A former watchtower for the Knights of Malta, dating back to the 15th century, has been turned into this five-star deluxe resort. Set amid the ancient olive groves of Puglia, it has a “challenging” 18-hole golf course which stretches along the Adriatic coast, flanked by on one side by the white-painted Masseria San Domenico, and on the other its little sister, the Masseria Cimino – an 18th century, 15-room guest house with a striking red tower. The spacious rooms and suites, set amid manicured gardens and paved walkways, have garden or sea views; some suites have a private terrace. The caves beneath the property were home to Apulian monks fleeing Moorish attackers during the Middle Ages. The largest cave was used to store olive oil, and its pressing equipment is on display: the hotel still produces fine oils, used in the restaurant, which offers a “classic Mediterranean diet” Vegetables are home grown; fish and shellfish come from the Adriatic coast. A natural hot spring provides the mineral-rich water for hotel”s Thalassotherapy Spa. There is a huge outdoor seawater swimming pool, and a private beach 500 metres away on the rocky shore. Transport around the resort is by golf buggy. Sister to San Domenico Hotel, Chelsea, London.