Hotel Snapshot
Don’t expect the usual Apulian farmhouse in Ostuni. The Vista hospitality brand—run by the Passera family and known for bringing understated luxury to lesser-known destinations without compromising their soul—has just unveiled a new 5,000-square-meter boutique hotel surrounded by three hectares of greenery at the foot of the “White City”, in the Itria Valley. Welcome to Vista Ostuni.
Design & Character
The property’s 14th-century architecture—originally home to a Dominican monastery, later turned into a hospital run by nuns, and eventually a tobacco factory before being abandoned in 1968—still preserves its ancient charm. High vaulted ceilings, original materials such as wood, jute, iron, and the local chianche stone from the old cloister—also used in the outdoor areas—speaks to centuries of history. Yet the real surprise lies inside. The interiors, designed by architect Roberto Murgia and his RMA Studio, embrace a palette of soft, neutral tones that reflect the region’s light and earthy hues. The décor blends artisanal simplicity with contemporary flair: Servomuto’s sculptural lamps, Enza Fasano’s ceramics from Grottaglie, and bespoke furnishings that reinterpret local heritage through modern design.
In the entrance waiting room—don’t call it a lobby please—a fabric screen by designer Martino Gamper and photographer Brigitte Niedermair for Dedar sets the scene with quiet sophistication. Some pieces, like MDF Italia’s sleek white leather sofa in the former cloister—now transformed into a lounge— somewhat clash with the historical character of the site, but the effect is intentional.
The rooftop, however, steals the show. Overlooking the endless Piana degli Ulivi—where a 3,100-year-old olive tree still thrives today—and the luminous silhouette of Ostuni, which glows at dusk like an ethereal vision, it invites guests to unwind by the 20-meter heated infinity pool or sink into soft sofas under the site-specific installation “No change, no butterflies” by Pietro Terzini—a poetic reminder to embrace transformation. And Vista Ostuni is doing just that.
The Rooms
“Vista” means “view” in Italian—and the name couldn’t be more fitting.
Each of the 28 rooms and suites, some arranged across two levels, offers a unique perspective: some gaze over greenery and the sea—like suites 420 and 315—others open onto Ostuni, such as room 300, spectacular at sunset. A very few, like room 480, overlook the old school that’s soon to become the new Town Hall—a decaying building, yet an authentic example of the urban fabric.
Thoughtful touches abound: a homemade round focaccia as a welcome gift, an ultra-comfortable mattress topped with a plush pad, a minibar stocked with local herbal teas and artisanal taralli. And for the nightly turndown, forget the usual chocolate—here, guests receive a skincare face mask and a pillow mist, refined rituals celebrating a quiet indulgence.
Food & Drinks
The cuisine is curated by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, both at the gourmet Berton al Vista—offering two tasting menus priced at €130 and €150, alongside must-try dishes like ancient wheat spaghetti and the Bianco Ostuni dessert, a delicate blend of coffee mousse, meringue, and grated lime—and at Bianca Bistrot, the all-day garden and poolside venue. For aperitifs the Chiostro Bar is another place to be, featuring a dramatic wall displaying 380 bottles. Sip a signature Vista Ostuni Spritz, combining Aperol and local Verdeca wine, or try the unusual Friggitello Tonic, a gin cocktail infused with Apulian chili peppers.
The Spa & Wellness
The wellness area, with spacious vaulted mosaic ceilings, includes two treatment rooms offering rituals by Biologique Recherche, a relaxation area around the heated pool, a sauna, and an equipped Technogym fitness room. Coming next spring: a guided fitness trail among the olive trees led by a personal trainer, promising a holistic blend of nature and well-being.
Fast Facts
Location: Ostuni (Brindisi, Apulia)
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: A country house infused with contemporary design touches, offering an exclusive hospitality experience rooted in the local context, heritage, and community.
Dining: The chef’s high creativity here respects simplicity and the quality of Apulian ingredients, with plenty of vegetarian options. A personal favorite: orecchiette not served with turnip tops but with rocket pesto and prawns.
Amenities: Chiostro Bar, restaurants, gardens designed by landscaper Erik Dhont with Mediterranean plants and aromatic herbs, rooftop, and swimming pools.
Our Hotel’s Favourite: The natural light flooding every room, the sustainable approach, the attention to every detail, and that immediate sense of disconnection you feel from the first moment.
Starting Rate: From 850 euros per night, breakfast included.
What’s Nearby: The charming village of Ostuni, with its whitewashed houses and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring one of the largest Romanesque rose windows in Italy and rococo interiors. Explore on foot through the maze of alleys or ride on an Ape Calessino for a true Dolce Vita experience. Stop by Atelier Carella for a ceramics lesson, then enjoy a glass of Primitivo wine at Borgo Antico Bistrot, seated at one of the tables cascading down the stairway.
Airport: Brindisi Airport (BDS)
