With the Mediterranean heat warming our skins, the smells of citrus gracing our noses and an abundance of low lying hills and oceanic views surrounding us, slow down to the relaxing pace of Southern Italy this summer and discover a selection of marvellous hotels that are sure to relax your mind, body and soul.

Masseria Dagilupi (Puglia)

A shimmering gem in the heart of Puglia, Masseria Dagilupi is a pure breath of fresh air. Hidden away within four hectares of olive groves, this renovated olive mill exudes an air of charm and relaxation. Located in Ostuni – a vision of white houses, picturesque alleys and a panoramic peak that descends to the Adriatic Sea, this boutique stay remains both exclusive and simplistically beautiful. Owner’s Danielle and Jean Louis retained the original lime walls, and designed the interiors with a wonder of sophistication and style. Each room exhibits a beautiful arrangement of contemporary furnishings, whitewashed walls and vaulted ceilings. Reconnect with your spiritual self with a variety of yoga and holistic itineraries available, take a dip in their newly appointed infinity pool, and enjoy a selection of local gastronomical delights on the terrace. A minimalist haven amongst the shades of olive trees, this signature masseria really is the perfect place to indulge in a touch of slow living.

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Palazzo de Noha (Lecce)

Palazzo de Noha revels in the historicity that lies in the pretty streets of the Old Town district of Lecce. Blending the best of contemporary fine art and design into spaces that feel elegant and minimalistic, this intimate boutique hotel offers guests something truly special. Equipped with a rooftop solarium with infinity pool and charming terrace gardens, the palazzo blossoms with an intimate playfulness, inviting guests to soak up the ambience of this lifestyle design hotel. All nine suites benefit from an abundance of natural light that only seeks to emphasise the intricate details that adorn the suites; ancient alcoves, arches, and star-pinnacle ceilings, as well as custom furniture, artworks and Italian design. Grab a little slice of Lecce on the rooftop – a heavenly space to relax and unwind. Soak in the pool, sip on an original aperitif and take in the magic of this wonderful corner of Puglia.

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Palais Gentile (Matino)

Palais Gentile is a place where you can slow down the pace and indulge in everything this secret corner of Italy has to offer. Perfectly nestled in the old town of Matino, an authentic villa in Puglia’s countryside, this magical 18th-century palazzo was originally built as a family home and is now open to those seeking a more relaxing and intimate getaway. Here you can expect original stones, exquisite craftsmanship and some of the owner’s personal art collections. Each of the deluxe rooms and suites bring together exquisite Puglian architecture with authentic arches, limestone bathrooms and discreetly luxurious details, as well as handmade artwork from local artisans to bring the local “savoir faire”. Intimate, sustainable and totally chic, Palais Gentile is your new home in Puglia. Indulge in a delicious selection of Salento wines on the rooftop terrace, taste local taralli and watch some of the most unmissable sunsets. Slow down, you are in Matino.

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Hotel Villa Ducale (Taormina)

Located in the upper part of Taormina, Hotel Villa Ducale provides some of the best, most mesmerising views across Southern Italy. With the glittering deep blue Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Mount Etna at your feet, this aristocratic Sicilian villa is something you’d only imagine in your dreams. Imagine the scent of fresh lemons and oranges, the sounds of complete peace and quiet, and the warm Mediterranean sun on your skin… this is a place of true relaxation. Formed of 18 luxuriously antique rooms and suites, each boasting their own iron balconies, there’s almost never a moment without ocean views here at Hotel Villa Ducale. Relax with a good book by the pool, whilst being surrounded by a selection of greenery and vibrant plants, sip on a cocktail or two on the terrace, and watch the magnificent scene of sundown. A stay here is where you can really enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

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Maison La Minervetta (Sorrento)

Here at Maison La Minervetta you’ll find yourself on a cliffside overlooking the Marina Grande, the original fishing port in the beautiful Italian town of Sorrento. Its contagious Mediterranean atmosphere paired with vibrantly-coloured design is enough to serenade your entire stay. Designed by architect Marco de Luca, this lovingly-decorated nautical adobe is perfect for every kind of traveller. From the rooms to the sun terrace, you can take in the stunning panoramas across the coastline of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples – utterly sublime vistas from day to night. Whilst the hotel doesn’t have an in-house restaurant, the tantalising breakfast buffet is perfect for starting the day right. Revel in the marine vibe that is so well executed, enjoy the fantastically personalised hospitality, walk a couple of minutes to your very own private beach and indulge in the panoramic visions that stretch as far as the eye can see.

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Hotel Villa Carlotta (Taormina)

Another stunning property on the edge of Taormina, Hotel Villa Carlotta welcomes you with a flourishing botanical garden that you could easily mistake for Eden. Walls of heritage embrace you in this perfectly situated 19th-century villa, with its classical motifs and film-worthy views. Featuring a selection of exuberant rooms and suites, with seven villa-style apartments, its lush garden and bijou pool terraced above rose-coloured tiles of an ancient chapel, makes this place feel like a piece of history. Retreat to the rooftop restaurant, Il Miraggio, where your tastebuds will be utterly tantalised with only the most authentic Sicilian flavours. Hotel Villa Carlotta not only offers a taste of ‘La Dolce Vita’, but allows you to slow down and immerse yourself in pure luxury.

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Q92 Noto Hotel (Noto)

Once a nobleman’s palace, now one of Noto’s most exclusive boutique hotels, Q92 Noto Hotel will not only allow you to enjoy the finer things in life, but its exquisite Sicilian style mixed with its relaxing atmosphere will make you never want to leave. Charming and utterly unique, the magnificent Baroque architecture of this 18th-century palazzo is only just the beginning. From bespoke interiors and handcrafted fabrics, to antique furnishings and elegant design, indulge in the original stone walls, marvel at the high ceilings, and feel like an aristocrat in your own private residence as you relax in understated luxury. Each of the rooms and suites feature warm colour palettes, glorious king-sized beds, large walk-in showers, grand bathtubs and even a pillow menu. Enjoy a tasty cup of creamy cappuccino and a selection of freshly baked pastries, brightly coloured homemade Sicilian jams and local produce on the hotel’s cosy terrace. Slow down as you bask in the evening sun in the garden, and revel in the blissful aromas of the surrounding lemon trees, jasmine and cascading flowers. Q92 Noto Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy that sweet Sicilian lifestyle.

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