Masseri
Sober, austere Apulian architecture with a quietly aristocratic interior. Brown wood and wrought iron furniture, embroidered rugs, ceramics from nearby Grottaglia. No flashy design statements — just very good taste and real history.
Book spa treatments in advance — the thalassotherapy slots fill up fast, especially in summer.
Why It Matters
The property that put luxury masseria tourism on the map. First Leading Hotel of the World in Southern Italy. Combines genuine 15th-century Knights of Malta architecture with one of Italy's most respected thalassotherapy spas. Adults-only (no children under 12), which keeps the atmosphere serene year-round. Still family-run under the Melpignano name.
A gleaming, whitewashed 15th-century watchtower complex built by the Knights of Malta to scan the Adriatic for invaders — now Puglia's original benchmark luxury resort. The Melpignano family lovingly restored and opened it as a hotel in 1996, making it the first Leading Hotel of the World in Southern Italy. Boutique in scale at just 40 rooms, the property punches well above its weight with a serious thalassotherapy spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, two private beaches, and a free-form seawater pool that winds through century-old olive trees like a lagoon.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Deluxe Room
Located on the ground or first floor, close to the spa. Tastefully furnished in a classic style with brown wood and wrought iron. Marble bathroom with bathtub. Views over the gardens.
King (190x200cm) or twin on request · 27 sqmGarden Suite
One-bedroom suite on the ground floor with a private garden. Double or twin beds. Charming and intimate with direct garden access.
King or twin on request · 60 sqmIl Villino Villa
A standalone villa within the Mediterranean garden offering complete seclusion. Two spacious en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped patio, private heated pool, and a living area. The most private option on the property.
Two bedrooms · 100 sqmJunior Suite Garden
Recently refurbished. Spacious bedroom in classical yet sophisticated style, large bathroom with separate shower, and a private patio furnished with table and chairs overlooking the olive grove.
King or twin on request · 40 sqmJunior Suite Masseria
Spacious rooms on the ground floor of the ancient main building, decorated in a sober classical style. Includes a lounge area. Bathroom has both a bathtub and a shower. Garden views.
King or twin on request · 40 sqmMasseria Suite
Located in the old part of the farm on ground or first floor. Spacious bedroom, separate living room with sofa bed, one or two bathrooms with bath and shower, and an outdoor patio. Furnished in a unique and authentic way with antiques.
King or twin on request · 55 sqmSan Domenico a Mare Rooms
Four contemporary 'pieds dans l'eau' rooms at the seaside annex, about 1 km from the main masseria. Inspired by seafaring culture and positioned right on the rocks above the Adriatic. You fall asleep to the actual sound of waves. Summer only.
KingSan Domenico Suite
The hotel's most exclusive and largest suite. Two double bedrooms each with private bathroom, a living room with fireplace in local stone, dining corner, kitchenette, and a massive 70 sqm terrace with views over the pool and distant sea. Furnished with antique furniture, precious carpets and antique ceramics. Ideal for families, friends, or splurge-worthy romantic stays.
Two king bedrooms · 130 sqmTerrace Suite
Perched atop a building and reached by a flight of stairs. Exclusive open-air terrace setting with elevated views. A genuinely rare layout — the kind of room that requires commitment but rewards it.
King or twin on requestThalasso Suite
Located on the first floor of the Spa and Thalasso Centre. Ideal for guests doing intensive wellness programs — roll straight from the treatment rooms to bed. Comfortable and well-appointed.
King or twin on request · 52 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bicycles available for guests to explore the property's grounds and the surrounding landscape. The centuries-old olive grove trail is a favourite.
Walking activity among the masseria's century-old olive trees, combining light exercises to tone legs and core. Guided by staff.
Modern fitness centre equipped with the latest Technogym cardio and free weights equipment. Personal functional evaluations and personal training sessions available on request.
A large, free-form lagoon-style pool filled with filtered seawater, set among rocks, ancient olive trees, and white patios. Stunning to look at. Not heated — can be chilly in shoulder season.
Two exclusive beach areas accessible by hotel shuttle or a walk through the olive grove. La Fonte is sandy with sun loungers, parasols, and a snack bar (shared with Borgo Egnazia guests). San Domenico a Mare is a private rocky cove with shallow waters, exclusively for Masseria San Domenico guests. Both are about 1 km from the main building.
Considered one of the best golf clubs in Italy. 18-hole course positioned as close to the Adriatic coastline as the rocky coast allows, with remarkable sea views throughout. About 3 km from the main masseria.
Multi-day wellness package combining thalassotherapy treatments, Thalgo body treatments, accommodation, all meals, unlimited spa and fitness access, and group holistic sessions.
Two on-site tennis courts available for guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Available for exclusive hire from April to November (2-3 nights minimum, on request). From December to March, meeting rooms and restaurant available for business or family events without accommodation.
Children under 12 are not permitted at the main masseria. La Fonte beach (shared with Borgo Egnazia) does allow children.
Heated thalassotherapy pool beneath a glass vaulted ceiling, set within the spa complex. Separate from the main outdoor pool.
Shop selling local Puglian products including the masseria's own olive oil.
Regular shuttle service to both private beaches for guests.
BUILD YOUR MASSERIA SAN DOMENICO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning