Romantic Masseria Alchimia in Fasano, Puglia

The romantic boutique apartment accommodation “Masseria Alchimia” is located in Fasano approximately 50 km South of Bari (the capital of Puglia in the heel of the Italian boot). In the 17th century, the Masseria had been a small hermitage. Owner and landlady Caroline Groszer bought it in 2006 and transformed it to a charming, small resort with 10 apartments, surrounded by natural landscape of old olive trees.

Puglia offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation; mediterranean climate, bucolic landscapes with olive groves, picturesque fisherman’s villages, golf courses, typical delicious italian food and stellar accommodation (Hotels and Masserie).

Masseria Alchimia in Fasano

When we arrived at Masseria Alchimia and stopped in front of the entrance gate we were anxious to get to know Alchimia, since we’ve had heard a lot about this stylish retreat.

Once the gate opened an impressive alley led to the Masseria which stands majestatically out amidst the green-brownish landscape.

There’s no town or other hotel within sight – it’s the perfect retreat, an oasis of peace, to spend a peaceful and relaxing vacation, secluded from tourism. Discerning travellers will enjoy the tranquillity and privacy.

The converted mansion house offers 10 apartments differing in size, form and layout, each with independent entrance, some with private terrace, others opening directly onto the garden.

Apartments at Masseria Alchimia

All apartments are furnished with a selection of design classics and combinations of deep warm colors and materials. Guests can chose between a one-room apartment or spacious two-rooms-apartments or a deluxe-apartment with 140 m2 for a relaxed family vacation. All apartments feature a kitchen nook, bathroom with shower or tube, hairdryer, satellite-TV, WiFi and a safe.

What we appreciated most was the private patio with lounge from where we enjoyed the idyllic landscape and the beautiful and peaceful sunrise.

And for whom this is still not enough to find the own ease of mind, Masseria Alchimia can arrange massages or private yoga sessions. Caroline herself is very fond of pilates, a body conditioning routine, improving your mental and physical well-being, strengthening your muscles.

Italian film maker Giorgio Oppici portrayed the masseria as follows:

Delicious Italian cuisine in Puglia

Masseria Alchimia is a selfcatering accomodation. However, it would be a shame not to visit any of the outstanding restaurants offering Puglia delicacy. And of course, Caroline has some insider’s tip which you shouldn’t miss!

For example, we went for dinner to the Restaurant & Agriturismo Anticalama in Pezze di Greco. Anticalama is a precious little paradise – a mansion house transformed to a restaurant and resort. It’s an absolutely romantic spot where they serve delicious food and tasty wines. And the owners, Marino Rubino und Mirella Giorgio, as well as the entire staff are absolutely friendly and attentive.

Whenever you eat in Puglia you have to decide among delicious plates. And the same happened at Anticalama; after a yummy antipasto (starter) we had the agony of choice when it came to pasta; strozzapreti, casarecce, fusilli, orecchiette, tagliatelle or spaghetti – with tomato or vegetables, mushrooms, seafood or pesto – uuuff – life is rough! ;-)

Whatever you chose; enjoy the excellent cuisine at Anticalama!

Another very commendable restaurant – especially if you like fish! – is Ristorante La Maddalena in Savelletri. After a tasty starter of crudo di mare (raw seafood) we opted for fish which was exquisite!

Relaxing by the beach

Masseria Alchimia is located only a few minutes’ car ride from the beach.

Caroline has an arrangement with White Beach Club, as well as with Lido di Bambù. Alchimia’s guests get special rates when renting beach chairs and umbrellas at these beach clubs.

Golf Courses near Fasano

In the proximity of Masseria Alchimia you will also find the wonderful San Domenico Golf. We played there on our last Puglia trip and can warmly recommend it.

Another golf course nearby is the 9-hole course of Coccaro Golf Club.

Shopping in Puglia

Puglia is known for ist designer-outlet shops. And yes – maybe that’s not the favourite thing to do for men – but you should give it a try, since Italy is known for its fashion-consciousness.

We recommend the Evolution Outlet in Polignano a Mare (approx. a 20 minutes ride from Masseria Alchimia). You’ll find bags, shoes and designer clothes as far as your eyes can see.

Maybe these are not exactly the most comfortable shoes – but they just look sexy!

Speaking of shopping – another highlight is the Molfetta Fashion District – a kind of village with lots of designer and brand outlets.

Here are some more impressions from the superb weekend we spent in Puglia:

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This stay was made possible by…

Thanks a lot to Caroline Groszer from Masseria Alchimia for arranging this stay and the warm reception!

Caroline knows the region inside out and had some very commendable tips at hand ;-)

 

And also many thanks to Nina Aryapour from Primus Communications for hinting us to Puglia in the first place. Primus Communications was so kind to offer the Europcar rental car.

BTW, Europcar did a tremendous job at pickup time. They were quicker in deploying the car than Bari’s ground handling staff in sorting out our luggage…

And last but not least Tobias Pogorevc from Helvetic Airways was so generous to supply our flights. Thanks a lot, it all panned out perfectly! The flight times from Zurich into Bari are very comfortable, much better than the last time around two years ago.

The leg room between seats in Helvetic’s Fokker 100 aircraft was amazingly large. I guess other airlines would easily squeeze in another row of seats…

And by the way, the wireless infrastructure has wildly improved over our last stay in Puglia. Now hotels and restaurants usually have a wifi connection that actually works in the hotel rooms!