Masseria Torre Coccaro, Puglia, Italy

Nestling in the heel of Italy is the rustically chic region of Puglia - long touted as the new Tuscany, it has a totally unique heart and soul of its own. With its miles of incredible beaches and dunes, whitewashed conical trulli houses, cave dwellings, the Grottos of Castellana and beautiful ‘masserias’ - former fortified watchtowers turned boutique hotels - there is much to explore. Masseria Torre Coccaro began life as a 16th century fortified watchtower and was converted into a 37-room, five-star hangout in 2002. It highlights all the good things in life like simple fresh food, flowers on the table and taking the time to chill. The hotel’s unusual Aveda spa is set in an underground grotto. Treatment rooms are candlelit and there is a small indoor pool under the rocks. Bridal treatments, hair and beauty are available. It’s a short drive to the hotel’s private beach club on the Adriatic. Private gazebos are available for massages by the sea from the Aveda Spa. More active couples can play volleyball or hire the hotel’s private yacht. Yet despite all the sophistication, the hotel still keep chickens and retains its rustic heart.

Masseria Torre Coccaro has just about the prettiest chapel imaginable - perfect for Puglia style nuptials. Dating back to 1730, people from the local fishing village used to worship the patron saints here. Inside its beautiful pink exterior is the dinkiest Catholic style chapel which seats just eight or so guests. If you have more, the doors can be flung open so that they can stand glamorously outside in the Italian sunshine. Anglican weddings or blessings are available. It’s also conveniently located next to the entrance to the Orange Suite - favoured by honeymooners for its cave-like room and walled, orange tree garden and a stone pool. Receptions for up to 90 people are held in the old courtyard of the Masseria. Guests enter through the main arch to a wonderful torch and flame lit courtyard. Canapés, spumante and cocktails are served, followed by a buffet which includes pancetta cured at the Masseria. Guests then move to the cave for the pasta dish and main course such as homemade lasagne with shrimps and zucchini flowers. A buffet of desserts and fresh fruit follow. The wedding cake is usually a classic three-layer in cream colours with statues of the bride and groom on top, or a large single layer covered with raspberries and cream. A traditional Folk dance group in costume can perform and invite guests to dance, or else a Bossa Nova trio. Larger gatherings of up to 200 can be held at the hotel’s chi-chi Coccaro Beach Club on the Adriatic with its sushi bar, exclusive fish restaurant and cocktail bar with live music and dancing in the sand dunes.

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