Masseria Alchimia

Class: First

Style: Minimalist

Rooms: 10

Masseria Alchimia is a small chic hotel in Puglia on the Adriatic coast. Caroline Groszer has taken this old mansion house, formerly a 17th-century hermitage and transformed it into a design hotel with just 10 studios. Classic design and furnishings from some of the most well-known contemporary designers such as Norman Forster and Philippe Starck blend well with the charming building and this luxurious hideaway is surrounded by olive groves, in a tranquil countryside setting, away from any nearby towns or cities.

With a strong design ethic, this retreat also has an eco-friendly conscience, using solar energy, controlling water consumption and recycling wherever possible. Minutes from the beach, this is a stunning location perfect for romantic couples, families and friends, and with an ever-changing display of art, from photography & paintings to sculpture & land art, this boutique hotel is as beautiful within as the surroundings.

There are 10 apartments at Masseria Alchimia, which range in size from standard single-room studios at 30 sqm which have a small kitchenette and patio, to a 50 sqm 2-room suite which has a kitchenette area & dining table and a spacious terrace with views over the surrounding olive trees. Apartments are for 2 sharing, but children's beds can be provided and there are 2 larger family suites suitable for 4. Interesting design elements can be found throughout, such as the colour-therapy bathtub in the junior suite with mood-enhancing lights in the water or the Philip Starke bathroom in the suite.

Every room is distinctive and kitted out with contemporary design classics, with work from designers such as Luisa Bocchietto, Ron Arad & Sori Yanagi, and beyond the aesthetic strengths of these rooms, they are also designed with comfort in mind and have Satellite TV & DVD players, WiFi internet connection at an extra cost and private terraces or patios with garden furniture & sun loungers. The chic suite also has a small private pool and 2 terraces. These inspirational rooms will excite art lovers and design fans alike and have a contemporary yet inviting feel.

Masseria Alchimia is minutes from the Adriatic coasts' sandy & rocky beaches where water sports are on offer and staff are happy to book sun beds and umbrellas for guests. Bikes can be rented to explore the beautiful natural surroundings and horse riding is available. Golfers can choose from 2 golf courses close to the masseria.

Guests can explore the area around this boutique hideaway and take walks & hikes in the surrounding countryside, or else visit Bari where Romanesque art can be seen in the majestic cathedral and the Byzantine-Arab castles of Bari, Lucera and Castel del Monte are worth a visit. The region is rich in architectural history and there are many quaint villages to explore. This boutique hotel is child friendly and has a small playground.

Masseria Alchimia is self-catering and just 1 km from Fasano which has a supermarket and some great local restaurants. On arrival, complimentary breakfast ingredients are provided in the room.