Villa Cenci Relais Masseria

What the property says

Villa Cenci is an old Apulian masseria run as a relais near Cisternino. The 34 rooms are spread around the pool, in the villa and in trulli that the property dates to the 1600s. The property sums itself up as the services of a relais in a masseria of the 1600s. The complex kept its existing structure, and the owners favored reclaimed materials.

The house signature is its blue doors, in the same shade, the property says, as the Apulian sky and the Apulian sea. Its wedding pages set them against the white trulli, which point upward.

Weddings come first. Villa Cenci calls itself the ideal location for ceremonies and events, and its stay offer sits inside that frame.

The rooms

The property lists four types. Lamie Standard measures 28 m² for two guests, Trulli 30 m² for two or three, and Lamie Superior 32 m² for two or three. The Suites run from 40 to 50 m² and take two guests.

The rooms are divided between the villa, the area around the pool and the 17th-century trulli, so the experience changes with the building. Say which you want when you reserve.

The room page gives sizes and guest numbers only. Ask about air conditioning, bath or shower and terrace before you choose.

Food and drink

The restaurant page opens with “Puglia in every dish” and says the flavors of the Itria Valley come to life in recipes with the decorative flair and creativity of the chef. It adds that territory, passion and beauty come together in every event celebrated at the villa. The page is framed around events, so confirm what is served to staying guests on the evenings you arrive.

The news section shows the kitchen at work. On August 15 there is a barbecue of typical Apulian dishes by the pool, with live preparation that includes orecchiette alla crudaiola, the small ear-shaped pasta of the region. The same section lists an Aperol Spritz party, and the August listing mentions a lawn entrance with a personal pool towel.

A reading lounge completes the facilities.

The setting

Villa Cenci stands on the provincial road toward Ceglie, at km 1, in the commune of Cisternino. The property says the coast and the sights of the Valle d’Itria are a few minutes by car.

The park is the draw. Tree-lined avenues are planted with acacia, oaks, pines, magnolias, palms and fragrant lilacs, and the grounds include gardens, small squares under the trees, a lawn and the pool. Free Wi-Fi works throughout the area.

Good to know

• Brindisi airport is 55 km away (about 45 minutes by car) and Bari airport 90 km (about an hour), by the property’s own figures.
• From the SS16, follow the signs for Cisternino.
• Reception uses info@villacenci.it and the wedding team info@villacenciwd.it.
• The pool and lawn host events. Ask about your dates before booking.
• A reading lounge is available.
• The news page lists an August 15 pool barbecue and an Aperol Spritz party, without giving a year.
• Villa rooms and 17th-century trulli are mixed among the 34, so state your preference at booking.
• Price band: 3 of 5 (estimated: no official rate found).

Who it is for, and who should look elsewhere

Wedding parties, family gatherings and groups that want a masseria with many rooms and a planted park fit the brief. The gardens, small squares under the trees and the lawn give such groups room to spread out. The relais itself speaks of an intimate, family atmosphere.

It also works for anyone who wants to sleep in a 17th-century trullo and does not mind a wedding in the next garden.

Anyone after a spa should look at Relais Villa San Martino, though it hosts weddings too. Masseria San Michele is the small option, with seven rooms.

Getting there

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria is in the Valle d’Itria, on the road from Cisternino toward Ceglie. The property puts Brindisi airport 55 km away, about 45 minutes by car, and Bari airport 90 km away, about an hour.

From the SS16, follow the signs for Cisternino. The property also lists the Cisternino and Ostuni railway stations in its directions. No shuttle is confirmed here.