Il Melograno Hotel

Contrada Torricella, 345, 70043 Monopoli Bari, Italy

Given the whitewashed elegance of Il Melograno and the serene beauty of its grounds, it’s hardly surprising that those that built it decided to fortify it to protect their property from Saracen and Byzantine invaders. South of Bari, just inland from the coastal town of Monopoli, this five-star 17th-century masseria offers everything you could want from a stay in Italy’s ‘heel’. Trees dripping with citrus fruits line the pathways that take you through the maze of buildings, courtyards and intimate gardens (with hammocks). Though its got the big stuff – tennis courts, fully equipped gym and spa – they’re always hidden around a corner. So when you find yourself in the poolside restaurant sipping a crisp white wine, eating huge knots of creamy buffalo mozarella served with those famed Italian tomatoes drizzled with the estate’s own deep-green extra virgin olive oil, you couldn’t want for a tastier slice of Apulian life. Should you be able to drag yourself away from the pool, the hotel has a private beach down the road and also offer cookery classes if you fancy getting more hands-on with the region’s produce. Il Melograno is owned by an antique dealer and some of the rooms are like curiosity shops, with unique touches. You can’t fault its character – something this place has in abundance. AM. Doubles from £242.