The perfect appendage to the serene Relais Monastero Santa Teresa, presiding within the alluring little town of Nardò, Palazzo Manieri is treasured as one of the greatest historical stately residences of the region. Having undergone a series of gentle renovations and restorations from its original place of worship dating back to the latter part of the 16th Century, this hideaway declares itself as a lauded memoir of the noble Manieri family. Its structure is a testament to the Lecce baroque architectural methods, attributed to the esteemed architect, Giovanni Maria Tarantino of Nardò. An ancient tale of Nardò is revealed in its decorative elements that have been sculpted in Lecce stone depicting festoons and rosettes. Its high pedimented windows, its Pompeian red façade and that of the old bishop’s seminary, enclosed by an elegant projecting cornice and its beautiful gardens – once belonging to the Church of Immaculate Conception – flourishing with citrus, pine and palm trees. As much as there is a tangible sense of Apulian history at every turn, there is the quiet reassurance of contemporary comforts and innate luxury in its attire.
Ideal for small families or groups of friends to retreat to, secluded from the buoyantly buzzing Boutique Hotel, Palazzo Manieri settles around the monumental gardens with its inviting swimming pool, discreetly overlooking the Cathedral. Its two spacious suites – one with it’s own kitchen, living and dining spaces – can be rented exclusively or independently from one another. Its outdoor areas including the courtyard, the garden and swimming pool are considered to be communal spaces. As the property is located adjacent the hotel, you and your clan are at liberty to relish in its offerings of opulence, art and languid dining. There is, of course, the town to explore by foot and the jovial community to become acquainted with every evening. All of the other delights of the region are at your fingertips from your own little Palazzo palace. From cruising the coastal roads, dipping in and out of the crystal-clear waters, to ancient monument hunting, olive grove meandering and fortified farm discovering. Enjoying long lunches at the water’s edge, watching the kids sea-crab their ways over the pebbles and into the water as you crack open the shells of your crustacean feast and yet another bottle of chilled rosé. With sun-bleached hair and salty skin you’ll head back to the swimming pool, the tranquil gardens, the heavenly bathtubs and cocoon yourselves in the courtyard, playing some backgammon or a simple round of rummy before dinner. Whatever’s on the menu and the itinerary for the night ahead, it’ll surely fit well into the indelible montage of holiday moments in Puglia.
What we love!
- The beautiful bathrooms and their special homemade soaps that accompany your evening rituals of respite.
- Though the property dates back to the late 1500’s, the signature contemporary pieces and simplistic style furnishing each room, honours the spaces with integrity.
- All of the lovely beaches of the region are in a short driving distance from the hotel, towards the Ionian Coast and its famous white, sandy shores.
What you need to know…
- Check-in and check-out is operated from the concierge desk of the hotel.
- The palace is located next to Piazza Duomo, on the corner between Corso Garibaldi and Via Duomo in pittagio Castello Veteris, in the historical centre of Nardò. It is only a few minutes from the Piazza Salandra and close to all of the beautiful beaches of Salento, the National Park of Porto Selvaggio and the most treasured baroque towns.
- The fabulous gourmet restaurant, Relais Il Mignano, is a 5-minute amble from the Palazzo, serving fresh, local ingredients on the terrace.
- The nearest big airport is Bari – about two hour’s drive from the hotel. You can either hire a car – highly recommended so that you are at liberty to explore – or you can catch a train or a bus from Lecce to Nardò. The smaller, Brindisi Airport, is 58km from the hotel.
- There are some great bike tours of the region that the hotel’s concierge will happily assist you with organising.
- Please speak to us directly about combining other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie