Contrada Masseria Li Turchi, Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy | (888) 551-4925
Colorful guest rooms housed in villa-style buildings; some have kitchenettes
Large, sunny saltwater pool
Relaxing spa with various treatment spaces
On-site art gallery
Two on-site restaurants and roof garden
Free shuttle to nearby beach
Children's club for a fee
Room service only available for limited hours
Fitness center only has two machines
Have to wear a swim cap in pool
This charming hotel, located in the suburban town of Castrignano del Capo, has a traditional Mediterranean look with a modern twist. The 70 rooms, some with kitchenettes, are located in villa-like buildings; they're simple, colorful, and clean, although starting to show some wear and tear. Nonetheless, the property offers extensive features, including spa services, a hair salon, and an art gallery. The big, sunny saltwater pool is a highlight, but swim caps are required.
Scene
Sophisticated hotel with a relaxing atmosphere
Messapia Hotel & Resort has a sophisticated, Mediterranean look with sun-bleached villas, luxurious canopies, and light stone tiled floors throughout the grounds. The front lobby is elegant and comfortable with multiple domed ceilings, white couches, gauzy curtains, a grand piano, and bright red chandeliers. The grounds are well manicured and groomed, with trimmed hedges, palm trees, and multiple planters with flowers and small bushes. The pool has a lively atmosphere and is one of the more popular gathering points. While the spa and restaurants create a relaxing atmosphere, there’s still a fun, active energy at the Messapia, making the venue great for both families and couples.
Location
Located in suburban Castrignano del Capo and within driving distance to many beaches and attractions
This spa hotel is located in the rural suburbs of Castrignano del Capo. There isn't much within walking distance, but it is just a 10-minute drive to a nearby train station. Brindisi’s airport is an hour and a half to the north, while other points of interest, like Santa Maria di Leuca’s lighthouse and Basilica Santuario, are short drives away. Other local sights with approximate travel times include:- Santa Maria di Leuca Beach (15-minute drive)
Rooms
Spacious rooms within villa-style structures have private balconies or patios.
Messapia rooms are located either on the top or bottom floor of Mediterranean-style villas. The units are spacious and clean, although some are starting to show a little wear. The decor is simple, with light colors, wicker furniture, and desks. Guests can choose between a variety of room sizes, with some apartment-style spaces having an extra bedroom as well as a small kitchen with fridge and stove top. All the rooms have at least a mini-fridge as well as a safe and air-conditioning. They also have large patios or balconies with outdoor furniture. Bathrooms are on the smaller side, but clean and well maintained with tiled floors and walls, a bidet, and a narrow shower.
Features
Spa, large saltwater pool, and art gallery
Guests can pamper themselves at the serene spa -- which has multiple treatment rooms, an indoor whirlpool, and a small sauna -- or get styled at the hotel's hair salon. The large saltwater pool always has a big crowd with music, games, and entertainment. Next to it is a tiny children's pool and multiple lounge chairs, some of which are shaded by fabric canopies and a pool bar. The nearby beach, Maldive del Salento, isn't within walking distance, but the hotel does offer a free shuttle that runs several times a day. There also aren't any on-site sports fields, which can be found at other hotels in the area, and the fitness center is limited to two small machines.The Messapia does have some unique features, such as a small art gallery located within one of the stairwells and a clothing shop. Both of the two on-site restaurants offer a refined dining atmosphere. I Messapi serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an a la carte menu. I Pajari is a bit more formal, serving modern Mediterranean cuisine under a beautiful draped fabric ceiling. There’s also the roof garden Aurora Club, but this serves food infrequently and is mostly reserved for special occasions.