Borgo Egnazia

Puglia is a lovely, unspoiled region on the 'heel' of Italy. Pretty towns, called Il Borgo, and villages spread out between expansive farmland dating back many centuries. The area is also blessed by long stretches of the northern Mediterranean coastline and the Adriatic Sea's azure waters.

Borgo Egnazia nestles peacefully into a characteristic Apulian village. It also overlooks the Adriatic, where this unusual hotel celebrates the life and traditions of the region.

Location

The 'borgo' (village) is a constructed settlement in a typical regional style. It snuggles between Roman ruins and the San Domenico championship golf course.

A free shuttle crosses to the coast, a pleasant, walkable trip ending at the hotel's Cala Masciola Beach Club. Good swimming and dining facilities are also available here in a delightful cove.

More rocky coves and fine sandy beaches are nearby at Savelletri di Fasano with Brindisi's coastal port city 35 miles away. Brindisi also has an airport, or guests can fly into the capital Bari about 40 miles north.

'Nowhere Else'

The slogan of the hotel encourages guests to come and enjoy a place like no other. Despite the hotel's chic image, the area is one of the fields' of vegetables growing. It also caters to an abundant supply of the coastal fishing industry.

Top-class fresh local food supplies and traditional recipes are hallmarks of the hotel. This enables guests to enjoy an authentic Apulian experience. Besides, just about everything comes from within Italy and as much as possible from the local area.

Style and Hospitality

The hotel is the brainchild of a local family, the Melpignano, who own several other local concerns. These include a spa and an outstanding vegan restaurant. This elegant building soars up under the Roman ruins of Egnazia in the authentic regional style but enveloping a romantic setting of sublime luxury.

The limestone tufa building material gives a warm creamy-white glow. This radiance echoes in the overall hotel décor, with an abundance of comfortable cushions and soft seating. Besides, this ivory beauty designed by Pino Brescia is picked up in the evenings by candlelight flickering on the white walls, romantic turrets, and Arabian arches.

Moreover, traditional Mediterranean scents of jasmine, rosemary, and lemon surround guests in this dream-like setting. Furthermore, the hospitality and efficiency of the staff only enhance the experience.

Weddings and Celebrations

Famous names and wealthy celebrities choose this destination for weddings and special events for which the hotel is ideally suitable.

A private chapel is on the grounds, giving an enchanting little piazza and beyond to a private beach. Glamorous top-notch restaurants and deluxe swimming pools also add to the attractions.

The Rooms and villas

The authentic style and pale beauty of the décor continue into the rooms. Whitestone tables, bespoke wooden furniture, and luxury stone bathrooms are standard in the accommodations.

All benefit from modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and sound systems with balconies or courtyard sitting/dining areas to enjoy the scene.

• The Court

The court at the heart of the complex has an arched entrance and traditional styling. This includes a gourmet restaurant, bar, and spa. The rooms have 3 grades according to size and space, but all have clean fine lines accented with a white, beige, caramel, and cream color scape.

Big sink-in beds own crisp white linen. They are canopied in drifting white material, which also screens the long windows, creating a soft natural light. Lots of plush cushions, scatter rugs, and dried rosemary also adds luxury touches.

• The Borgo

The Borgosurrounds the courtyard area and has walls and alleyways in a typical old fortified-village style. Settling down now after a few years have passed since the opening, it has the look of a well-established place.

Gnarled olive trees and vines begin to twist around each other, and purple bougainvillea tumbles over the tufa stone walls. Besides, the cottages here are family-sized with extra beds. Each includes a kitchen, dining and living rooms, huge 4-poster beds, sumptuous sofas, and pretty terraces.

Moreover, the Piazza with walls studded by prickly pear cactus has 2 restaurants. It also has kid's and teenager's clubs and is the meeting point for the complex.

• The Villas

Behind the Piazza are ultra-luxurious 3-story Roman-style villas. Each has its own balconies, terraces with sea views, and exquisite gardens around private pools. Besides, architectural harmony and beauty blend with every modern comfort.

Wining and Dining

Guests at Borgo Egnazia are spoilt for choice with several excellent restaurants and bars, all using the best local produce available season-on-season.

For gourmets, the Michelin-starred Due Camini (2 Fireplaces) serves Puglian feasts re-interpreted by chef Schingaro and a team of culinary wizards.

Mia Cucina (My Kitchen) is family-oriented with traditional pizzas and upscaled home cooking.

Frisella is a jolly, brightly colored eatery for children of all ages. A buffet of healthy pasta-bowl menus of children's favorites combines with games and coloring-book fun- time.

Moreover, you can enjoy sunsets and sundowners by the sea at the Cala MasciolaBeach Club, specializing in freshly caught seafood dishes.

Snacks, gelato, cocktails, and Italian coffee are all-day alternatives at the corner by the family swimming pool, The Shed, and the very Italian Porch Bar. A treat of street-cooked food is also available on street-market days.

Spa and Fitness

3 bathing pools — one for adults only, another a thermal Roman treasure, a sublime vair spa, and fitness areas are available for guests every day. Barefooted 'handmaidens' in the spa work wonders with exclusive face and body treatments using the finest natural products.

Vair Solo is a unique deep relaxation experience immersed in a salt-saturated tank with infra-red/massage after. Gym and fitness classes are also available for energetic guests.

Children and Teens

The hotel is very child-friendly (and pet-friendly), with 3 kid clubs for different age groups. Trullalleri is for the tiny ones with live animals and creative activities. Moreover, Sailor's Teen Club and the Tarantari Teen Club arrange a host of entertainments, sports, cooking classes, and artistic pursuits.

Takeaway

Guests arriving at this unique hotel may wish to head straight for the luxury on-site boutique to fit themselves up for an authentic Puglian experience. Borgo Egnazia will surely not disappoint them.