Salento, ItalyOria
Masseria Palombara Relais & Spa
Restored dovecote masseria
Restored dovecote masseria
An adults-only fortified farmstead where days move to the rhythm of organic almond groves and quiet stone courtyards.
What it’s good at
Notable
A restored seventeenth-century masseria anchored by the historic Torre Palombara dovecote tower.
Notable
Estate-grown olive oil and almonds served across a hundred hectares of Salento farmland.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
it’s an immersive, rustic-luxe experience, and each set of rooms comes with its own outdoor pool.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The town of Oria is two miles north, and coastal beaches are a twenty-minute drive away.
The rooms
Original farmhouse rooms sit under vaulted limestone ceilings, and select suites open onto private plunge pools.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A saltwater pool rests under thatched pergolas outside, and an indoor pool is heated to 32°C beneath vaulted stone.
The spa and gym
The gym sits under limestone arches, and loungers surround an open hearth in the vaulted relaxation hall.
Restaurant
Ristorante Masseria Palombara
Dining tables sit under cane-thatched pergolas in summer, or indoors beside stone fireplaces for regional Salentine dishes.
At the table
The enoteca pours local organic and biodynamic Apulian wines beneath a stone barrel vault.
How it began
A seventeenth-century dovecote tower anchors the grounds, built over an ancient Messapic quarry on land the D'Antona family has farmed since 1930.
Salento
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.