guerra, who scattered period furnishings and Persian rugs on the tile floors of the 37 simple but well-appointed rooms. Guests congregate by the indoor and outdoor pools and the new Orlane spa (complete with a hammam), or choose to board the complimentary shuttle to a private beach nearby. Don’t miss dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves excellent nouvelle Pugliese cuisine.