The location
We are in Nardò, in the heart of the Salento, Puglia. A beautiful village in southern Italy, home to around 30,000 residents, with a remarkable sense of history. The first impression is compelling: Nardò is exceptionally well preserved, immaculately maintained, and unmistakably local in character. Its baroque facades and Roman heritage lend the town a quiet, enduring depth.
Tucked into the town’s baroque heart is Palazzo Tafuri, an 1841 city mansion turned intimate retreat. The former aristocratic residence was recently transformed into a 16-room boutique hotel by the French couple, Count and Countess d’Espous. They discovered the property several years ago and undertook a careful and respectful restoration.
The Hotel
Palazzo Tafuri stands apart not for grandeur, but for restraint. Its elegance is quiet, unhurried. The hallways are softly lit, the decor understated – stone floors, neutral palettes, a whisper of linen. Every design choice feels intentional, yet never overdone. The atmosphere evokes the refined stillness of an Aman resort, mixed with the cozy individuality of an Italian (or even French) boutique hotel.
It’s not about spectacle here. It’s about space to breathe.
The rooms
Each of the 16 rooms is unique, yet they share a coherent aesthetic: light colors, clear lines, and quality materials. Special attention has been paid to the bathrooms – fittings and bathtubs are of a high standard.
Nice detail: Room names refer to medicinal plants – chosen by Countess d’Espous, who is president of the French Botanical Park Association. This theme also connects the hotel’s design with its historical background.
The highlights are the suites: The Pittosporum Tobira suite for example offers 56 square meters and a private terrace. The Agave Weberi suite is the largest, at 88 square meters, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen – ideal for a family of four.
The Spa
On the ground floor, a wellness space opens with quiet grace. A narrow indoor pool extends toward a patio, where it continues outside beneath open sky. There is no music, no mirrors, no glitz. Just warm stone, still water, and clean design. Quite divine. A sauna and steam room are tucked discreetly in the open loftlike room. One feels not pampered, but restored.
The Restaurant
Despite its small size, Palazzo Tafuri houses a full restaurant open to guests and locals alike. The Chefs of the Tafuri Restaurant crafts menus with both precision and ease: red Balfegò tuna tartare kissed with lemon and fleur de sel for example, or a Japanese-inspired Katsu Sando (it’s actually a sandwich) with unmistakably Italian sides. The local wine pairings are judicious and unfussy.
Those who find joy in the kitchen can join the chefs for cooking classes – from a short afternoon session to multi-day deep dives into Puglian cuisine.
Beaches
Though the hotel is in town, the Ionian Sea is less than fifteen minutes away. South lies Porto Selvaggio, a protected nature reserve where pine forests open onto rocky inlets and turquoise waters, cold from freshwater springs. You won’t find loungers or cocktails here – only birdsong and the steady rhythm of waves. The path to the beach is a 20-minute walk through the trees.
For sand and shallows, Sant’Isidoro offers a more traditional beach experience. And for a day of exploration, Gallipoli – perched on a small island – invites visitors into its winding streets lined with artisan shops, sun-drenched piazzas, and the lingering scent of salt and espresso.
Good to know
Many beaches along the Ionian Sea remain largely untouched. Much of the coastline is protected landscape rather than developed shoreline, and organized beach clubs are the exception. In return, visitors are rewarded with unspoiled scenery and remarkably clear water.
It’s advisable to bring a sunshade, especially when heading to more remote stretches of coast. Beach bars and basic facilities can occasionally be found – usually near smaller villages – but the overall atmosphere is quiet and natural.
Combine with
A well-balanced combination would be a stay at Palazzo Tafuri and Masseria Calderisi in Savelletri, on the Adriatic coast. Though the two properties are only about an hour apart by car, they offer different perspectives on Puglia and together provide a relaxed and comprehensive impression of the region.
Rates
Average Doubles around 360 euros per night including breakfast. There are also some Special Offers available all year round on the website and will always allow you to obtain the best price conditions of the moment.
Booking & Contacts
Palazzo Tafuri
Via Giovanni Zuccaro, 36
73048 Nardò LE
Italy
