Il Melograno

This not so much a hotel as a small and very intimate village amongst centuries old olive groves. Few rooms, each very spacious and well articulated. Large and varied complex of interesting spaces, with many different views, all filled with flowering bushes, olive and other fruit trees (many of which pomegranates, hence the name). Few staff but impeccable service that is formal yet friendly, with the particular quality of the people of Puglia that is warm but not overly familiar. The restaurant is top class with the specialities of the region as well as its own innovations and the breakfasts are worth getting up for. During our stay, the clientele appeared (with one exception) to be as discreet and pleasant as the surroundings. As of this summer, new management has taken over so one wonders whether the 6 partners from the North (Genova) will maintain the current level of charm and elegance. The place will shut this winter until Easter time with the stated objective or doing a major renovation. While there are certainly parts of "Il Melograno" that can benefit from some improvement, it would be unfortunate if the end result will be much more commercial. Giving the new team the benefit of the doubt, I have already recommended it to several friends. All of my family thought our week-long stay worth their time.