“We were completely blown away. From the moment we drove up the olive tree-lined driveway, there was an overwhelming sense of calm, it felt truly magical.” - Emily Tierney

The approach to Masseria L'Olivo sets the tone rather beautifully. A driveway lined with ancient olive trees leads towards the sprawling Masseria, secluded among acres of Puglian countryside.

For Emily, the effect was immediate. "We were completely blown away. From the moment we drove up the olive tree-lined driveway, there was an overwhelming sense of calm, it felt truly magical."

Surrounded by acres of ancient olive groves, the Masseria is impressive in scale yet wonderfully serene. Beautifully considered interiors give way to sun-drenched terraces and gardens, creating the sort of place where days quickly begin to revolve around the simple pleasures of being there.

"It's one of those rare places that's even more spectacular in real life than the photos."

Mornings beneath the pergola

In Puglia, there is little reason to rush.

Emily's mornings began beneath the pergola with long, leisurely breakfasts: plates of local fruit, freshly baked pastries and endless cups of rich Italian coffee. Days ended just as simply, beneath a canopy of stars, with a glass of Puglian Primitivo and the sound of cicadas in the darkness.

Helping everything in between unfold effortlessly was Angelo, the Club's Concierge in Puglia, who welcomed Emily on arrival with a tour of the Masseria and a hamper filled with local treats.

"Throughout our stay, he was on hand to arrange everything from restaurant reservations and private chefs to boat trips and local excursions. He made the entire experience completely seamless."

From Otranto to the Adriatic

The temptation to remain at the Masseria is considerable, but this corner of Puglia rewards exploration.

Just ten minutes away, Emily fell for Otranto, the medieval walled town overlooking the Adriatic. Behind its imposing castle are cobbled lanes made for wandering, spectacular sea views and, importantly, some exceptional gelato.

"If I went back, my first stop would be Gelateria del Fico for a stracciatella gelato."

Further along the coast, Orte at Baia dell'Orte became another favourite: locally caught seafood and organic, farm-to-table vegetables served against a backdrop of startlingly turquoise water. Emily's advice is simple: leave enough time after lunch for a swim.

Then there's Lecce, the Baroque beauty known as the Florence of the South, and the coastal towns of Gallipoli and Otranto, both jumping-off points for seeing Puglia from an entirely different perspective: the water.

A perfect day on the Puglian coast

It was one such day that became Emily's favourite memory of the trip.

Angelo arranged a private boat from Gallipoli, and the day was spent tracing Puglia's coastline: swimming through crystalline water, diving from the boat and paddleboarding into secluded coves inaccessible from shore.

Lunch was prepared onboard by the captain's wife - fresh seafood pasta, served at sea after a morning in the water.

"Heaven," says Emily.

It's a small word for a memory that seems to encapsulate the entire trip: beautiful surroundings, wonderful food, warm hospitality and nowhere else to be.

Back at Masseria L'Olivo, another bottle of Primitivo and an evening beneath the stars awaited. In Puglia, it seems, the best days have a habit of ending exactly where they began: slowly.

Image credit: All photos were taken by Emily during her stay. You can visit her Instagram here.