Masseria Torre Coccaro, Puglia, Italy, Beach, Spa

Built in the XVI Century as a stronghold against the Turks, this beautiful masseria is surrounded by ancient olive, almond and carob trees. A great history of superb cuisine and hospitality await guests at Torre Coccaro.

The Masseria Torre Coccaro is a superb combination of ancient farm and modern hospitality, bringing  the best local traditions of cooking to a setting which is at once rustic and breathtakingly beautiful. The fortified farms in this region have enormous character from their long histories; buildings of time-weathered stone meet ancient trees and olive groves in a perfection born out of two thousand years of co-existence.

Thirty-three rooms have been sited creatively throughout the property from the old haylofts and the tower where cherry tomatoes used to hang for the winter, to the ‘Tuff’ houses, farmyard and even in the incredible caves beneath! None are the same but all have immense character - some have great open fireplaces, others barrel-vaulted ceilings, jacuzzis, gardens or balconies overlooking the sea.

A lake-like pool sits a short distance from the central courtyard and the Cabana Snack bar serves simple yet delicious buffet lunches of home-made mozzarelle and burrate. There is an Aveda Spa in a sub-terranean grotto for those in search of rejuvenation and in the evening guests can enjoy drinks at the bar Il Frantoio, beneath the Roman columns before sampling the delights of the Restaurant Egnathia. The menu of Puglian specialities, seafood and fish with contemporary touches - all organically produced at the Masseria - is world class.

The vault-like Cigar Lounge is a tranquil venue for billiards or for the more active, the 9-hole golf course awaits. A private yacht is on hand for fishing or exploring the coast and the chef reveals some of his secrets at the cookery school ‘Massaia’. Mountain biking and horse riding are a great way to look around the countryside or there is always the Coccaro Beach Club - where one finds watersports, a Japanese fish restaurant, lounge bar and massage - for guests in need of more strenuous exertion before placing themselves in the chef’s hands once more.