Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza

Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza, a Michelin Key One-Key property nestled in Savelletri di Fasano, Italy, offers a luxurious escape in the heart of Puglia. This 16th-century fortified farmhouse, reimagined under the Rocco Forte brand, consistently receives high praise for its elegant blend of traditional Apulian charm and contemporary sophistication.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests consistently rate Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza as exceptional, often awarding it an overall rating of 9.5/10 or higher. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing it as "paradise" and an "incredible stay," particularly recommending it for couples seeking a peaceful and luxurious retreat. It is considered a masterclass in rustic refinement, offering a slice of Italian luxury.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are enchanted by several aspects of Masseria Torre Maizza:

• Service: The staff consistently receives outstanding scores, often 9.8 or 9.9 out of 10, with guests highlighting their exceptional attentiveness and professional, yet warm, hospitality.
• Location: Its serene setting amidst ancient olive groves, with stunning countryside views and access to the Adriatic coastline, is a major draw. The private beach club and proximity to charming towns also contribute to its appeal.
• Design: Designed by Olga Polizzi, the interiors beautifully splice traditional Pugliese art and crafts with contemporary Italian design. Whitewashed walls, pale stone, warm woods, and local ceramics create an elegant yet rustic atmosphere.
• Amenities: The extensive facilities are highly praised, including a private beach, a large outdoor swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, an Aveda/Irene Forte Spa, and a cookery school. The option to use facilities at its sister property, Masseria Torre Coccaro, is also a plus.

3. Room Quality

The 40 rooms and suites at Masseria Torre Maizza are described as spacious, elegant, and comfortable, each individually designed. They blend original features like vaulted ceilings with contemporary design accents. Rooms typically feature luxurious king-sized beds, bathrooms clad in local Trani stone, and high-quality bed linen. Many rooms and suites offer private outdoor patios or terraces, with some deluxe suites boasting private plunge pools and garden views overlooking olive groves. Guests appreciate the serene palette of neutrals accented by Polizzi's signature green and local artwork. While generally highly rated for comfort and cleanliness, one guest noted that their room was not as luxurious as the hotel in general, expecting it to be a bit bigger and have more daylight.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Masseria Torre Maizza is a highlight, characterized by fresh, local, and distinctly regional Apulian cuisine under the direction of culinary director Fulvio Pierangelini.

• Restaurant (Carosello): Set in the masseria's former stables or the vine-wreathed garden pergola, Carosello offers an elegant and authentic ambiance. Dishes utilize ingredients from the hotel's own gardens or local farmers and fishmongers. Guests have praised specific dishes like tuna tartare with puntarella and orecchiette with broccoli cream.
• Breakfast: The breakfast is consistently described as "awesome," "superb," and a "full-blown feast," offering both a buffet and à la carte options.
• Other Dining: The poolside Violetta restaurant serves fresh, vibrant pizzas for lunch, and there's a beach bar at Lido Bambù, the hotel's beach club. The rooftop bar offers expertly crafted cocktails against scenic backdrops.
• Culinary Activities: The hotel also offers cooking classes and guided walks through their vegetable garden, emphasizing their garden-to-plate philosophy.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza receive near-perfect scores, consistently rated at 9.8 or 9.9 out of 10. Guests frequently use words like "exceptional," "incredible," "attentive," "professional," and "accommodating" to describe the team. They are praised for making visitors feel at home and for tending to guests' every need, contributing significantly to the overall peaceful and serene atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

Masseria Torre Maizza is situated in the picturesque countryside of Savelletri di Fasano, offering a serene escape with stunning views and access to the Adriatic coastline. It's approximately a 40-minute drive from Brindisi Airport and 50 minutes from Bari Airport, with the hotel offering transfer services. The location is rated highly (9.4/10), providing easy access to both the Italian countryside and the sea.

Nearby attractions include:

• Charming towns like Ostuni, Alberobello (known for its trulli), Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare, all easily reachable.
• Ancient ruins of Egnazia.
• Vineyards in Locorotondo for wine tasting experiences.
• The hotel provides a shuttle service to its private beach, which is also a short bike ride away.

While offering seclusion, it's not entirely isolated, being on the outskirts of Fasano and close to its sister property, Masseria Torre Coccaro.

7. Value & Pricing

Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza is positioned as a high-end luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Prices can range significantly, with some indications starting from around $977 to over $1,500 per night for a double room. While guests overwhelmingly praise the experience, some have noted that the high-end price tag might make wallets "wince" and that the value for money could sometimes be perceived as lacking, especially concerning the cost of amenities and services. However, many believe it's worth splurging on for a memorable and luxurious stay, especially for honeymooners or those seeking an upscale retreat. Benefits such as complimentary breakfast and hotel credit are often offered through various booking channels.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor criticisms or points to consider have been noted:

• Room Size/Luxury Perception: One guest mentioned their room was not as luxurious as the hotel in general, expecting it to be a bit bigger and have more daylight.
• Pricing: As a high-end property, the price for amenities and services can be high, leading some guests to question the value for money.
• Authenticity: While beautifully designed, some seeking a truly rustic Puglian experience might find this polished retreat "a bit too posh."
• Children Policy: During the month of August, the hotel typically has a restriction on children under 10 years of age.
• Accessibility: The historic layout and lack of adapted rooms may make the hotel unsuitable for wheelchair users.
• Noise from Events: Special events like weddings can occasionally take over the property and be noisy.
• City Tax: Guests are required to pay a daily city tax from May to October.

Sources

1. travel-buddies.com
2. tablethotels.com
3. mrandmrssmith.com
4. hotelsabovepar.com
5. roccofortehotels.com
6. smartflyer.com
7. airmail.news
8. hotelmypassion.com
9. booking.com
10. booking.com
11. virtuoso.com
12. booking.com
13. expedia.com
14. roccofortehotels.com
15. elegantresorts.co.uk
16. oyster.com
17. youtube.com
18. roccofortehotels.com
19. mrandmrssmith.com
20. mrandmrssmith.com
21. kayak.com
22. privateupgrades.com
23. travelweekly.com