Masseria Alchimia

Minimalist chic meets rural Puglia in this modernist masseria conversion, housing 10 self-catering studios for 2-4

A traditional whitewashed former convent and girls school, Villa Alchimia has been converted into 10 self-catering studios, each stylishly stark and furnished with a roll call of design classics, including furniture by Ron Arad, Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton, Philippe Starck and Sori Yanagi. Minimalist modernism works well in this sunbleached landscape, and the blazing-white angles of the masseria bring to mind Le Corbusier or the Bauhaus. The contemplative, unadorned interior design allows the views to sing out - the intense blue sky, the silver-green of the surrounding olive groves and the glossy green of fruit trees and shrubs.

It’s out in the countryside, yet close enough to the highway to make it easy to reach and to explore the region, which is still relatively undiscovered. There's a scattering of upmarket hotels in the area around Fasano - an appealing, workaday town - and some buzzy beach clubs around Savalletri if you want them; but you can easily find a secluded spot to swim, and no end of olive groves for a private picnic or flowery ramble.

Highs

• Minimalist urban chic in a beautiful rural setting, with wonderful views and modern design classics in the rooms
• Excellent value for money, even in high season
• Beautiful grotto with a Jacuzzi for guest use - an extremely romantic setting for a relaxing soak
• Eco-friendly: measures include solar energy, recycling and controlled water consumption
• Intimate setting - no town or hotel within sight - yet you're only 1km from the shops in Fasano and 3km from the beach

Lows

• No pool
• The studios have small kitchenettes with fairly minimal facilities: don’t expect to cook banquets
• Not for those who like a concierge; you get your keys and that’s that
• Some smaller studios have terraces alongside each other, so not very private