Baia dei Turchi

Gothic window cutouts decorate the outside of the long, white main building of the hotel and the canopied entrance has a bar serving the outdoor area. The common areas of the hotel have a Middle Eastern-influenced design theme, with ornate doors, tapestry rugs, and hanging lamps found throughout these public spaces. Inside the lobby, yellow curtains fall over floor-to-ceiling windows that comprise an entire wall. Moroccan couches with yellow patterned cushions and bolster armrests provide plenty of seating. Lantern-style lights hang over the long front desk and a bust of Buddha rests on its center. Daybeds with umbrellas surround the huge outdoor pool. Long mirrors and slate-like floors are featured in the hotel’s restaurants and guest rooms.

The property is a 10-minute drive outside of Otranto. It's less than a five-minute ride via shuttle to the hotel's private beach on the Mediterranean Sea. It is also a short drive from an 18-hole golf course. It is around a 45-minute drive to Lecce, and about an hour-drive to Gallipolli.

Dimly lit rooms have a distinctive design scheme (think Turkish-inspired furnishing surrounded by red and gray walls) that reflects the hotel's Middle Eastern vibe. Rooms feature low, patterned couches; dark wooden headboards; slate-like tile floors; and outdoor patio spaces. Useful amenities include minibars that are filled on request, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are covered in tile and have walk-in showers with rain showerheads.

The hotel has a big, outdoor swimming pool. Shuttle service to the beach is provided by the hotel, but guests have to purchase a resort card from June through September if they want shuttle access. The property offers a spa, fitness center, basketball court, and soccer field. A huge chess set is just outside the fitness center. There are several small restaurants, including one on the roof and one at the pool serving regional specialties including seafood and grilled meat. The lobby bar is open 24 hours a day.