Masseria Bagnara

Why it’s on the Edit

Masseria Bagnara is a resort in a restored farm at Lizzano, around Taranto and the Ionian coast. The farm first appears in documents of the late 17th century. For decades it was a working masseria that kept livestock and grew wheat, oats and barley.

The Pagano family had the idea of turning it into a hotel, which opened in 2010 after a renovation of about five years. The old animal shelters, called suppenne, became the Deluxe rooms and suites, and the old storerooms became the wellness center and the restaurant.

The price band is 2 of 5, an estimate, because no official rate was found. The Regione Puglia register lists it as a four-star hotel.

The rooms

The site lists eight types. Deluxe rooms have a private solarium at the entrance, a queen bed of 180 by 200 cm and room for two. Family Deluxe rooms have a tuff barrel vault, more space than the Deluxe, a patio and room for an extra bed.

Some Junior Suites have a private terrace with a panoramic view. The Suite has two solariums that lead into a living area. The Executive Suite, on the first floor, has three separate spaces and two double bedrooms.

The Superior room is in the oldest part of the masseria, opposite the cellar. The Historical Room is an old pagliara of 18 m² with a private lawn of about 50 m² and an opening skylight. The Terrace Room is 46 m² on the first floor, facing the countryside, with a private terrace of 50 m.

Eating and drinking

The restaurant reworks traditional dishes, looking back to the recipes of the farm women. The site says what it cooks is grown or fished a few kilometers from the masseria.

The cellar sits in an old farm shelter, between centuries-old stones. The site gives two counts, over 1,200 labels on the cellar page and over 600 on the tasting page, and offers tastings of Italian and foreign wines.

A barman makes cocktails by the pool and at sunset. Menus and opening days are not confirmed here.

The setting

The farm stands on the Strada Provinciale 125 in Lizzano, in the Salento Tarantino. The outdoor pool sits on a level above the courtyard and has an equipped solarium.

The pool is for resort guests only. The site places Masseria Bagnara close to some of the most beautiful beaches of the Salento Tarantino, and the resort reserves entry and places at the beach clubs for its guests.

Off the sunbed, the site lists riding at a nearby stable, a day on a yacht and wine tastings. A beauty center has a menu of personalized treatments, and a physiotherapist is available on request.

Bicycles are listed, with e-bikes for a fee, and a charging column serves electric cars. Ask whether the bikes are free before you plan a ride to the beach.

Good to know

• The pool is reserved for guests of the resort.
• Dogs are listed as accepted. Terms are not confirmed here.
• Bicycles, e-bikes for a fee and a car-charging column are listed.
• The cellar is described as holding over 1,200 labels in one place and over 600 in another.
• Children, room count, opening months and the pool’s size are not confirmed here.
• Price band: 2 of 5 (estimated: no official rate found).

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Couples and small groups who want a restored masseria with its own pool and a deep cellar, and who will drive to the beach, will be comfortable. Dog owners should ask about the terms. A small family can use the Family Deluxe, which takes an extra bed, and two couples traveling together can look at the Executive Suite with its two double bedrooms.

For a hotel in a seaside village, look elsewhere. Hotel Il Grillo is a 16-room hotel at Marina di Pulsano, with a fish restaurant and an outdoor pool.

Getting there

Masseria Bagnara is in Lizzano, in the Taranto and the Ionian coast area. The resort says it arranges transfers or car hire on request.

You need a car for the beaches and the countryside. Ask the resort which route it recommends from your airport, and whether the transfer or the hire car suits your arrival time better.