Do you know that feeling of that ultimate farm wedding? Lights between the trees, the sky turning soft pink, gold and bright blue, a man strumming a guitar and something unintelligible, a daybed under a sky of fluttering white fabric (on which no one can and wants to lie comfortably, but picture-perfect it is), an ancient olive tree lost on the large grounds, some hay bales that function as seats (see again the previous line in brackets) and simple café seats elsewhere where you can enjoy a delicious meal. And all in honor of the bridal couple. All of that, without the bridal couple (although they of course attend regularly - it couldn't be otherwise). Masseria Salamina in Puglia. The dream.

If we have to award a prize for the place with the nicest people, it will undoubtedly go to Masseria Torre Rossa. The name says it all: this masseria is actually a phenomenal deep (wine) red castle (not really a castle, but it looks like one) that becomes a true fairytale as soon as the sun sets. At that point, walk up the hill for a phenomenal view of the red masseria and the rolling landscape. Also here the fairytale wedding all the way, although we found dinner here surprisingly accessible (in a good way) and we enjoyed the green and white table setting (10 points for the styling). Make sure you take it all in: there is a fantastic centuries-old wine cellar where the tree roots come through the ceiling and there is an even older olive tree in the yard (which you can only enter if you have a reservation and/or a bed for the night ).

Masseria Torre Rossa

Speaking of wines… It will come as no surprise that Puglia produces several mighty delicious wines. And that these often come from different masserias.

Highly recommended: book a wine tour through the Itria Valley! Huh? We were in Puglia, right? Certainly. The Itria Valley extends over the province of Bari, the province of Brindisi and the province of Taranto. It is the enchanting area where you will find the famous trulli (the white houses with pointed roofs) and where you will find almost all masserias and wineries. Are you doing that tour? Snap! You can book it here.

Are you traveling with kids and are you looking for a very (very) nice masseria for all of you? Then you've found it here. Masseria Montenapoleone is so much fun with the little ones! Even without it, but still. There are several houses and apartments where you can retreat, there is a very nice, tasty and accessible restaurant, as soon as you enter the gate, they can wander around as they want and if you date night you can have a very romantic dinner among the vineyards. Nothing but benefits!

Book Masseria Montenapoleone here

Okay, you can't spend the night at Le Stanzie, but when it comes to dining, this is our top favorite, so not mentioning it here is not an option. It is not surprising that, especially in high season, you have to book more than a month in advance and even then you have to be lucky to get a table. slow livingThat's what they do at Le Stanzie and they take note of it in everything. Which (quite) benefits the food. Pure flavors, local food (that's what you want) and a full evening program for a bizarrely low price. Arrive early, wander around the centuries-old farm, let yourself be told about the tomatoes hanging everywhere to dry, about the wines and about the history of the building and enjoy it to the fullest.

Masseria Le Stanzie

A little more subdued, a little more 'old chic', a little more 'know your classics' and a little more 'it's about the food, not the pictures' than the previous one and therefore a very good one easy going masseria in the middle (which is the nicest part of Puglia, if you ask us, you can read more about that in the article The pearls of Puglia) of the area. The nicest/busiest/friendliest city in this part of Puglia, Ostuni, is less than 10 minutes away and that is a very good reason to book: we think we are the vibrant heart of all of Puglia.

Masseria Il Frantoio

A Masseria is Sa Suites officially not, but this villa (which you can't say U against) should not be missing from this list. Why not? It has the allure of a Masseria and you are completely pampered by host Nick and hostess Anja. The name gives it away: all rooms here are nice and spacious, so suites. Tastefully decorated, with attention to luxury and an eye for detail. Incidentally, there is an eye for detail in every area, from the interior to the hospitality. In the evening you can sit down for a delicious cocktail on the roof terrace, followed by a delicious dinner in their own restaurant. In short: because it is simply wonderful to stay at Sa Suites. Do we also have negative points? Once you are there, you will not want to leave this boutique hotel. It is that simple.

