Situated in a picturesque Apulian Borgo in Salento, in the southern end of charming Puglia in Italy, Palazzo Ducale Venturi is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel in a restored aristocratic palace from the 16th century. The palace has been carefully restored to offer 20 refurbished bedrooms, a unique restaurant, one indoor and one outdoor pool, luxury spa and Puglia’s first Cryotherapy chamber, alongside a wealth of experiences to enjoy Apulian traditions and explore the local area.
Located in the quaint village of Minervino di Lecce, Palazzo Ducale Venturi boasts two outdoor spaces, the main green garden, and a secret citrus grove. The main garden is accessed through a rose garden, which overlooks the outdoor saltwater swimming pool, as well as the pool bar and the old armoury, recently restored to house the gym, wellbeing area and four majestic suites with floor length windows for guests to enjoy the magical Apulian sun. Other rooms include the Ducale Suite which features direct access to the garden and pool, and the intimate Abbess Room on the first floor which has its own antique stone spiral staircase and access to the indoor pool. After a busy day exploring the local sights, the citrus garden is an oasis of peace, relaxation and Mediterranean scents, the perfect place to enjoy a book or an Aperitivo at sunset.
History and design – The noble Palazzo Ducale Venturi, once called Castello Nuovo, is recognised as a historical residence, and offers five centuries of history, art and culture and hints of the extensive past can be found in every nook and corner. Restored under the supervision of The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, once through the door, visitors are greeted by an enormous antique fireplace in the lobby, and in the garden, they can admire a well, made from Lecce stone dating back to the 13th century. Each of the guest rooms are different, with the design offering a taste of the original Apulian palazzo style but with a modern twist. Majority of the rooms in the main building feature original 16th century vaulted ceilings and art work, typical of old Salento architecture and in the corridor on the first floor, guests will even see an old wooden door set into the wall like a work of art. Legend has it that the Duke Venturi himself had a passionate love affair with the Abbess of the convent near the present-day Church of St Anthony in town and in order to meet her, he had an underground tunnel built, which still exists, connecting the palazzo to the monastery. Throughout the hotel guests can also admire its extensive art collection of modern and classic works of art, from original paintings and sculptures to statues.
Spa – Choosing to stay at Palazzo Ducale Venturi, guests can relax and regenerate at the dedicated spa, which is the first in Puglia to offer cryotherapy, a hi-tech treatment that operates at -190° for extensive health benefits. Guests can also find a massage room; well-equipped gym and the ancient oil mill has been restored to be the hotel’s heated underground swimming pool. After a swim in the palazzo’s pools, guests can stretch out in Pilates or yoga class in the garden. For those wishing to personalise their stay with a classic or typically Mediterranean fragrance in their rooms, the hotel has a remarkable selection of essential oils to choose from.
Food and drink – The palazzo brings a distinctive culinary experience to Salento with its restaurant that is exclusive to guests. The restaurant is headed up by Chef Antonio Russo who offers an elegant but unpredictable menu, inspired by the fresh products of Salento’s nearby sea and local area. Example dishes vary from a starter of crispy cuttlefish with urchin, a pasta main of spaghetti alla chitarra with anchovies and wild fennel and orange scented aubergine pie with ricotta, candied fruit and chocolate sauce for dessert.
Experiences and activities – As part of the large variety of extra experiences offered by the hotel, guests can try their hand at cooking traditional dishes using the palace’s restored salt ovens with Chef Antonio. Complimentary bikes are available to use for the day to explore the highlights of the heel of Italy and guests can take part in whisky pairing masterclasses with a special whisky menu paired with Apulian ingredients. For a touch of romance, guests can surprise their loved ones and enjoy an intimate evening under the stars having an aphrodisiac themed dinner in the hotel’s secluded citrus grove.
Palazzo Venturi is in a strategic position, a short distance from all the pearls of Salento which are rich in history as well as natural beauty and pristine beaches. The hotel is just 6KM away from the sea and close to the nearby towns of Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Badisco, Santa Maria di Leuca and Lecce. Just an hour’s drive away, the nearest airport is Brindisi.
Palazzo Ducale Venturi is also the first historical residence in Italy to be certified Green Key, an international recognition that rewards excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism sector. The palazzo is also one of the first hotels in Italy to ensure that it caters for any mobility or care needs. Through an innovative system of glass walls and mobile pressure handles, every guest with disability or mobility needs can choose any hotel room they would like, and it will be adapted to their needs with the help of the hotel’s specialist staff. Four legged friends are welcome too, at no extra cost.
BOOK IT
Palazzo Ducale Venturi reopens from 1st May through to 30th November 2022. Nightly rates at Palazzo Ducale Venturi start from €200 based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis.
www.palazzoducaleventuri.com
