Stylish boutique luxury in the charming White City…

LA SOMMITA

At the heart of the picturesque ‘White City’ of Ostuni lies the cool chic residence of La Sommita. Perfectly situated behind the cathedral down a quiet arched street the hotel oozes comfortable modern style.

Relatively small with welcoming intimacy, it looks very much part of the surroundings of white washed baroque homes. Public spaces are small, relaxed, but fashionable. The decor is very Puglia chic with minimal clutter and natural accents of greenery and cacti. Rooms are stylish but uncluttered, white with neutral colour palette, and light wood furnishings, while polished bathrooms have Bulgari bath products and contemporary fittings.

 The property also houses one of the best restaurants in the city, Cielo, featuring a modern and innovative menu inspired from traditional Pugliese cuisine. Excellent wine selection, most of them local, and a stunning setting in a vaulted dining room. The airy and light breakfast room was more informal but boasted an impressive buffet selection with hot dishes prepared upon request, and the watermelon juice was a unique treat.

Also on the premises is a spa and wellness centre and during the warmer months, an outdoor bar in the garden. There are several seating areas throughout the hotel where one can have a drink, read, or just relax as if you were in a private home. There is also extensive terrace space for which to take in the view of the sea in the distance. At night there were delightful little macaroons left by the bed homemade in the Cielo restaurant which were a very personal touch.

Overall a lovely polished hotel with imaginative features made for a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

Pros Great design that was both modern and harmonious with its surroundings make it both comfortable and tasteful. The location is the best in the city and has a fabulous restaurant.

Cons: My split level suite had the bed and bathtub on the top floor but the toilet downstairs making it a trek from the bed to the bathroom.

Service: As you would expect very professional and courteous. A bit reserved but everything done well. Bed and rooms were made up right away which is always much appreciated. The restaurant service was exceptionally good, friendly and eager to please.

Rooms: I stayed in a small suite. Beds were very comfortable and the bathroom fixtures were slick and on trend. The Bulgari White Tea bath products were the perfect touch. The sitting area of the suite was a bit sparse and as said previously the bathroom and toilet were downstairs near the sitting area and the bed and sleeping area upstairs. Mini bar with usual fixings but there was also a bottle of local wine on offer. View was of quaint streets below.

Extras: The turn down service macaroons were really a treat!

La Sommita Relais – Via Scipione Petrarolo, 7, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy