Premier Hotels & Resorts - Winter/Spring 2009 - (Page 14) FROM RITCHIE MARKUS Experiences to Remember Risorgimento, Lecce, Puglia, Italy Masseria Torre Maizza, Savelettri di Fasano, Puglia, Italy La Peschiera, Monopoli, Puglia, Italy Il Melograno, Monopoli, Puglia, Italy Each hotel that graces the pages of Premier Hotels & Resorts shares many common attributes: unparalleled service, top-line amenities, exceptional spa and luxury accommodations. These are givens— expected upon check-in. Intrinsically, though, each property is different, carrying a distinct DNA and alive in its own individual way that captures the essence of the destination. I am always impressed by these properties and even more so by the fact that they never stay static; they are always looking to stay on top of changing guest tastes and revise their product accordingly. I’ve been fortunate to visit many of these properties each year, and it never gets dull. I am always impressed by something new I see, but, at the same time, remain struck by the amount of energy and attention to detail each hotel manages to keep constant. Of course, each of these hotels is blessed with supreme location, whether perched over the sea, at the foot of a mountain or situated within the hustle and bustle of a lively city. The southeastern section of Italy known as Puglia is gaining considerable attention for its mix of charming and eclectic properties. A great little gem is La Peschiera (page 180) in Monopoli, boasting exclusivity with only eight rooms and three suites. The hotel is only open from April to October and a perfect getaway for couples, who will encounter splendid Adriatic Sea views, while whittling the day away in the property’s seawater and spring water natural pools. Monopoli is also home to Il Melograno (page 179), a converted masseria set in the rustic countryside and dotted with aromatic olive and citrus groves. Guests rave over the hotel’s artless charm, from its unadorned, simple white-washed exterior, to the stunning pool area bordered by lovely greenery. Masseria Torre Maizza (page 181), once a fortified garrison, today is a peaceful respite for all its guests lucky to snag one of 28 rooms. Here, cuisine takes center stage: The restaurant’s traditional Apulian dishes are all natural and created with foods grown onsite, including olives, almonds, figs, prickly pears and grapes. In the summer, pizzas and calzones are baked in a 500year-old firewood oven. The city of Lecce has earned the nickname “Florence of the South,” and after undergoing an extensive renovation in 2007, the five-star Risorgimento Resort (page 182) remains one of the city’s long-standing masterpieces. Guests will 14 PREMIER HOTELS & RESORTS | Winter/Spring 2009
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.