Castle Elvira, a new residence which opened in Puglia this year, is delighted to launch its unique experience offering. From a one-of-a-kind portrait experience from resident artist Harvey B-Brown to life drawing classes; weekly pizza nights and traditional pasta making classes, each is designed to create memories that last a lifetime.
Whilst Puglia is often considered a summer destination, guests can visit an array of incredible restaurants and sights all year round, alongside the new offering. With original wood burning fireplaces making for cozy atmospheres, underfloor heating and a heated swimming and hydro massage pool for relaxing soaks, Castle Elvira is the perfect destination for an Autumn / Winter escape.
In addition to the bookable experiences, Castle Elvira now holds regular events including daily sunset cocktails on the roof terrace, weekly pizza nights and movie nights in the Castle’s private cinema.
Beyond the curated experiences on offer within the Elvira estate, the team can also arrange a number of exciting excursions in Lecce and in the surrounding areas. Elvira’s expert team is on hand to advise guests on the best restaurants, and beach clubs to visit during your stay.
Adored and Adorned portrait experience
Castle Elvira invites you and your friends to take part in a one-of-a-kind artistic experience. For a minimum of three nights, you will have the unique opportunity to live with artists Harvey B-Brown & David Scheinmann whilst you help create your own Adored & Adorned portrait. Part painting, photography, collage and digital art, these unique meta portraits are precious heirlooms that celebrate a moment of history.
Starting by taking photographs, the images are adorned using materials and techniques that tell a story about the person while playfully referring to familiar contemporary iconography. Photographic prints are transformed into three dimensions using paints, inks, collage and sculptural techniques and then further augmented with post production technology. Whilst you enjoy your stay at Castle Elvira, guests are encouraged to collect mementos and memorabilia to become a part of your portrait.
Pugliese Pasta Making Classes
Join Castle Elvira’s experienced private chef Fabiana and learn how to make traditional pugliese pasta. From orecchiette to tria, get stuck into making your own pugliese pasta. Master rolling and shaping techniques and learn your 00 flours from semolina so you can become a pro-pasta maker. Indulge in your delicious pasta with a choice of homemade sauces cooked by chef Fabiana after your class.
Life Drawing Classes
Castle Elvira is the perfect creative oasis so whether you’re a budding artist or a professional painter, these life drawing classes are a great way to practice your artistic skills or just have some fun. Hosted by resident artist Harvey B-Brown, classes take place in the Cafe and Atelier. Each class starts with quick warm up exercises, followed by a series of short poses and one long pose for you to master your technique.
Sunset Roof Terrace Experience
Travel by a red glass-lined lift to the extraordinary roof terrace and gaze at the glory of a Southern Pugliese sunset. Guests are invited to sip cocktails, sample local wines and Prosecco whilst taking in the spectacular 360-degree vistas. The wonderful Elvira team is on hand to serve rooftop aperitif under the stars.
Elvira Pizza Nights
Join Castle Elvira for weekly pizza nights and enjoy delicious pizzas made in Elvira’s very own handmade wood fire pizza oven.
Elvira Movie Nights
Kick back and relax in Castle Elvira’s private cinema. Choose from an array of modern or classic movies, cartoons or live action films or enjoy your favorite tv shows from super comfy, extra large sofas whilst tucking in to popcorn and cocktails.
