Last Updated on March 17, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
There’s something special about ending a once-in-a-lifetime celebration somewhere that feels like a deep exhale. After the whirlwind of our wedding in the Ostuni countryside, we traded the joyful chaos of family and friends for three quiet days at Masseria Santo Scalone — a serene hideaway between Ostuni and Carovigno, in the heart of Puglia.
This marked the kick-off to our honeymoon, our post-wedding wind-down — a time to slow our pace, reflect on the magic that had just happened, and soak in a little more of this part of southern Italy before heading to the next destination.
Arriving at Masseria Santo Scalone
We left Masseria Grieco after saying goodbye to our guests and took a short 15-ish-minute drive to Masseria Santo Scalone. From the moment we stepped through the gates, we knew we’d made the right choice.
Related: 3 Masseria Hotels to Visit in Puglia
Stone walls framed by vineyards, olive trees, and horses, a courtyard lined with pops of burnt orange furniture and umbrellas, and the faint scent of jasmine in the air — it all felt effortlessly romantic. Check-in was warm and personal, complete with a glass of welcome Prosecco and the best taralli we had on the trip!
The Rooms: Our Junior Suite
We stayed in one of the spacious junior suites — a perfect balance of rustic charm and understated luxury. Stone walls and arched ceilings give it that authentic Puglian feel, while modern touches — crisp white linens, thoughtful lighting, and a beautiful walk-in shower — make it supremely comfortable. Of all three masserias we visited, Scalone had the coziest bed by a considerable margin.
The back door opened to a private terrace where we caught a soft evening breeze, and the front patio became our unofficial cat sanctuary — the property cats were frequent and very welcome visitors.
The Pool & Grounds
If the masseria is your home, then the pool is its heart. Surrounded by cushioned loungers and cabana-like structures, it became our favorite place to spend a late morning or pre-dinner evening in the sun. The water was crystal clear and refreshing — exactly what you want in Puglia’s early summer heat.
Beyond the pool, the grounds are relatively expansive. I wandered up the drive to where the vineyards sprawled and the masseria’s gorgeous horses roamed. Even with 19 rooms, it was hard to run into too many people, given the different areas to spend your time.
Dining at Masseria Santo Scalone
Dinner on our first night was a highlight — a four-course Apulian meal included in the room package we booked. A seasonal menu that felt like a love letter to flavors from Puglia. Fresh pasta and risotto, locally caught seafood, vegetables from the garden, and delicious desserts. We ate slowly in the outdoor dining area at the back of the property, lingering over every bite and glass of red wine.
Breakfast each morning was served with the same attention to detail — homemade pastries, local cheeses, fresh fruit, and delicious cappuccinos. And I can’t forget the amazing lunches we enjoyed in the dining room, dishes that rotated with what fresh ingredients the chef had access to that day. We’re big Spaghetti alle Vongole lovers, and it was fun to try a few different variations from day to day.
Pro Tip: If you are not staying at the masseria, you can make a reservation to enjoy a dinner at Santo Scalone’s restaurant. Don’t forget to arrive a bit early for a pre-dinner cocktail in the courtyard!
Exploring Nearby
While we were tempted to stay put the entire time, we did venture out. On our last full day, we took a half-day trip to Lecce — often called the “Florence of the South” — where we wandered through golden Baroque streets, had yet another plate of Spaghetti alle Vongole, and lingered over spritzes in sunny piazzas. The reception desk staff were incredibly helpful with tips on where to park, where to eat, and which churches not to miss. If you want a guide for Lecce, a food and architecture tour via Viator is a beautiful way to experience the city without the logistics stress.
The masseria is also within a short drive of Ostuni — the iconic White City perched on the hilltop — as well as Carovigno and several beautiful Adriatic beaches. If you’re building out a longer trip, our guide to things to do in Puglia covers all the highlights worth adding to your itinerary.
Is Masseria Santo Scalone Worth It?
For anyone planning a romantic escape in Puglia — whether a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a slow, restorative trip — Masseria Santo Scalone is a genuinely special choice. It offers something slightly different from the other masserias in the region: a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, exceptional food, and grounds that feel truly lived-in rather than staged. If you’re deciding between Scalone and Masseria Le Torri, the short version is this — Scalone is more secluded and countryside-feeling, while Le Torri sits closer to the sea. Both are worth it; it just depends on the kind of pace you’re after.
It’s a place where you can breathe deeply, slow down, and savor the simple things — from the rustle of a breeze through the olive trees to the taste of homemade pasta under an open sky. After a week of celebrating, it was exactly what we needed.
Know Before You Go
Location: Masseria Santo Scalone sits just outside Carovigno, about 20 minutes from both Brindisi Airport and Ostuni. It’s a beautiful base for exploring the Valle d’Itria, coastal towns, and Baroque cities like Lecce.
Getting There: Brindisi Airport is the closest, and if you’re coming from Rome or Naples, train travel in Italy is a wonderful option for getting to Brindisi before picking up a car. Which brings us to the next point —
Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended. While the staff is wonderful about arranging transfers, having your own wheels gives you the freedom for beach days, countryside drives, and impromptu stops at a roadside trullo (not to mention, it’s more affordable than one-off transportation). My guide to driving in Italy covers everything you need to know before you go.
Best Time to Visit: Late May through early October is ideal for warm weather and pool days. June (when we went) and September are the sweet spots — the light is golden, the crowds are manageable, and the temperature is perfect (well, some days were hot as can be, but overall, lovely).
Booking: The masseria is small — just 19 rooms — and books up quickly during summer. Reserve as soon as you know you want to stay here, especially if you’re visiting in peak season.
Dining: Don’t miss dinner on-site at least one night — they have a seasonal, intimate, four-course experience that feels like the whole reason you came to southern Italy.
What to Pack: Light, breathable linen for warm days, a soft layer for evenings, a swimsuit you love, and comfortable shoes for wandering cobblestone towns. My vacation outfit roundups have everything I’d bring on a trip like this.
Planning Your Trip to Puglia?
If this is your first time visiting the region — or you’re in the early stages of planning — here are a few posts to help you put it all together:
- Where to Stay in Puglia — a full roundup of the best boutique hotels and masserias across the region
- 10 Things to Do in Puglia — the experiences worth building your itinerary around
- Our Destination Wedding in Puglia — the full story of how we ended up falling in love with this corner of Italy
- Our Italian Honeymoon Itinerary — how we continued the trip from Puglia through Positano, Florence, and Rome
If you’re looking for a romantic, peaceful base in Puglia — whether you’re arriving fresh from a wedding, settling into a honeymoon, or simply craving a few days of genuine stillness — Masseria Santo Scalone delivers in a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s the kind of place where time moves differently. Where a morning can disappear into a slow breakfast and a long swim, and somehow that feels like exactly enough. The staff remember your name, the food tastes as if someone’s grandmother made it (but even better), and the landscape — green olive trees and open sky — has a way of making everything feel a little more beautiful than it did before you arrived. You’ll leave slower, softer, and already wondering when you can come back.
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