A special B&B in one of Puglia's unspoilt towns, just minutes from beautiful coast. Ray loves the peacefulness and the unhurried, relaxed ambience of Palazzo Guglielmo - a secret jewel of the Salento.
Just minutes by car (about 3km) from some of Puglia's most beautiful coastline, this special B&B is set in one of the Salento's unspoilt and undiscovered little towns. About 15km from Otranto, 45km from Lecce and 95km from the nearest airport, Vignacastrisi is quite sleepy, with a bar and a couple of small shops, so you soon get to know the locals. In the main piazza and opposite the church, Palazzo Guglielmo is hardly noticeable. A huge doorway barely hints at the oasis inside.
Once through its massive ancient doors, you enter a hidden world of beauty, with the cool and tranquil central courtyard, a glimpse of pretty gardens beyond, mellow stone of walls and paving, and the imposing 17th century palazzo. Secret stone paths weave through flowerbeds, secular palms and pine trees, to the citrus grove and charming swimming pool. Areas to relax abound, on sunny terraces, or under the shade of trees. The rooftop terrace is particularly comfortable, with sumptuous sofas and even a hot tub - the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine on those balmy Southern Italian evenings, to watch the sun set.
With only six rooms, Palazzo Guglielmo feels very exclusive and it is quite a luxury to have so much space, inside and outside, for so few guests. Suites, which have two rooms, are good for extra beds, but, otherwise, the doubles are easily as nice. Each room has its own independent entrance onto the central courtyard. They are spacious and full of character, with a pleasing simplicity about them. Furnishings and décor have been chosen with great attention to detail, reflecting the past, yet feeling contemporary, with a blend of modern furniture, well-chosen antiques, lots of white fabrics and delightful bathrooms, all have bath and shower.
On the first floor, there are yet more rooms, with beautifully painted ceilings, for guests to enjoy. The small library and reading room, sitting room and bar are a peaceful retreat after a day's touring or sunbathing. On the ground floor, and spilling onto a charming terrace, which overlooks the pool, is the bright and airy stone-vaulted breakfast room and comfortable lounge. Guests can relax on the comfy sofas to read newspapers or listen to music. It is here, too, that they will be absolutely spoiled at breakfast time by Cristina, who produces home-made jams, delicacies, cakes and pastries to die for - forget your diets here! Fresh orange juice, squeezed from their own oranges, which were picked just moments before (when in season), is pretty spectacular, too.
We love the unhurried ambience and warm welcome of Palazzo Guglielmo. In the middle of things, yet tranquil, beautiful and gracious, it will feel as if you are visiting friends in their rather grand private palazzo. It is a secret jewel of the Salento.
Suites, which have two rooms, are good for extra beds, but, otherwise, the doubles are easily as nice. Each room has its own independent entrance onto the central courtyard. They are spacious and full of character, with a pleasing simplicity about them. Furnishings and décor have been chosen with great attention to detail, reflecting the past, yet feeling contemporary, with a blend of modern furniture, well-chosen antiques, lots of white fabrics and delightful bathrooms, all have bath and shower.
"Palazzo Guglielmo was heaven - faultless. " Simon & Rebecca, Salisbury
"Surprisingly luxurious accommodation with homecooking set in orange groves, a lovely place." Peter & Mary, Worthing