Tenuta Monacelle, Monopoli

• Stay on a historic estate that dates back to 1790, complete with traditional Apulian conical stone trulli, restored farmhouses, and a former Benedictine convent.
• The peaceful country setting spreads across 54 acres (22 ha) of greenery, with olive groves, cherry orchards, and plenty of shady spots to escape Puglia's summer heat.
• Rooms are generously sized by European standards, and many come with private gardens or terraces; for a more authentic stay, opt for one of the seven traditional trulli.
• The large outdoor pool that guests can continue to use after checkout is a highlight, especially for families, with plenty of loungers, an enclosed shallow area, and a nearby playground for little ones.
• You can get a taste of Puglia's culinary traditions through hands-on cooking classes, olive oil and wine tastings, and seasonal cherry picking (mid-May to late June).
• You won't need to venture far for lunch or dinner: the on-site restaurant serves traditional Apulian dishes made with local and estate-grown ingredients, while the mostly sweet breakfast offerings are included in your room rate.
• Breakfast is best enjoyed at an outdoor table, where you can take in idyllic countryside views over your morning coffee.

• Although spacious and comfortable, some rooms feel a little dated, with simple furnishings and decor that lack the polish of more contemporary boutique hotels.
• The pool closes at 6 pm (and doesn't open until 10 am), which is a shame if you're hoping for an early morning swim or a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing.
• The property is a popular wedding venue, so large celebrations can occasionally interrupt the otherwise quiet setting (you may be enjoying the pool alongside lingering wedding guests). 

Authenticity

Founded in 1790 by Benedictine nuns from Monopoli, Tenuta Monacelle preserves the rural history of Puglia's Valle d'Itria through its traditional trulli (conical dry-stone dwellings) and masserie (farmhouses) built from local limestone and porous Salento tufa. The historic estate once housed a village of 28 trulli, and the former convent, now home to Il Ciliegeto restaurant, retains original features like a livestock watering trough and an ancient fireplace once used for baking bread. Although some interiors feel a little dated, period-style furnishings, exposed stonework, and gardens dotted with olive and cherry trees lend the property an authentic Apulian character. 

Location

Tucked in the country near Selva di Fasano, Tenuta Monacelle occupies roughly 54 acres (22 ha) of leafy parkland, with winding roads leading to the property (one approach has eight hairpin bends), so a car is essential for exploring and getting to nearby shops and restaurants. The estate makes a convenient base for day trips to Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and the whitewashed town of Ostuni—all within a 20-40-minute drive—while the Adriatic coast and seaside town of Monopoli is only about a 15-20-minute drive away. Parking is available on-site, and the hotel offers a shuttle service to the nearest beach.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The property's 48 rooms are spread across six farmhouse buildings, with seven additional accommodations in traditional conical stone trulli huts. Interiors are simple, spacious, and individually furnished, if somewhat dated in places, with stone floors and private gardens or terraces in many categories; the trulli feature period-style furnishings, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning in select units. Classic Rooms have bathrooms with tubs or showers, while larger Superior and Deluxe Rooms add seating areas, with the latter featuring a Jacuzzi tub. Junior Suites and Suites offer extra space, two bathrooms, and private terraces with sun loungers, while Family Rooms connect two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and entrance. There are no elevators, and upper-floor rooms require climbing stairs.

Amenities

The standout amenity is the large outdoor pool with sun loungers, a shallow whirlpool area, and a nearby snack bar serving drinks and light bites. The on-site restaurant, Il Ciliegeto, serves traditional Apulian cuisine with contemporary touches, incorporating local and estate-grown ingredients, homemade bread, and regional wines, while breakfast leans toward sweet Italian pastries with eggs cooked to order (opt for an outdoor table overlooking the countryside). Guests can also book cooking classes, olive oil and wine tastings, yoga sessions, massage, and seasonal fruit-picking experiences in the estate's cherry orchard. 

Family-Friendliness

A good fit for families, Tenuta Monacelle has extensive green grounds, an outdoor playground, and a large swimming pool whose shallow, jetted enclosed area is particularly popular with children. Family Rooms feature two interconnected bedrooms, each with a separate bathroom and entrance, while Superior Rooms can accommodate four guests with extra beds. Families can take part in the estate's seasonal cherry harvest, typically from mid-May through June, when guests can pick fruit directly from the trees. Babysitting services are available on request, though parents with strollers should be aware that the property has no elevators and some rooms require navigating stairs.