Don Ferrante Dimore di Charme

In the heart of Monopoli’s old town, this charming boutique hotel offers an authentic Pugliese village experience.

• The location in the old town of Monopoli, a medieval center characterized by churches and monasteries
• Master Suite “Don Ferrante,” which boasts breathtaking sea views and a fireplace
• The rooftop terrazza that is great for an alfresco lunch, afternoon sunbathing or a sunset aperitivo

Located in the small seaside town of Monopoli and named for Marquis Don Ferrante Loffredo, who supervised the building of Castle of Charles V in the 16^th century, Don Ferrante occupies a picturesque perch overlooking the rocky coastline and boasts incredible panoramic views of the Adriatic.

With the feel of a luxe private home in the Mediterranean, Don Ferrante is set on Monopoli’s main road, which runs parallel to the Adriatic (and is only accessible by car on certain days within certain hours). Upon arrival at the beautiful property, set in a converted fortress, guests enter through a dark mahogany door, scale a skinny set of stairs and are welcomed in an open-air lobby, which boasts a small lounge and infinity plunge pool with views of the sea. The whitewashed hotel offers a stunning contrast to the blue Adriatic and green cacti that are scattered throughout the grounds, and provides a sanctuary of calm and tranquility.

Don Ferrante has 13 guest rooms, three of which are large, apartment-style suites and located in the guesthouse, a five-minute walk from the main building. These accommodations are the newest on property but still incorporate original elements like stone ceilings. The remaining ten rooms have travertine-vaulted ceilings, are decorated in a simple palette of white, cream and beige hues and boast modern furnishings. Because the hotel resides in a historic building, the layout has such quirks as low doorways and oddly shaped rooms, but these slight drawbacks are outweighed by the property’s indubitable charm. The Don Ferrante Suite is the most sophisticated in the main hotel, whereas the rooms in the guesthouse are great for longer stays.

The hotel’s beautiful rooftop, Terrazza Don Ferrante, is home to a seasonal restaurant (open from June to August, weather permitting), a lounge area and a handful of swanky sun beds. The hotel’s second dining outlet, Locanda Don Ferrante, is open year-round and specializes in fresh seafood and upscale Apulian cuisine. There is also a lovely spa on property where guests can indulge in an array of scrubs and massages.

Laid-back travelers looking for a charming boutique hotel and an authentic village experience.