Notes From the Road: A Research Trip in Puglia

Puglia offers a unique charm that sets it apart from the iconic scenes of Tuscany or the Dolomites. While these regions have their own undeniable allure, Puglia's multifaceted beauty is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the many facets of Italy's stunning landscapes.

Travelling through the country is like experiencing 3-4 different regions within one trip, each with its own character. The south boasts a Greek and Baroque style with cities like Lecce that will leave you astounded, while Alberobello and its trulli are like something out of a fairytale. But Puglia isn't just a pretty postcard; it's about the energy, the people, the feeling and emotion.

Ernesto Fucci's life has always revolved around Southern Italy, particularly Puglia, where he now serves as B&R's Experience Designer. As a seasoned guide, Ernesto has transitioned to curating unforgettable adventures for our travellers.

Our Pugliese family welcomed Ernesto and the B&R Puglia team with open arms during their recent research trip, from local olive farmers and restaurateurs to longtime friends and guides.

Together with former Regional Director Christina Cain and Puglia Trip Manager Valentina, the team hit the road to discover new experiences for the upcoming season—and how special it was to have the entire team together again, reconnecting and sharing their passion for unearthing the very best the region has to offer.

Ernesto shares his notes from the road in the interview below.

The purpose of our research trip was to harness the immense human potential that Christina, who has spent many years working in the region, has cultivated. The people, whether our guides or suppliers, add that special touch to our trips, making them truly exceptional and unforgettable. Upon visiting for the first time since the pandemic it was amazing to see Puglia in its full glory again and experience the atmosphere once more. Despite it being January, Lecce and Otranto were teeming with newfound energy. Puglia's creativity has finally awakened, an incredible spark we've observed in our longtime friends with whom we're planning incredible experiences.

So many! We were given exclusive access to palaces typically closed to the public, where we’ll be hosting events this season. We also visited the owners of a marble quarry that they transformed into a unique botanical garden (complete with a swimming pool) where we plan to organize picnics and relaxing afternoons for our travellers. 

We met the local farmers who are working hard to combat the xylella problem that Puglia’s olive trees are currently facing, and we’ll be starting a collaborative project with them next season. We also have exclusive access to a natural reserve overlooking the ocean, where we can organize private events and picnics. We even found an amazing outdoor climbing space, and we have many more exciting discoveries to share!

While Ostuni is already on the tourism radar, we're able to experience it in a completely different way by going behind the scenes. We visit a personal home—a noble villa—that only saves events for B&R. Paula, the lovely owner and host, will take us on a little tour, showcasing their antique horse carriage collection, the biggest in southern Italy!

We visited a church on the property and enjoyed a lunch from their family's olive oil and cheese production. This experience highlighted the importance of building and maintaining personal relationships, which can lead to unique and authentic experiences unavailable to the general public.

When we’re not cycling through UNESCO-listed sites and on coastal roads, we’ll go from dancing and dinner in a private castle open exclusively for us, to a picnic in the most beautiful masseria in Puglia. We’ll learn how to make mozzarella with local farmers, we learn about the millennia old culture of oil making while being in an ancient underground oil mill open exclusively for us.

But Puglia's real magic lies in the moments that seem to unfold effortlessly, a testament to the decades of relationship building we have cultivated. The locals have come to know and love us over the years, and it's not uncommon for a round of drinks in a local bar to lead to an invitation to someone's home for a traditional meal. 

Two accommodations stood out to me. The first was the Palazzo Maresgallo, an old aristocratic palace in the heart of Lecce that has been transformed into a small luxury hotel. This hidden gem is a work of art, and we're proud to be pioneers as the only travel company invited to stay. The baroque essence of the city is beautifully juxtaposed with modern art, resulting in a fascinating style that truly impresses.

Naturalis Bio Resort left a lasting impression on me, and the place truly lives up to its name. It's located in the Salento countryside and feels like a world apart, where nature reigns supreme and time stands still. With a simple style dedicated to sustainability, this self-sufficient hotel inspires travellers to embrace the natural world. Everything is designed to minimize environmental impact, from vegetable gardens to aloe vera cultivation and oil production.

Abandon all preconceptions, as we’re about to enter an amazing place where every little glimpse, building and meal brings a jumble of emotions stemming from unparalleled cultural and historical intersections. 

From the Baroque architectural beauty and the small dwellings of Alberobello, to unparalleled food, where authenticity, simplicity combined with an innovative approach will amaze the taste buds with every bite. And above all, the people, their hospitality and joviality. Puglia without its people would be lost, because it is precisely the people who give this land a dancing, festive, welcoming and unique character.