Torre Blu

The villa

Surrounded by olive trees in the Salento countryside, this Italian gem oozes old - school wonder with its ancient stone walls and blissful surrounding landscape, having undergone a luxury renovation that’s sewn in modern amenities and brought it into the 21st century.

Set across two floors, Villa Torre Blu boasts a light and airy living and dining area upon entrance, along with an Ultra HD TV entertainment system for nights spent cosying up and enjoying film marathons. Along the corridor, there’s a shower room and kitchenette complete with all the essentials such as a coffee maker, microwave, a 4 - burner stove, electric oven, cutlery, crockery and pots, leaving nothing to be desired by those who like to whip up a culinary storm.

You’ll find the utility room next to the kitchen containing the washing machine, dishwasher and a fridge freezer, keeping these large appliances out the way but within easy reach, so you can move around the kitchen comfortably.

With 600 sq ft of land circling Villa Torre Blu, you won’t be short of outdoor space to explore, with designated relaxation areas dotted throughout the al fresco space, including a large covered gazebo that boats an outdoor fireplace and barbecue area, a HD TV entertainment system, a fridge and a wooden seating and dining area.

The outdoor space also boasts a gorgeous solarium area containing a large oval pool, deck chairs and parasols that will zap you into the tranquil mode in a matter of seconds.

Salento is just 18km from the coastal town of Gallipoli with the heavenly Aegean Sea to the west, only accessible via boat or a mystical 16th - century bridge, surrounded by great, crashing blue waters on all sides. Having retained its retro feel so well, you’ll feel as if you’ve flown back in time to the mid - sixties, with old winding streets, nooks and crannies, plus quaint hand painted shop fronts, many with gorgeous wines, taralli, cheeses and other local produce for sale that just screams old school coastal Puglia.

When in Gallipoli, most wouldn’t want to miss the chance to explore its old quarter to get their dose of the oldest architecture in the area, and of course, the opportunity to sample more than one of Gallipoli’s fabulous old - school coffee shops. Birthed in the 13th century, Castello Angioino di Gallipoli is the standout landmark of the town, its defensive walls still standing strong after it was originally built as a means to resist foreign attacks. It now serves locals and holidaymakers as a cultural centre.

The Spiaggia della Purita beach is also a must visit, being one of the best spots in the town for drinking in Gallipoli’s glorious sunsets. Staying true to the meaning of its name - ‘beautiful city’ - and living up to its reputation metaphorically as the City of Poetry, Gallipoli won’t disappoint.

Salento’s principal city Lecce is also not one to miss out on your itinerary when in Salento. Easily accessible by train as the southeastern terminal for Italy’s railway line, it’s easily accessible and is the perfect base from which to spring off to other parts of Salento and its neighbouring regions seamlessly. The birthing ground of the Barocco Leccese architecture movement, everywhere you look you’ll find the most spellbinding buildings. If you can’t get enough of blissful coastal life, be sure to check out the lovely town of Otranto, which is also home to a magnificent 11th - century gothic cathedral, complete with intricate mosaics and a chapel of skulls!