The Relais Histò San Pietro sul Mar Piccolo, a luxurious 14th-century Puglian masseria

As the sun beamed through our elongated window that opened to the courtyard, it was early morning and time to get ready for breakfast. I put on the fluffy hotel slippers and robe and walked across the room to make myself a cup of hot tea before hopping into the shower. The lovely pale whites of the room are so inviting and the high ceiling gave the 50 square metre lots of space. The light-flooded rooms are hidden behind a dreamy stone facade that creates a real hideaway sanctuary.  Breakfast was enjoyed in the courtyard where the manners cats kept us company as we sipped on our second cappuccino. The fruits (especially the pickled plums), home-made cheeses and free range eggs were just as good as I remembered them to be! The same old dog from five years ago remembered us with its friendly face and immediately we had to sneak it some treats! My blush pearl mules and silk shorts channeled that slow vacation vibe on this warm fall Apulian morning.

Praised by Vanity Fair Italia, lounging by poolside and swimming relaxing laps is exactly what lazy masseria days call for. Down south in Taranto exists a 170 hectare olive grove where the 5 star Relais Histo is hidden. My hubby and I have been here before about five years ago and we thought it was time to experience it again! Cracked pomegranate fruits and prickly pears gate the light grey limestone walls and farmers walk their sheep just outside the premises giving the area a gorgeous countryside feeling. From delicious seafood lunches in the former olive press to espresso under the sun, the evenings ended with calming spa sessions that is the heart of the resort.  Sprawled across 1,750 square metres, the wellness area surrounds with ancient Roman baths and sea-based spa treatment to make your days as comfortable as possible! Until we meet again!

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Is there anything better than swimming in a calming pool and sipping on ice-cold white wine while getting lost in the pages of a good book! I’ve come to the conclusion that Apulian masserias are designed to calm your soul and give you that feeling of utter ease.