마세리아 바냐라(Masseria Bagnara Resort & Spa)

We were exhausted from moving house when we went for a week to Masseria Bagnara and looking for peace and quiet. The Masseria fulfilled our requirements - and more. It's not easy to find on Google maps but once we were there we were looked after to the highest standard. Being early in the season our room was upgraded to a beautiful suite, looking out over the pool, poppy-filled fields and the sea in the distance. We swam in the beautiful pool and the sea (both fresh in April), went for walks along the beach, just under a mile from the hotel on foot, and made trips to Taranto, Grottaglie (great ceramics) and other smaller places (you need a car). Throughout, we were looked after beautifully by Salvatore, Giulia and Alessandro who were attentive without ever being overbearing, supremely courteous. Breakfasts by Sylvia were outstanding - we were amazed each morning by the generous array of food, including fresh fruit, eggs and croissants. We had two dinners at the Masseria, both of which were also delicious. It's not cheap but the Masseria Bagnara provides a high quality experience at every turn. We shall be back!

We had a truly wonderful time at the Masseria Bagnara. We went for a week in mid-April to re-charge our batteries, so we want peace and quiet, warm weather and relaxation. Out of season we certainly had all of that including having the outdoor pool to ourselves most days which was great. The staff were absolutely amazing: attentive, caring, discreet, full of hospitality and happy to accommodate you. We wanted for nothing. The front of house staff Salvatore and Julia were extremely helpful and warm, the really pleasant owner came to say hello to us every day, and the kitchen and dining room staff, Sylvia and Mimo, were just lovely. The food at the Masseria is fantastic - we would have very happily eaten there every night. But we also got great recommendations from the staff (since not that much is open pre-season) which we acted on. The countryside was in full flush, and there are plenty of towns nearby to visit and enjoy. We walked to the sandy beach by the sea nearly every day - again, we had it largely to ourselves, and we also braced the admittedly still rather cold - but crystal clear - water, and not just running in, holding our breath and rushing back to shore. We cannot recommend this Masseria too highly, especially for those wanting a relaxing, quiet time, in quality surroundings and with brilliant staff.

After a hectic few days in Matera we transferred to Masseria Bagnara near Lizzano. We were sold on the white buildings in the pictures from our travel agent but in reality they can’t highlight the true beauty of this place. From our first welcome from Salvatore and Julia who were omnipresent and so helpful during our four day stay…. With Alessandro the owner and his son Amadeo who were also always on hand and the wine cellar to retire in….to the amazing Chef Carlo (why would you go anywhere else to eat when the food is so fabulous and innovative?)…. to the fantastic breakfast, lunch and dinner server teams who sadly I can’t name but they were so attentive ….. lovely rooms which were amazingly serviced with fresh towels and linen each day by the housekeepers…. To the pool …. Heaven. Will be back and would highly recommend

We simply love this place and we highly recommend it. We enjoyed all the attention that was brought to us by the owner and his team. They all made us feel special. We loved the attention to each detail, to the art pieces spread around the property and you realize that everything has been done and put into place with passion. Peaceful place, surrounded by fields and authentic nature, the sea is just a few minutes away. We also liked the swimming pool and the SPA.

Amazing experience, amazing service and very attentive staff to all your needs. Rooms are amazing with very comfortable closet, shower, great bed, large room and private outdoor sitting area just in front of your room. The pool is fabulous and overlooks the fields and because the structure is elevated you get a nice breeze as well. The owner Alessandro is always present and attentive to whatever you need or desire as well as all the staff. Let's talk about the food, the chef is amazing, always attentive and ready to prepare whatever you desire. The dishes are superb to say the least and the menu changes daily always with fresh and local ingredients. You want something that's not on the menu? Not a problem at all. They also have a spa which makes the experience at the Masseria even more relaxing. For wine lovers.....the wine cellar is one of the most complete I have ever seen, this is the place to find your rare bottle and enjoy it. The bar is also as complete with an enormous variety of grappa's, amaro's and much more and cigar selection as well! Am writing this while still here and leaving tomorrow and did not want to leave anything out. But the live experience is certainly a must if you come to Puglia. Oh forget about all the decorative details and design, just exquisite!!! A presto e grazie della vostra ospitalità e gentilezza.

A small hotel, hidden in the backyard of a small village, close to the city of Taranto and only a 1 km from the sea. Professionaly run by an Italian family and their superfriendly staff. From the moment you enter the door, you get the warmest welcome from the people at the reception and no one lets you down at any moment. We’d already been there 8 years ago, had good memories, but now they even surpassed our expectations. The hotel and all the rooms are very well kept and everything looks as if it is just newly built. The peace and quiet at the pool makes you really relaxed. Breakfast is superfresh, we had the best local cheeses, but you’ll find everything you need at the buffet. And definitly stay for diner. Every evening they propose a different menu with choices of meat or fish, all with local ingredients. Mostly typical local dishes, but often brought in a surprising way. The sommelier/owner, a young guy passionate about wine, is very easy to talk to. He helps you make the right choice and lets you discover the finest local wines, all at the best price/quality. Unlike other sommeliers it is a pleasure to have him at your table and let him share his passion. If you think about going to Puglia, book this place, you won’t be disappointed.

This is a great boutique resort, in a quite secluded environment. It says 4 star, but for me it is at 5 star level. Great service, great food, super, really super swimming pool. And they have an amazing wine cellar. For wine lovers, ask for advise and visit the wine cellar, because only a limited amount of available wines are on the wine list you get at dinner. Their complete list consists of thousands of wines vary from affordable to really expensive (yes they have all the super Tuscans) . Many thanks to the owners and the staff for giving us such a great time! Also ask for advise when you want to go to the beach, they can make reservations for you at beach clubs.

Location: About 2 km from the seaside surrounded by fields. Not a lot to visit in the surroundings. Taranto is not a very nice, big and busy city. We hoped to find many nice fish restaurants in Taranto but this was not the case at all. Grottaglie is nice to visit but that is about it. We did stay on our trip in between stays in Otranto and Matera to have a few relaxing days and this was great if you have time to spare. Check in: Very friendly and welcoming Rooms: We did stay in a room in the main building. There is not really a private balcony but a shared sitting area at the front door of the room. It might get very hot there in summer time. The room was beautifully decorated and there were many little details like a night light in the bath room which we appreciated. Everything was very well thought out. The black out curtains need to be replaced but this was the only thing that would have made our stay better. Grounds: Everything at the hotel is stunning. The decoration is amazing. They could have done more with the big and beautiful outside terrace. There is lightning and terrace heaters but when we returned from dinner outside the hotel, everything was dark. We would have loved to sit out there with a drink from the bar. Now the hotel was totally empty in the evening. But probably this is totally different in high season. Breakfast: Breakfast starts at 08.00 but they only started the setup at 08.00 when we arrived so a bit of a slow start but we did have plenty of time. Very beautiful place to have breakfast outside in the courtyard and great coffee. Extra: They work with beach clubs in the neighborhood - access is not included in the room rate. Swimming pool: Beautiful and big swimming pool We would definitely return to this beautiful hotel.

Our stay exceeded expectations at so many levels. Staff was looking after us as if we were family. Great location, very quiet yet easy to drive to many sights. Free parking on the premises. Excellent breakfast, comfortable rooms and strong internet. All premises are kept in pristine condition. 100% recommended.