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Exterior view of Il Melograno

Restaurant and pool

Thermal pool at Hotel La Peschiera

Il Melograno Monopoli

Undoubtedly one of the finest hotels in Puglia , Il Melograno is an impeccably restored 16th Century structure decorated with a fine collection of art and antiques . All the luxuries one would expect of a 5 star hotel are here without compromising the regional character or charm . The olive groves surrounding the hotel provide the extra virgin olive oil used in its excellent Mediterranean cuisine and the fruits of an ancient citrus grove in the gardens are used to make the fresh orange juice and jams which are offered at breakfast . These trees can be seen through the picture windows of the cool and spacious lounge areas , which provide welcome shade during the summer months . Given the hot climate in this corner of southern Italy , guests usually dine ‘ al fresco ’ and breakfast is taken by the pool . The grounds contain a profusion of greenery , including pomegranate trees , indian figs and almonds . The hotel features a luxurious spa with hammam and hydrochromotherapy , as well as an indoor pool , sauna and gym . The bedrooms are charmingly decorated in Moorish style and are situated in two wings of the hotel , nestling around a central piazzetta , featuring period furniture and oriental rugs . There is a private beach five miles from the hotel . Il Melograno ’ s unique fish restaurant can be found here . Il Melograno offers a serene and beautiful base from which to explore this region .

IL MELOGRANO IE245 Official category 5 star . Open 30 March to 30 September . Location Ten minutes ’ drive from the centre of Monopoli and about forty�five minutes from Bari Airport . Distances in miles Monopoli 2 , Grotte di Castellana 10 , Savelletri 12 , Bari 28 , Matera 50 , Lecce 67 , Naples 190 Nearest airport Bari . At hotel Restaurant , Indoor swimming pool , outdoor swimming pool which is open seasonally , Spa , sauna and gym . Private beach with beach club around 5 miles away , open seasonally . Two tennis courts , paddle court , Jogging track , Gardens , Car park , Mountain bikes to hire , Room service , Complimentary transport service to the beach . Bedrooms 41 rooms , each with bath or shower and wc , satellite television , telephone ,

Hotel La Peschiera Monopoli air�conditioning , mini-bar , safe and wifi . Local interest Monopoli , with its lively port and pretty historic centre , Grotte di Castellana , Alberobello , with its mediaeval ‘ trulli ’, Martina Franca , Castel del Monte , Ruins of Egnazia , the ‘ white city ’ of Ostuni ( market on Saturdays ), Gallipoli , the unspoilt coastline of Puglia . Sports nearby Horseriding , Scuba diving , Watersports , Boat rental , Fishing , 18 hole Golf Course at Egnathia Golf Club , 10km distance . Italian Expressions include Bed and buffet breakfast . Holiday prices From about £ 1620 per person for 7 nights including scheduled flights and hire-car .

Hotel La Peschiera is an idyllic 5 star retreat near Monopoli in Puglia . As the hotel takes its name from the surrounding fishing reserve , the hotel ’ s restaurant fittingly specialises in seafood , serving it on a candlelit terrace beside the calm sea . There is a simple elegance and charm to the hotel ’ s white-washed walls and thatched canopies , whilst sumptuous fabrics in neutral colours achieve a refined feeling of luxury . With only 13 rooms and suites at the hotel , each has been individually decorated with an ambience of tranquil seclusion , and most offer views of the sea . Rooms are very light and blend traditional and contemporary styles , some with gauze-draped four poster beds or pastel-coloured chesterfield sofas . Breakfast is a splendid affair , served on a patio which overlooks the hotel ’ s thermal pools and the sea . The private beach is a definite highlight of the hotel , with sun parasols , towels , showers and an outdoor bar . The Spa is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings , with 6 thermal baths , a sauna , and health and beauty treatments . Guests are also encouraged to spend cultural days away from the hotel . At such a close distance to the historical centre of Monopoli , guests can seek out the traditional architecture or while away afternoons in coffee houses and boutiques .

“ A graceful familyrun property , full of character and charm ”