No Where Else Like Borgo Egnazia
In the midst of Puglia, where the hills of the Itria Valley meet the blue Adriatic Sea, in Savelletri di Fasano, lies a place of rare beauty and atmosphere - Borgo Egnazia. A place inspired by the shapes, materials, and colors of a typical Puglian village, it is a combination of harmonious well-being for body, mind, and soul and a gift of an authentic cultural approach.
A Little Background
During the warm times of the year, such as spring and summer time, beautiful Puglia is blooming and bursting, with events, beach parties, and shows. Moreover, regardless of the season the natural landscapes are always breathtaking to see and enjoy. And yet, Puglia is also known for its extraordinary unforgettable culture and art. The landscapes are moderated with villages, churches, and castles. Along them one can find even some of the most unique UNESCO World Heritage sites: the world-famous “trulli” (cone-roof houses) in Alberobello or the beautiful and mysterious Castel del Monte near Andria and Monte Sant’Angelo.
The Borgo Egnazia fairy tale began in 1996, when a fresh new entrepreneurial vision from Sergio and Marisa Melpignano transformed Masseria San Domenico from a private family residence into an exclusive oasis of peace welcoming guests from all over the world. In fact, starting from May 2010, Borgo Egnazia became the largest property of the San Domenico Hotels Group, which includes Masseria San Domenico, Masseria Cimino, Masseria Le Carrube, San Domenico Golf, , and San Domenico House, each structure being shaped in an absolutely unique and fascinating manner, carrying in itself the highest levels of hospitality.
Time For a Tour!
Borgo Egnazia carries the proud weight of the true essence of the authentic Puglian hospitality. The property is built entirely of “tufo”, the rough typical limestone, and local stones cut by the skilled hands of stone masters. Artist and designer Pino Brescia was inspired by the simplicity of Puglia’s ancient farmhouses and rural villages and with this in mind, reestablished Borgo Egnazia as a contemporary interpretation of Puglian architecture.
In Borgo Egnazia one can find three different types of accommodation. Each differs in terms of scope and size, but all conceive a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, modernity and authenticity, grandeur and simplicity.
The first type being La Corte, cozy and refined rooms inside the main building. In total there are 63 of them.
We then proceed from the main building to walk around the Borgo Egnazia grounds. Along our way we encounter many traditional townhouses, also known as Il Borgo. Combining in themselves typical Puglian elements, each one brings forth a truly special and home-like atmosphere.
And last, but definitely not least, we are met with Le Case - the 27 welcoming and fascinating villas. There is even a special plus - one sophisticated “Casa Padronale”.
Of course, while exploring the breathtaking perimeter, you feel as if you are in a different world. That is quite true, as there is only one clock in this city. Travelers are to completely immerge themselves into the atmosphere and spirit, in order to feel it fully and really relax. While wondering the little handmade streets, explorers encounter unique restaurant spots.
Bon Appetit!
At Borgo Egnazia the carefully chosen food and wine proposal allows visitors to discover an unprecedented balance between taste and health and reach a completely new essence. The delicate combinations pay homage to the Mediterranean culture of food, whose secret ingredient is conviviality. The starting point is the conscious and sustainable choice of the raw ingredients together with the enhancement of the truest flavours, the conservation of traditions, and very surprisingly simple cooking techniques.
Due Camini
First stop is Due Camini Restaurant, which in 2019, was awarded with the Michelin star. The restaurant combines in itself Mediterranean culinary tradition and contemporary creations. The dishes tell stories of flavours reminiscent of old times,
reinterpreted in a contemporary light. From the welcome in the dining room to the tailor-made ceramics, from the wine list to the choice of “homemade” bread paired with each individual menu: everything is a tribute to the Mediterranean culture and to Puglia.
La Calce
La Calce, being a vegetarian bistro, that offers a cuisine perfectly balanced between taste and wellbeing is a true reinterpretation of the Mediterranean cuisine, based on the healthiest lifestyle in the world. La Calce menu combines food, joy of conviviality, appreciation for the surrounding land, mind and body wellbeing. Pure delight!
La Frasca
When wondering the streets, you can come upon the authentic Puglian trattoria, located right in the heart of Borgo Egnazia. That is the special place, where the purest deepest rural roots of the local cuisine and the treasures of tradition can be found. Genuine dishes from Puglia pay homage to the ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation, bringing to the table the simple and authentic flavours of this land.
