At the end of a lane bordered by groves of centuries-old olive trees, with thick gnarled trunks and silvery-green leaves, lies Hotel Masseria San Domenico, a stunning hotel created around a 14th Century seaside watchtower, once used by Maltese Knights on guard against the Turks. The property, ideally situated in its own semi tropical grounds, is located on the lovely Adriatic Coast in the region of Puglia, which is rapidly becoming “the new Tuscany” among lovers of Italy, and enjoys stunning views of the sea. It took over five years to restore this old farmhouse, which opened as a boutique-style hotel in 1996. Carefully conducted to respect the ancient forms using original materials, produced a refined hotel whose magical atmosphere brings back the history of the region. Against azure sky and sea, the white profile of stone, stands out gleaming in the sunlight, with a Moorish look typical of the area. Crisp-white walls, cheerful drapes and matching bedspreads, highlight the light and airy bedrooms, tastefully decorated with original, elegant, period furniture. Views over the garden or over the enchanting blue Mediterranean Sea, can be seen, affording splendid and spectacular sunsets. For your well being you can enjoy one of Italy’s best thalassotherapy spas, which bases many of its soothing treatments on the rich seawater and seaweed from the Adriatic, which is purified and heated as it arrives at the spa to a natural seawater pool ringed by rocks and foliage. You cannot leave the Masseria without visiting the charming restaurant, with its cool white stone arched vaulted ceilings dating to the 1700s, has been both locally and internationally acclaimed, for its exquisite food, including Puglian specialties prepared with local ingredients from its own farm, complemented by a vast selection of the finest local wines. Finally when you leave the hotel you will have the sense that the peace is absolute, the service attentive and efficient, and the overall atmosphere refined.