A genuine surprise far down south, and equidistant to both oceans, the 19th-century Palazzo Daniele is not manicured by any means but loved for its characterful yet aristocratic ambience. The 150-year-old historic building was privately owned by four generations before opening its doors to guests and was the vision of Italian entrepreneur Fabriele Salini, and the last descendent of Daniele’s family, Francesco Petrucci, owner of Palazzo Daniele. They worked closely with Milanese architects Ludovica and Roberto Palomba on the restoration.
A stay here is less about the town and more about art and authenticity, starting with Palazzo Daniele’s legendary candlelit courtyard dinners. Often held to celebrate milestone birthdays (it’s a great spot for a 40th!), chef’s feasts are all local, often organic and simply delicious… The vibe is relaxed, fun (drinks from the Holy Spirits bar, a nod to the owners’ quirky humour) and a great place to take over exclusively with close friends.
There’s good reason for its inclusion in the Design Hotel portfolio: pared down, almost monastic interiors allow the art and design pieces to sing against frescoed walls and magnificent mosaic floors. Each of its suites is unique, the most intriguing being the Black Suite. Only accessible by a secret door that leads to the rooftop of the Palazzo, this contemporary penthouse has an astonishing 1 500m2 private terrace that encircles the central courtyard. Night skies are nothing short of spectacular up here. Another favourite is the Suite Apartment, fit for royalty and with an art collection of its own to lose yourself in. With an entire wing dedicated to this separate entrance, three-bedroomed gem, the 200m2 space includes a private living and dining area filled with art and sculpture. You’ll find Mohamed Namou’s ‘Pocket’, Sergio Breviario’s ‘Prototipo Macchina per la Conquista del Mondo’, sculpture by Roberto Cuoghi and Carla Accardi’s lithography alongside a portrait of ancestral family.
Gagliano del Capo is not on everyone’s route in Puglia, but Palazzo Daniele ‘is just insane’, says Perfect Hideaways’s Mandi Aliverti. Do stay and savour an Apulian or Salento-inspired dinner prepared by four female chefs, or book a cooking class. Do pack a good book to read around the pool set in an orange grove. And don’t expect too much from the town, it’s the Palazzo itself that’s the destination experience.
What we love!
- Children are welcome and cots or extra beds can be added to certain suites.
- It’s one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Puglia. Small dogs can stay from €50 a night, including a bowl and kennel.
- The steam room and sauna near the inky blue 12m pool is a bonus – not heated but great for exercising. In summer, a tapas bar springs up here with iced cocktails and tapas served all day.
- All nine rather dramatic suites are each unique with Period features, high arches, mosaic floors, original stone basins, frescoes and a substantial collection of art to offset minimalist furniture.
- Lovely extras in the hotel: complimentary bottled water, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker and luxurious Grown Alchemist bath amenities, free WiFi and a laundry.
- This is the ultimate small wedding or special party venue: seats 120. Even natural wines are available: real wines made in short, spontaneous fermentations, indigenous yeast and zero use of chemistry (ask about private tastings).
- Romantic dinner? Book a table in the ancient Kaffeehaus, where nobles used to sit and drink coffee or hot chocolate. It hosts only one table for two!
What you need to know…
- The nearest airport is Brindisi (63kms away, 1h11 mins by car) or Campo Volo Condor (79kms, 1h06 mins), and nearest train station is Gagliano Leuca. For a more glamorous transfer, Salento Helicopters is only 41mins’ drive (49.5kms) away.
- Its historic layout isn’t suitable for wheelchairs.
- Nearby attractions include swimming at the beautiful Ciolo Bridge, Marina Serra natural pool, and Aqua Viva Bay, just north of Castro Marina. Ride a four-hour bike route, ending with a tasting aperitif or learn how to kite surf or windsurf. Go climbing on the rock face inside Otranto Leuca Park or Tricase forest. Explore Otranto and the beaches on horseback with an experienced ranger or guide. You can hike from Ciolo Bridge to Cipollane caves.
- Gagliano del Capo is known for annual international art exhibition, Capo d’Arte, bringing well-known names from around the world to this lesser-known part of Puglia.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon