No expense has been spared in converting an old farming complex, or Masseria, to a supremely elegant 5-star resort and spa 500 metres from the sea near the fishing village of Savelletri, mid way between Bari and Brindisi. The central building is a former coastal watch tower built by the Knights of Malta in the 15th century. The golf course is spectacular, but the Masseria is not so much a golf resort, more a luxury spa resort with golf. Its pride is its Thalassotherapy (seawater spa), where the mineral richness of the local "green sea" water is exploited in a bewildering range of treatments, some curative, others simply spoiling - from Caviare firming to seaweed wraps, via marine collagen and cellular lipo-sculpture, using Thalgo and La Prairie products as well as the Masseria's own range. Rooms and suites are bright and cool, with marble floors and white walls; and the food is outstanding, with Puglia specialities and local wines served in the vaulted 18th century dining room and in the simpler surroundings of the Pool Grill. As well as the golf course, spa and seawater spa pool, the hotel has its own private beach and two tennis courts.

Location: Savelletri di Falano
Golf: San Domenico Golf Course 2 km