Il Melograno

As presaged by the booking site photos, our room was spacious, the public areas were impressive and everything was pristine. The artworks, antiques, ancient olive trees and decor differentiate this from run-of-the-mill hotels. We used both the pools and the gym, but not the sauna or treatment facilities. Towels and sunbeds provided, of course, and it was reassuring to have a lifeguard on duty. Service in the hotel was attentive and friendly, but discreet and unobtrusive. Breakfast, with fresh-cooked options as well as an extensive buffet, was excellent -- but lunch and dinner, though good, were frankly overpriced. Only three complaints: (1) the "rustic" tiled floors are not very kind to feet -- and, as everywhere, the hotel slippers are nowhere near big enough for male users! (2) the shower enclosure was on the small side. And (3) those little bottles of bathroom gels etc are far too twee and prissy -- and impossible to take home! Overall, we enjoyed a restful stay in delightful surroundings, with many places of interest within easy reach. Alberobello, of course, and Matera are a must. Locorontondo and Martina Franca have rather less to offer. Monopoli town, port and seashore are well worth exploring, and there are some very good restaurants -- but parking is very difficult. Puglia as a whole is charming and endearing, as is Il Melograno, and I hope we shall return someday.

This established hotel was a delight. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Excellent pool and spa with indoor pool. Rooms were very well appointed with all the facilities you would expect although, because it is a converted masseria, many do not have terrace or patio. However, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the peace in among the ancient olive trees up to 1000 years old. Food, although a little limited, was excellent, especially the local freshly caught fish.

This was our first visit to Puglia and would go back and do it again. Easy to get to from the airport, approx 45 mins away. The staff are welcoming and very friendly. The bartender made my wife's favourite cocktail to order (not on the menu). The waiters and waitresses were friendly and talkative during breakfast and nothing was too much trouble. The food was great, during our stay we had the breakfasts each morning and tried the lunch menu (fresh and flavoursome salad). We dined in the evening on one occasion and found the food delightful and enjoyable. Overall the extra food and drink bills we had to pay is on par or cheaper than other 5 and 4 star resorts that we have stayed at in the past, but the service and quality of food is very high. Our bedroom was elegant and love the contrast of the old furniture with the clean crisp white walls, we could just chill and watch sky movies (a tip, you can change the language from Italian to original if the film is an English speaking film via the sky remote). We enjoyed using the facilities, like the indoor and outdoor pool and the sauna and Turkish bath. We even had a facial (wife) and massage (me) and found it to be relaxing. Great place to chill and we love Coco the black cat!

We visited Il Melograno as part of an extended vacation through southern Italy. It is a beautiful establishment, very clean, with stunning olive trees, flowers, and pool. Superb wifi. Very convenient to many popular towns and sites but out of the way and quiet. I'll Melograno prides itself on service. But we found the service to be a bit spotty: at times superb, at times non-existent. As an example, we asked for restaurant recommendations in the area 2 days ago; we were told it would need to wait till the morning and we are still waiting. We had to call twice for laundry service, but when they finally picked it up and delivered it, it was done quite well. Breakfast is large and plentiful with lots of great choices, both healthy and indulgent. I'll Melograno is worth a stay. But in order to receive 5 stars, they need to up their game.

Arriving in Italy jet-lagged and sleep-deprived, this was our first impression of the countryside after a drive along the Adriatic coast: a gate opening to a luscious white-washed resort with antique furniture, centuries-old olive trees, careful, caring service and the full 5 star feel. The rooms are large and luxurious, the grounds and pool spacious and beautiful, the lobby and restaurant precise and welcoming. With only 40 rooms but many private spaces, including a room top patio, this is a place where you can have privacy or hold an initimate-feeling large event. The complementary breakfast is extensive, with an amazing selection of baked goods to complement eggs, meats, fruit and the ever-present fresh local cheese. Served in the poolside cover dining area, it is a wonderful start to the day. Yes, there is wifi and A/C but you otherwise feel like you are living in a bygone day of calm and luxury.