Holidays in Puglia mean landscapes of twisted, sun-baked olive trees and trulli-topped villages. A coastline demarcated by dazzling beaches and charming towns that hug the cliffs. Set a few kilometres inland, whitewashed Masseria Torre Maizza is a 16^th century farm building, within which lies a cool contemporary interior, furnished in the upmost taste and style.

Recently taken over by Rocce Forte and brought up to date with smart Olga Polizzi decor, the gleamingly white building houses cool suites styled with a tasteful mix of painted terracotta tiling, stone flooring and vast beds. Around the Masseria, barely tamed roses shade the courtyard where the sublime pale-blue pool lies. An ivy-draped pergola is a cool spot for lunch of local orecchiette pasta, creamy burrata and grilled Gallipoli prawns.

Spend your days at the hotel’s Ibizan-style beach club or get up close to the città bianche at Alberobello, just 30 minutes away. Explore over 1,400 conical-roofed trulli stacked within its narrow streets, some allowing access to their cool interiors. Be sure to return to the Masseria for rooftop sundowners, where carved stone seating is scattered with cushions, lanterns are lit and cacti drape themselves around oversized pots. As the heat fades from the day, sip an aperol spritz and watch the sun melt into the emerald Adriatic Sea.