Falstaff Magazin International Nr. 2/2022

destinations / SUMMER

destinations / SUMMER HOTSPOTS Masseria San Domenico Left: Borgo Egnazia BEST OF PUGLIA STAYING MASSERIA SAN DOMENICO Once a mediaeval watchpost, this lovely farmhouse hotel is steeped in history – and the perfect sanctuary for those seeking ultimate rest and relaxation amid gorgeous scenery. A mere 500 metres from the sea, this luxury mansion boasts a premium Thalasso spa, two sizable pools and its own 18-hole golf course. Four restaurants and two bars offer the best that Puglian cuisine has to offer, including unbelievably flavourful spaghetti alle vongole. Doubles from £465 per night. masseriasandomenico.com CANNE BIANCHE LIFESTYLE HOTEL The five-star lifestyle hotel with an aqua spa and two restaurants embodies the relaxed allure and top-notch hospitality of Puglia. The hotel’s bright and elegant design makes guests feel instantly at home. With subtle nods to the region’s cultural heritage and its proximity to the sea, Canne Bianche mirrors southern Italy’s dignified grace. Doubles from £205 per night. cannebianche.com SIGHTSEEING Medieval Trulli BORGO EGNAZIA The immaculately designed resort is considered to be the best in all of Puglia, and rightfully so: it is the perfect replica of a traditional Puglian village, with all the charm, beauty and warm hospitality that the region is so famous for. Nestled between an ancient olive grove and the Adriatic sea, Borgo Egnazia is an enchanting refuge with seven restaurants, four pools, a spa and unparalleled service. The private casettas (traditional country houses) and villas are perfect for families. Truly a place like no other! Doubles from approx. £431 per night. borgoegnazia.com THE TRULLI IN ALBEROBELLO The medieval huts with conical roofs are a piece of Puglian cultural heritage you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The town of Alberobello, just under an hour’s drive from Bari, has a large number of these historic dwellings with entire neighbourhoods consisting of whitewashed trulli – to the delight of visitors from across the globe. Traditional ceramics. Puglian cuisine is often served on colourful ceramic tableware that brightens up any meal. Sets from €32. bottegaegnazia.com 62 falstaff jul-sep 2022

A day trip to Bari. You shouldn’t miss a chance to visit Puglia’s capital: the old town is delightful and the Castello Normanno Svevo fortress (pictured) is a must-see for history buffs. Photos: Nina Zasche - Reiseblog Good Morning World, iStock, Shutterstock, Stavros Habakis/www.visual-storyteller.com, Vincenzo di Simione/unsplash, supplied DINING DUE CAMINI RESTAURANT Mediterranean culture and contemporary gastronomic art merge at chef Domingo Schingaro’s Michelin-starred restaurant. The acclaimed cook serves up delightful fare and puts a clever twist on traditional flavours crafted from seasonal ingredients of local origin. ristoranteduecamini.it RESTAURANT QUINTESSENZA The name says it all: chef Stefano Di Gennaro’s creations are the quintessence of Puglian cooking. His simple but delicious fare was awarded a Michelin star in 2016. We recommend the creamy prawn risotto, seabass with potatoes as well as the tasty, succulent agretti. quintessenzaristorante.it SOUVENIRS BOTTEGA EGNAZIA The exclusive concept store at the Borgo Egnazia resort pays fond homage to regional art and traditional craftsmanship. Fashion and clothing, chic accessories and stunning items for house and home are carefully selected by the hotel owner herself. bottegaegnazia.com BIALETTI Italy is synonymous with good coffee, often considered the best in the world. With a traditional Moka pot from Bialetti – we love the one in the colours of the Italian flag – you can take a piece of Italy back home and enjoy an authentic cup of espresso every morning. From approx. €25. bialetti.com Ristorante Quintessenza IN THE KNOW WHERE LIFE MOVES AT A SLOWER PACE Deep in the south of Italy, the clocks tick in the rhythm of simpler times – long siestas and shorter opening hours are the norm. GET A CAR… …to get around: touristically, the region is still largely untapped, which is why renting a car is a sensible choice. BE AWARE OF “FERRAGOSTO!” August is peak holiday season across Italy. While the cities are largely empty at this time, the beaches are abuzz with people. PARLA ITALIANO? The further you go inland, the better it is to have at least a handful of Italian phrases in your repertoire in order to communicate. THERE IN A JIFFY Travellers can fly to Puglia via airports in Bari and Brindisi. jul-sep 2022 falstaff 63