The historic mansion is a spectacular example of an 18th century “secret palazzo” specific to the charmingly unspoiled Salento region of Puglia. Originally gifted to “Don Totu”, the Estate Manager for the Cito family of San Cassiano, the unassuming Baroque façade belies the oasis of elegant and spacious rooms, terraces and mature gardens set within.
Now a family-owned 6-bedroom boutique hotel (available on a highly inclusive B&B basis either by the room or exclusive use), Don Totu was meticulously and sympathetically restored by the owners ten years ago. Every effort has been made to retain the soul of the building whilst continuing to add luxury facilities in keeping with the style and generous layout. The palazzo has been elegantly restyled, to offer six graceful bedroom suites (including a two-bedroomed family suite), stunning parlours, a handsome library on Salento and a modern wine cellar. The cool internal courtyard complete with centuries-old olive trees and sweet-smelling botanicals, is complemented by verandas, rooftop terraces, pergolas and an orchard with aromatic herbs and fruit trees leading to a lush garden and immaculate swimming pool area. Over the years, out buildings have been converted to include a state-of-the-art gym, a bijou hamman and a glamorous art-deco Pool House.
The small number of bedrooms is deliberate to ensure an excess of communal areas and private spaces, and to be able to provide considerable attention to each guest. Embodying the ethos of “intelligent hospitality”, guests are welcomed warmly by engaging local staff ready to cater to their every need, and encouraged to enjoy Don Totu as their own.
The highly inclusive offering includes the following on a complimentary basis:
- An exceptional breakfast with exclusively homemade and locally sourced produce – adhering strictly to their “zero-mile” philosophy
- Daily yoga sessions
- Evening aperitif and canapes
- Wine-tasting
- Fresh fruit, homemade cakes, gelato, fruit juices and soft drinks
- Use of electric and push bicycles
- Use of Vespa scooters
- Maps and guide books of the local region – four pocket sized guides aimed at “The Zero-Mile Traveller”, “The Cultivated Traveller”, “The Curious Traveller” and “The Green Traveller”
- Al fresco rooftop cinema and frisella nights with weekly showings of classic Italian and art-house films
- Beach bags and beach towels
- Hammam
- Gym
The attentive local team is on hand to ensure guests will want for nothing – additional activities such as cookery classes, wellness weeks, light lunches, babysitting, fitness trainers, etc can be arranged on request.
Don Totu’s central location in the heart of Salento – just under one hour from Brindisi airport – makes it arguably the best place to explore this beautiful region, including the picturesque towns of Lecce, Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli. Stunning coastlines, lesser-known enchanting towns with majestic architecture and excellent restaurants, ancient olive groves, artisanal wineries and charming agritourism are well within reach and recommended by Don Totu’s local team, as well as in the well-researched in-room guide books.
