Palazzo Ducale Venturi
PALAZZO DUCALE VENTURI perfectly combines the warmth of southern Italian hospitality with the pleasures of luxury travel. A medieval stone citadel turned noble summerhouse, the Palazzo Ducale embodies its rich history of art and culture, and its recent renovation has preserved awesome original pieces, such as antique ovens and vaulted ceilings. In the region of Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, this property is located between the beautiful seaside towns of Castro and Otranto, known for their Baroque architecture, Caribbean-like blue waters, white-sand beaches, and remnants of ancient civilizations. Tucked away amid citrus trees and olive groves, the Palazzo Ducale Venturi is a splendidly romantic property, where guests may find themselves hard-pressed to leave the comforts of the hotel to explore the beautiful Salento peninsula.
The rooms tastefully combine the historic foundations of the Palazzo with well-placed touches of clean, modern design. In addition to the outdoor saltwater pool surrounded by picturesque olive trees and lush grasses, guests can immerse themselves in their surroundings by touring local olive mills and learning to use to Palazzo Ducale’s ancient salt ovens to cook traditional Salento cuisine. The gorgeous spa, secret garden, yoga classes, wellness treatments, wind surfing lessons, and bicycle paths provide ample opportunity for those guests seeking both relaxation and adventure. Breakfast is a delightful affair, featuring the best local products and house-made pastries, and lunch by the pool is the perfect way to revel in the lightness and freshness of authentic southern Italian cuisine.