"We spent three nights at Masseria Il Melograno and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The hotel has managed to retain the character of an old Puglian masseria while providing the space and comforts you’d expect from a luxury hotel.
The property’s history is part of its appeal. Il Melograno is a genuine 17th-century fortified masseria, built among the olive groves outside Monopoli. Masserie were working agricultural estates as well as homes, their substantial walls providing protection for the people and produce within. The central courtyard, thick whitewashed walls and low, sprawling layout at Il Melograno still give you a real sense of that earlier life. Interestingly, it is also said to have been the first masseria in Puglia to be converted into a luxury hotel, something that has since become almost synonymous with tourism in the region.
The grounds were a particular highlight. The hotel is arranged around an attractive open courtyard with plenty of space to wander, a lovely outdoor pool with both natural shade and umbrellas, a spa and tennis and padel courts. Ancient olive trees are peppered throughout the property, many apparently more than 600 years old, linking the hotel to Puglia’s long agricultural tradition. The enormous tree that greets you in reception is quite possibly the largest olive tree I’ve ever seen.
Our room was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful touches including an espresso machine and beautifully aromatic bath products.
What really stood out, though, was the service, and particularly Alessandra on the concierge team. She took a genuine and enthusiastic interest in making sure we enjoyed our stay and our time in Puglia. What I particularly appreciated was that her recommendations never felt driven by what would generate revenue for the hotel. She listened to what we were looking for and gave us honest suggestions that she thought would suit us, whether or not they involved the hotel. It’s a relatively small thing, but exactly the sort of approach that builds trust and makes excellent hospitality feel genuinely personal.
A beautiful, characterful place to stay and an excellent base for exploring Monopoli and this part of Puglia."