Sa Suites 

Whoever says Puglia says masseria, we have already reached that point. And whoever says Puglia also says trulli (the small round houses of white stone with pointed roofs that are characteristic of the area around Alberobello, the trulli epicenter, not far from the most famous attraction , the white village of Ostuni). Best of both worlds? You have to Masseria Cervarolo are, a masseria that combines a number of trullo and that you will find exactly in this area, a stone's throw from Ostuni. More of a masseria where you spend the night than where you go for dinner, although the breakfast, and the breakfast room with the soft green painted chairs, are delicious anyway. The design of the rooms is classic in all shades of white - which we like – which could be interpreted as 'funny' (but we like so!). Nice place? Nice place! Masseria Cervarolo 

Moreover, this is a location that received the Sustainable Travel badge from Booking.com. That is a very big plus; Read here how, what and why.

Also new, also serene, also beautiful and actually mainly/only suitable for overnight accommodation (and preferably to rent in its entirety) and also a bit of an odd one out due to its location, is the beautiful Masseria Palaci in the southernmost tip of Puglia. Right, in the heel of Italy indeed. We visited the masseria after a visit to the beautiful beaches (beautiful white sand, crystal clear water and comfortable wide beaches) on the south coast (we settled at the luxury beach shop The Five Sails – hello comfort, but at a price) and were blunt: we were allowed to cheat, but the resort was rented out in its entirety to a lucky family. Dinners are available, but on request. Good to know before you go all the way drives south. Although… The cute mini village of Presicce is next door, where we sat down at one of the nicest restaurants of our holiday: Ancient Philosopher's Stone.

Nothing but love for Masseria Moroseta which, let's face it, is almost perfect. The best of both worlds: an agricultural company in the middle of nature, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees where our own organic olive oil comes from and a contemporary, crackingly tasteful interior. Yes, and an Instagram feed that kinda we fleek is, which made us completely hooked in advance. Are you allowed to take your wallet with you? And can you book early for a room? Yes and yes. Masseria Moroseta is – rightly of course – very popular and, like most accommodations in Puglia, not large (there are six double rooms with large bathrooms and private gardens). But then you also have something, close to the beautiful village of Ostuni. You can and should definitely join us for lunch and dinner, but this also applies: make your reservation in time during the high season. The Italians themselves holiday in the area and Moroseta is popular. There is no menu and that is perfect. Oh, and the whole place is closed off by a high gate like most masserias (all of them, actually), so without a reservation you literally stand in front of a closed door, if you are on spec.

Sorry, but we enjoy a little bit of fussiness from time to time and you can go there for that too Masseria Salinola, another masseria where it is perfect for both an overnight stay and a romantic dinner. Rode? The food and the very nice, sweet staff for whom nothing is (or seems) too much. We think it's a sweet place. Masseria Salinola

A sleek, snow-white dream, that is Masseria Borgo Ritella, run by a very sweet family. There is a sweet dog running around, the family lives behind the masseria and is always nearby and incredibly attentive. The rooms are small but beautiful (again, all those white tones) and it is just a very nice place. Pricey, yes, but an oasis, too. Masseria Borgo Ritella

Also white, also an oasis and approximately in the same neighborhood, is Masseria le Torri. Nothing less than a wonderful stay where they are the good life manage down to the last detail. And yes, you pay something for that too. What more can we say… Masseria le Torri

Last (from this list, that is), but certainly not least. Because if we go to Puglia again - and that is only a matter of time, because man, we love it there - we will book a room in good time. Truli del Bosco. Because of 1) the location (Puglia is big and Alberobello (and also Ostuni) are somewhat the center of the area where, in our opinion, you will find the nicest/most beautiful places), 2) it is a hotel (and so there is a reception and there are always people present who can help you - we like it, especially with a child) and 3) you sleep in a trulli and we are in love with trullo.

Trulli del Bosco