Masseria Torre Coccaro

The Masseria Torre Coccaro is a country estate with pebbled walkways and vines of purple flowers growing on trellises. Red French doors lead to the small front office with white walls and blue stained wood furniture. In the outdoor lobby, there are wooden chairs under shade with views of the ancient olive groves. The atmosphere is completely relaxing, from the pool bar covered by a trellis with its black wicker chairs to the extensive gardens full of olive trees. The hotel does have a family friendly vibe, but is a popular pick for honeymooners too.

This high-end property is located next door to its sister location, the Masseria Torre Maizza, which is less geared to families and small children. Located in the Fasano countryside, the heart of the city is less than 10 minutes away by car and the major airport is less than an hour away. Within walking distance, there is not much to do off the property -- the closest restaurant, Mia Cucina, is a five-minute car ride. The beach is close by and the hotel offers a free shuttle for guests to use. Although the Coccaro Golf Club is on the property, the larger San Domenico Golf Club is less than 10 minutes away by car.

The rooms have white walls and high ceilings, decorated sparsely with paintings, photographs, and ornate mirrors. Furnished with light wood or blue-painted furniture, the room is reminiscent of a rustic, upscale home, especially the wooden headboard with a painted vine of flowers. There is a lovely canopy over the bed. In the living area, there are three seats and a small table. The room also has a desk, cabinet, large closet, and a flat-screen TV embedded into the wall. The bathroom is clean and inviting with a shower/tub combo with slabs of warm stone, as well as a mirrored sink and basic toiletries and amenities.

This hotel is more family-friendly than its sister property, the Torre Maizza, with plenty of activities for little ones. There is a playground on the premises and a mini club on the beach, and children can also participate in cooking classes and olive harvesting during season. Chefs lead cooking classes for guests, walking around the estate’s organic farm to pick fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs before heading back to the kitchen to learn to make traditional dishes as well as homemade pasta.

Dining options include Egnathia for traditional cuisine of Puglia and a poolside restaurant and bar for smaller bites. The swimming pool is heated from April to November and there is also a hot tub. An indoor pool is also inside the Aveda spa, where staff offers massages and other relaxing treatments. Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi classes are held in the olive groves or on the beach. For special events and meetings, the hotel offers a unique venue inside a natural white cave. On the water, the Coccaro Beach Club has a seafood restaurant, lounge, and boutique.