Masseria Salinola

We have somehow ended up in this oasis in deepest Puglia.  I say somehow because we cannot afford to spend all year staying at places like this.  We got a seasonal promotion and we mentally convert Euros at par with Canadian Dollars.  That way we can enjoy the combination of zen like calm with historic luxury.

.
While Spain has its Paradors, Italy has its Masserias.  Masserias are converted from farm manor houses under the country's "Agriturismo" program.  The concept is to bring tourism to rural areas. While the conversions are decadent, they are also sensitive to the context of the original buildings - e.g. using the same limestone for the renovated structures.  That, together with the inevitable Italian classy hospitality, has us postponing our departure by the day.

You can find more photos of this wonderful place at their website:

http://www.masseriasalinola.it/