Villa San Martino Martina Franca

Deep down south, in the 'heel' of boot-shaped Italy, Puglia is an incredibly varied and fascinating land, which should, ideally, be discovered at leisure. Martina Franca, Baroque "queen" of the Itra valley, is the perfect place from which to start exploring the region and Relais Villa San Martino, in the countryside just outside the town, the perfect place in which to stay.

Despite its well-deserved 5 star luxury status, Relais Villa San Martino still conserves the simple charm of a traditional Puglian country hotel, built on the site of one of the region's typical "masseria". Intimate and exclusive, the hotel provides guest accommodation in just 21 quietly elegant bedrooms and suites, many of which open put on to generously sized terraces overlooking the lush Mediterranean gardens.

In the hotel's Duca di Martino restaurant, guests are treated to the finest of Puglia's traditional cuisine, choosing from an enticing selection of local specialties prepared using the region's famous extra virgin olive oil, and incredibly sweet, sun ripened fruit and vegetables. The restaurant's faultless wine list ensures the perfect accompaniment to each and every meal. The excellent banqueting services together with an impressive choice of in and outdoor events spaces, make Relais Villa San Martino a much request location for glamorous wedding receptions, private parties and high profile business meetings.

When not soaking up the Mediterranean sun by the hotel's splendid outdoor swimming pool, guests might easily be found luxuriating in Relais Villa San Martino's oriental-inspired Oasis Health Club, enjoying any of a series of innovative spa treatments and irresistible wellness rituals.

The historic center of Martina Franca, home to the Basilica of San Martino and the Palazzo Ducale, lies within walking distance of the hotel. The beautiful little towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino, Alberobello and Ostuni are all just a few kilometers away.