Il Giardino Grande - Dimora in Salento
Intimate aristocratic estate. Think limed-plaster walls, barrel-vaulted ceilings, upcycled mid-century furniture and Carminati-Ponti wicker armchairs on cementine-tiled terraces. Refined but not stuffy. The vibe is 'cultured Puglian summer' rather than resort polish.
Book the Fico room for the only Antonio Lupi soaking bathtub in the property — facing a fig tree through a big window.
Why It Matters
Named after a real 19th-century local novel about a forbidden love affair that played out on these grounds. Sibling owners bring luxury-hotel service levels (Mandarin Oriental, BVLGARI) to a property with genuine historical bones. Only six rooms means guests rarely feel like guests.
A 19th-century aristocratic summer estate — locals called it 'the Casino' — that siblings Valentina and Marco Fasano have turned into a six-room boutique B&B in the Salentine hinterland. Both came home to Puglia after careers at Mandarin Oriental and BVLGARI Hotels, and that pedigree shows in every detail. The rooms are named after the trees in the garden, the cocciopesto floors date back to Roman technique, and the whole place is small enough that the staff genuinely remember how you take your coffee. No dinner on site, no proper spa, no kids under 12 — but that is entirely the point.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Carrubo (Carob Room)
Reached via an ancient stone-wall staircase to the first floor. The room itself is compact at 18sqm, but the 16sqm terrace more than compensates — it faces east, so it catches the sunrise over the greenery and pool below. The shower opens toward the surrounding countryside.
Italian king-size · 18 sqm
Ciliegio (Cherry Room)
The biggest terrace of all six rooms at 33sqm, tiled in classic Salento cementine. The in-room shower is partly open to the sky, so a summer-day wash comes with a view of the blue Puglian sky or a blazing sunset. The vaulted ceilings are the most visually impactful in the building.
Italian king-size · 24 sqm
Fico (Fig Room)
The most architecturally dramatic room in the property. A large ivory bathroom sits under an authentic vaulted ceiling, and a generous Antonio Lupi bathtub — deep enough to qualify as an immersion tank — faces a wide window overlooking a fig tree. The only room with a proper soaking tub.
Italian king-size · 27 sqmLoto (Lotus Room)
The most intimate room in the property, on the first floor with views over the ornamental gardens and the roofline of Parabita behind them. Its key attribute: it connects directly to the Ulivo room next door, making it the natural pick for families or two-couple groups. No terrace, but the garden view from bed is the payoff.
Twin beds or Italian king-size · 18 sqmMelograno (Pomegranate Room)
Ground-floor room with direct access from the main courtyard and front-row views of the colonnade and ornamental gardens. The bathroom is painted in deep pomegranate tones — and yes, you can pick an actual pomegranate from the tree outside in autumn. Pets (under 10kg) are permitted here for a €30 cleaning fee.
Italian king-size · 22 sqm
Ulivo (Olive Room)
Billed as the most 'authentic' room: a decorated iron bed sits under barrel vaults that command the whole space, and the 26sqm terrace is finished with cementine tiles and lined with terracotta jars. Carminati-Ponti vintage wicker armchairs are positioned perfectly to catch the sunset. Connects to Loto for family use.
Italian king-size · 24 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided session with a Maître Parfumeur to craft a personalised fragrance using essences linked to the history and gardens of Il Giardino Grande.
Guided skiff or sailing boat excursions to the caves and coves of Santa Maria di Leuca or the pristine bays of Gallipoli. Arranged for couples or small groups with expert skippers. Aperitivo served on board.
Guided itineraries through Salento's historic towns including the Baroque architecture of Lecce, mediaeval castles, and small hilltop villages. Arranged by the property.
Free bicycles available for guests to explore the flat country roads, ride to Gallipoli's beaches (about 11km), or cycle into Parabita (under 10 minutes). Easy terrain — this part of Salento is very low-rise.
The property can arrange hiking tours, horseback riding outings, and golf in the region for guests who want active programming built into their stay.
In October, guests can take part in the annual olive harvest on the property's own grove of 200-plus trees. A hands-on chance to experience the rhythms of Puglian agricultural life and take home the estate's own extra-virgin olive oil.
Curated food routes and cellar visits for Primitivo and Negroamaro wine producers in the Salento countryside. The property can also arrange local cooking experiences.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, rated at 100+ Mbps.
Restored chapel with ancient altar and vaulted ceilings. Available for quiet reading, private dinners, and symbolic wedding ceremonies.
In-property library with books including local and historical titles. The lobby/lounge area features antique books displayed on a mid-century credenza.
A centenary olive tree anchors this courtyard paved in traditional Soleto stone and walled in Carparo. Doubles as a private event and wedding venue.
Free on-site private parking.
Two complimentary electric vehicle chargers on property.
18x8m pool with a maximum depth of 1.4m. Open May through October, reserved exclusively for guests from 10am to 7pm. Surrounded by sun terrace with loungers, parasols, and outdoor shower.
Hotel arranges transfers: Brindisi €150 each way, Bari €250 each way, Lecce railway station €100 one way.
Complimentary bicycles for guests to explore the local countryside and cycle to nearby beaches and villages.
Dedicated massage room in the pool area, staffed by qualified therapists on request. Contact reception to book.
Small gym with views over the olive grove, available exclusively to guests.
BUILD YOUR IL GIARDINO GRANDE - DIMORA IN SALENTO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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