Palais Gentile
Slow-travel Puglian palazzo. Franco-Italian sensibility — elegant vintage decoration mixed with local artisan craftsmanship. Art collection on the walls, locally sourced homewares, lounge music at sunset. It's intimate rather than glossy; more lived-in palazzo than polished hotel.
Book direct for the best rate, welcome amenities, and preferred access to the beach club
Why It Matters
Member of Tablet Hotels and listed in the Michelin Guide. One of very few places in inland Salento offering this level of design and personal hospitality at this scale — five rooms only, owned and run by the people who designed it.
An 18th-century palazzo in the sleepy centro storico of Matino, Salento, that started as a Franco-Italian family home project and became a five-room guest house with serious design credentials. Whitewashed stone walls, authentic arched ceilings, original patterned terrazzo floors, bespoke blown-glass lights, Frette linens, Salvatore Ferragamo bath products — and then Foscolo, one of Puglia's better restaurants, is literally across the street. The owners still live here; you can feel it in every detail.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Deluxe Room
Two deluxe rooms with views over the old streets of Matino. Original Puglian architecture with authentic arched ceilings, handmade artwork from local artisans, and whitewashed walls. Limestone bathrooms with walk-in shower (no bath). Clean, pared-back aesthetic. Frette linens throughout.
Rooftop Suite (Terrasse Suite)
A standalone suite in a separate building about one minute's walk from the main palazzo — the one to ask for if you want privacy. Original terrazzo floors, Puglian stone arches, and its own private rooftop sundeck for sunset aperitivos. Honesty bar included. Accommodates up to 3 adults.
Suite Matino
A spacious suite with a double bedroom and separate living room with sofa bed — sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. The standout feature is a tiny balcony overlooking the street, perfect for watching local life pass by. Twin sinks in the bathroom. Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A hands-on cooking class led by Antonietta from Matino, teaching guests to cook Salento dishes using local recipes and techniques. The 4-hour session ends with dinner served in the palazzo cantina. For 1–6 people.
Small boat rental from Taranto to search for dolphins, followed by a swimming stop on the coastline. Ideal for families. For 1–8 people.
Guided vintage car tour of Salento, with itineraries tailored to taste: beaches, coastal drives, castle tours, gastronomy, wine tasting, churches. For 1–9 people, minimum 4 hours.
Guided 3-hour walking tour of Galatina — including the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the historic center, and the story of the tarantella folk dance. Ends with a stop at a local salumeria for cheese tastings and regional pasta. For 1–6 people.
The palazzo's cantina and rooftop can be privatised for celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events. The hotel coordinates decoration, banqueting, live bands, and DJs. Capacity 10–40 people.
Private sailing boat chartered from Leuca to reach the right spot for sunset. Guests enjoy a last swim of the day and local wine on board. For 1–8 people.
A full-day luxury sailing boat charter from Leuca with a local guide and crew. Prehistoric caves, the Adriatic coast, snorkeling, and a traditional on-board lunch. For 1–10 people.
Full-day boat excursion from Leuca with a local guide, exploring prehistoric caves, the Adriatic coastline, and snorkeling spots. A traditional lunch with local food is served on board. For 1–6 people.
An immersive outdoor dinner in the streets of Matino with local food, drinks, musicians, and Matino gin. Scales from a small group to a large private event — 5 to 50 people.
Evening aperitivo on the palazzo rooftop with local wine, homemade appetizers, and lounge music. Runs 1.5 hours and accommodates 1–10 people.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Preferred access to a local beach club included for guests who book direct with the property.
Beach umbrellas available to borrow for guests heading to the nearby beaches.
The owners personally assist with itinerary planning across Salento, Puglia, and beyond — including Matera and Positano. Experience bookings (sailing, cooking, vintage car, tours) are handled directly.
Complimentary WiFi throughout. No TVs in rooms — the owners suggest bringing a tablet for streaming.
Open-air rooftop lounge with day beds, used for breakfast, evening aperitivo, and sunset watching. Lounge music plays in the evenings. Views extend over Matino's old town rooftops and, on clear days, toward the sea.
No on-site dedicated parking. Free parking is available a short walk from the property; staff will direct you. A car is essential for exploring the area.
Small dogs are welcome at the property.
Mini bar in all rooms. Suites include a stocked negroni kit; Rooftop Suite has an honesty bar.
All rooms and suites have air conditioning.
BUILD YOUR PALAIS GENTILE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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