During my visit to Puglia, I was lucky enough to stay for a bit at Borgo Egnazia. Since luxury accommodations aren’t usually on my list, it was certainly a special treat to spend time in one of the Leading Hotels of the World. A first for me. Hopefully not a last.
Borgo Egnazia is a luxury resort situated between the Adriatic coast, the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Egnazia, and the village of Savelletri. It’s a new modern property, which is made to resemble an old borgo (village) and is nestled among very old olive groves.
The sprawling complex is stunning, all the buildings are pristine white stone which is a lovely contrast to the green olive trees and the blue-green water in the pools. And arches, so many arches everywhere you look. Both inside and out.
The decor is calm and serene, a color scheme of taupes, creams and whites, with pops of aqua throughout. It’s just a very relaxing place to spend time and believe me, I could have spent a long, long time here. Forever, not being long enough.
Borgo Egnazia offers three different types of accommodation:
1. La Corte This is the hotel which houses 63 stylishly appointed guest rooms in the main building. Suites have large terraces which afford views of the sea, countryside and golf course.
2. The Villas These are secluded little houses, perfect for families or groups traveling together. Complete with fully equipped kitchens, dishwashers and laundry facilities, beautiful balconies, comfortable beds, and private swimming pools with side chairs and outdoor dining tables. Each villa is surrounded by locked gates.
3. The Borgo Resembling a typical white Puglian village, it has 92 rooms divided into Borgo Rooms, Borgo Deluxe and Townhouses.
Since the complex itself is like a litte town, with winding mazes of streets, I will tell you honestly that it was easy to get lost, especially at night. However, one very helpful service was the taxis. Not big yellow ones either. Little golf carts. Just call the front desk, give your room number and a cart will come pick you up and deliver you wherever you wish. I liked that nice touch.
Strolling or motoring around the property you’ll see a nice mix of olive tress, prickly pear cactus, and even bright red globes of pomegranates dangling from plants.
The gorgeous and spacious rooms I liked the little touches. Bamboo slippers, giant walk-in closets with vanities fit for a queen, comfy robes and sumptuous bath products with their signature scent and logo on them. My room had a stone bathroom complete with a large tub and a rain shower head.
Throughout the main building, you’ll find cozy sitting areas in little nooks around every corner. Both inside…
And outside…
>For more room and property photos click here.
A few of their amenities:
- bicycles for guests’ use. tour the property or ride to the beach
- San Domenico 18-hole golf course
- Vair Spa (vair means “real” in local dialect), where treatments and products are based on ancient traditions
- boutique
- four restaurants
- three outdoor and one heated indoor pools
- cooking classes for adults and children
- beach clubs, and kid and teen clubs
- personal chef services and 24hr room service
- cigar lounge
- ability to host large events
When I arrived, it was late and dark, and though I didn’t get photos, the outside looked just magical, all aglow with light from the massive black lanterns, which are scattered all over the property. Inside the main building, fireplaces in all of the many sitting areas were always burning.
The food and wine here were both fantastic. Gourmet food, with fresh, local, in-season ingredients and traditional recipes. Fresh fish, homemade pastas, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, they follow a very Mediterranean diet. Most of the ingredients are home-grown and they even have an herb garden on the property. They gave me a tiny booklet with printed recipes so I could make a few of their dishes.
And the staff were all perfectly lovely, warm and wonderfully accommodating, which you would expect from a top-quality resort.
Borgo Egnazia is a perfect place to explore the Itria Valley (Alberobello, Ostuni, Locorotondo etc.), Lecce, Bari and everywhere in between. Because of its remote location, you will need a car to explore the area. It’s about equal distance, 45 minutes by car from both Bari and Brinsidi airports.
If you’re looking for a luxe, contemporary resort to explore Puglia from, or just relax with the family and swim or play golf, this one would top the list. I can’t think of one negative. Well, other than the fact that I had to leave. Sigh.
What do you think of the place? Would you stay here?
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