Masseria Relais Santa Teresa

We'd spent the week at a hotel near Lecce's center, the Presidente, but the company arranging our Puglia trip chose this masseria for the final evening meal. Getting there meant a 45-minute bus ride. Of the six lunches and seven dinners we had that week, this was sadly one of the worst. It was a three-course meal: good lasagna, pasta that was very al dente with some meatballs, then a schnitzel with baked potatoes (!). The typical cake afterwards tasted good, and the wine was okay.

The rooms are fairly simple, but they're pleasant, quiet, and clean. The masseria is beautiful and quite large, with atmospheric old walls and towers and a big pool. The food was excellent, with authentic local cooking, and there were occasional evening programs too.

We feel at home here, and the staff go out of their way to make each stay better. The food is amazing, the beds are really comfortable, and the rooms are great. Every year we return with a big group for our traditional friends' reunion. Few places in Salento can host large groups so easily, since this one has so many rooms. It's a traditional fortified masseria from the 1600s, close to Gallipoli and many beautiful Ionian coast beaches. We'll keep coming back for sure, highly recommended!

The massage at the spa was a highlight for me. There's a cozy little bar right by the amazing pool, and the masseria itself is beautiful. Breakfast was incredible in that lovely setting, and the staff were both friendly and professional. One of the best stops on our trip around Puglia!