Masseria Torre Coccaro is an intriguing boutique hotel in Puglia with a past stretching back 500 years. At one time, Masseria Torre Coccaro was a farm, and at another it was a fort built to defend the coast. It was even a refuge for pilgrims and the Knights of Malta. The boutique hotel now sits nestled in an orchard of ancient olive trees and attracts guests who love the beautiful surroundings, as well as the top-notch service.

The facilities

Masseria Torre Coccaro boasts quite a range of facilities for its guests. This boutique hotel has a large swimming pool and Jacuzzi, both shaded by olive trees. There are also three restaurants that serve locally sourced food either from the property's farm or from the coastline. Cooking classes are on offer from the boutique hotel's superb chefs.

Masseria Torre Coccaro also has an Aveda Spa, kitted out with a techno-gym, heated swimming pool, whirlpool and Turkish baths. The range of massages on offer and all-natural personalised treatments (derived from herbs, organic fruit and essential oils) make it hard not to feel totally spoilt.

If you feel like you've over-indulged, there are a range of sporty activities to get your blood pumping again: mountain bikes, volleyball, jogging tracks and a horseback riding centre are available at this boutique hotel.

A nearby sandy beach has an exclusive lounge for Masseria Torre Coccaro visitors where guests enjoy complimentary beach mattresses. There is also a private 14-meter yacht offered to bring guests to Polignano a Mare caves and the ancient harbour of Monopoli, allowing you the pleasure of swimming in the crystal-water coves.

The rooms

The 33 rooms at this boutique hotel couple simplicity with comfort and elegance with regional décor. All rooms are fitted with a small table and two armchairs perfect for breakfast dining. Some suites come with a living room and stone fireplace, and a few have their own private Jacuzzi.

Most extravagant is the Orange Garden Suite, which is located in an ancient cave and has its own private pool and whirlpool bath. However, all of the rooms at Masseria Torre Coccaro offer fantastic luxuries, such as olive oil soap and shampoo, daily newspaper, CD and DVD players with a wide choice of DVDs, internet connection, a bathrobe and slippers and a fully stocked minibar.