Canne Bianche, Torre Canne di Fasano, Puglia

This seaside boutique hotel is simultaneously laid-back and luxurious. There’s (almost) always the sun, perfect for enjoying the long and lovely pool between the white stone walls of the hotel and the ridiculously blue sea. 

At the Canne Bianche, the choices are simple but spoiling – a stretch of beach, a superb spa, sparklingly fresh seafood in the restaurant and impeccably appointed rooms and suites. The décor is a symphony of natural hues, from wooden furniture and neutral furnishings, with sleek bathrooms, many with whirlpools. Ground floor rooms have private patios to compensate for the lack of sea views, the superior rooms and suites higher up overlook the shimmering waves of the Adriatic. The master suite has a small pool on the patio, but the main pool is a serious draw, with a raised sun deck with sea view, a shallow paddling pool, and plenty of sun loungers to while away sunny hours within the sound of waves breaking on a beach that is just steps away. 

By way of contrast, there’s an ice waterfall in the Aqua Spa, which also offers a whole range of beauty treatments. Recover from this strenuous seaside relaxation with a heady cocktail or two in the lounge bar, the terrace or at the poolside bar before tucking into a traditional Puglia dish in Timo, the hotel’s lauded restaurant, or at the pool side restaurant during the summer months. It’s well worth taking time out in between to explore the surroundings – the hotel is set in a reserved area in Brindisi, which is rather breath-taking, even by Italian standards.