Il Melograno, a beautiful sixteenth century estate in the unspoilt and enchanting region of Puglia, is an extremely luxurious and charming owner managed hotel with a warm and relaxing ambience.

‘Melograno’ means Pomegranate, the symbol of beauty and fertility and the inspiration for countless allusions in literature and art. Il Melograno Hotel is indeed a beautiful place, set in the heart of the breathtaking Puglia countryside near many fine Adriatic beaches. Pomegranate, prickly pear, almond and citrus trees are in abundance and relaxing in the sun by the pool is a dream. Originally a sixteenth century ‘Masseria’ built as a defence against Saracen and Byzantine invaders, Il Melograno has been exquisitely restored by Camilla Guerra, an antiques collector.

Each of the thirty-three rooms and four suites nestle around the central piazza and have been individually furnished with Persian rugs and period furniture giving the feel of a warm family run property. The restaurant at Il Melograno, flanked by olive trees dating back to biblical times, specialises in delicious Pugliese cuisine - a vast array of dishes based on local vegetables and hand made pastas unique to the region. Olive oil is pressed from the olives grown on the estate and there is a well stocked cellar of regional wines which in ancient times was known as Oenotria, the land of wine.

Once part of Magna Grecia, this little known corner of Italy is rich in history and architecture and those guests interested in exploring the area can take advantage of a vast cultural heritage that ranges from the Swabian castles of Frederic II, to the mysterious conical Trulli of Alberobello. There are Byzantine ruins and Baroque Cathedrals to explore as well as local markets selling fresh buffalo mozzarella, a private beach with the most incredible fish restaurant and for the more active guests there is biking, sailing, riding, fishing and tennis. To stay at Il Melograno is heaven and as Ermanno Olmi put it, an epithet that one may like to put to the test, “…You can sit here doing nothing but knowing that you are not wasting your time.