Cala Masciola
It is known as the restaurant by the sea. Located in the enchanting bay of Cala Masciola, the private beach of Borgo Egnazia, it carries the one and only scent of the Mediterranean and provides the opportunity to taste the catch of the day, chosen fresh from the counter as if at a fish market. All you need to do is sit back and savour the moment (or the meal), while enjoying the Puglian tradition!
Mia Cucina
This is the place to go for the true local cuisine. It is here, that one can feel and share the warmth of an authentic Puglian home, while rediscovering and tasting ancient recipes. A fun bonus includes learning how to make and prepare homemade pasta or cook delicious traditional dishes thanks to the Puglian cooking lessons. In the delightful outdoor pizzeria “A Pizzerì”, tasty pizzas can be prepared with the best Slow Food ingredients from the Puglian territory. Get ready, as different types of dough with Lievito Madre (yeast starter) are about to be served!
After exploring and enjoying a traditional unimaginably delicious meal, Borgo Egnazia calls for a bit of relaxation at one of its many fine facilities.
First option is to enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters nestled in the local white stones, surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean gardens. The four outdoor pools are enchanting oases of relaxation where guests can enjoy peaceful moments, with two pools dedicated specifically to kids and their families.
At sunset the mirrors of turquoise water become a suggestive scenery to taste Puglian cocktails. Borgo Egnazia also features a heated indoor pool, with changing rooms and a wet area with outdoor sauna, sanarium, steam bath and the ice fountain.
An alternative option is seeking peace in the calm and grand expanses of the Vair Spa. This unparalleled Puglian Spa nestled in the heart of Borgo Egnazia combines it inself an extraordinary team of talented therapist-artists, musicians, and local dancers, who are all ready to guide guests in poetic tailor-made experiences, inspired by the “Science of Happiness”.
Vair Spa also features a beauty area with Nail Lab, the fitness area with gym and heated indoor pool, the wet area with sauna, steam bath and the ice fountain, and the most precious Roman Baths deep in the heart of the spa. Everything is established in such a manner to soften and soothe with treatments inspired by Puglia. You close your eyes and teleport into a different reality, where the sea breeze blows and you immerse yourself into the aroma of Puglian grasses and flowers. It is truly a one of a kind journey to rebalance personal compass and discover a renewed happiness.
Of course, Borgo Egnazia provides the opportunity for the relaxers to also spend their time productively and efficiently. In addition to a regular gym, there are also the wide-open spaces, which allow visitors to enjoy the gifts of nature and do sports in a spectacular setting. That is not surprising, considering that there are 7 sports fields in Borgo Egnazia: 3 tennis courts, 1 football field, and 3 padel courts, for those who want to have fun and do physical activity at the same time. In June 2021, the first outdoor gym was created in collaboration with Technogym, an innovative project capable of offering a solution for outdoor exercise in total safety to users of all ages and levels of fitness. The fully equipped private beach of Cala Masciola is a true paradise for those who want to try out water sports, such as wakesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, snorkeling and sup.
For the more determined guest, Borgo Egnazia offers San Domenico Golf, that being a wonderful 18- hole course, located where the Puglian countryside meets the azure of the Adriatic sea. Perfectly nestled between the slopes of the Itria valley and the port of Savelletri, the course features a combination of strategically placed bunkers and an intricate mistral-oriented design, created by architect Andy Haggar. This prestigious links course has been designed by European Golf Design in London with sea-views from every hole. It winds through gentle slopes, zigzagging through ancient olive trees with glimpses of the ancient city of Egnathia. Not surprisingly it has established itself as one of the best golf clubs in Italy and a well-known stage for important national and international tournaments. In fact, in October 2019, it achieved GEO Certifed® status, the world Certifcation by GEO Foundation for sustainability standards.
A visit to Borgo Egnazia is a must, simply for the sake of enjoying the Puglian stories through Borgo Egnazia's Nowhere Else Experiences. By offering experiences that “you can’t enjoy anywhere else in the world”, based on the authenticity and the beauty of the local culture, wonderful tailor-made journeys to make guests live the region in a different way, through the eyes of the local people, guests can discover the natural and cultural beauties of the area and share the warmth of the local people, taking it home forever.
Pictures: PR
