I had been following Borgo Egnazia social channels with curiosity – and a bit of envy, I have to admit – for quite a long time. I was completely fascinated by the famous Apulian resort awarded “Best Hotel of the Year” by Virtuoso in 2016 and winner of the Condé Nast Traveler “Most Life Changing Experience” Award in 2017.
It came as no surprise to me that I could not afford to stay there.
But then I found a special offer on the official website for the last weekend of December – summer rates are way too high for my pockets – and I booked a room right away.
Anyway, I should not call Borgo Egnazia a resort. It is more than that. It embodies a brand new concept of hospitality based on local tradition and authentic experiences. This authenticity was conceived to bring a feel that is found ‘nowhere else‘ – that is their motto.
Opened in 2010, Borgo Egnazia was built from scratch starting from the ambitious project of Pino Brescia, the local architect who brought to life a concept created by the Melpignano family.
Borgo Egnazia is a tribute to traditional architecture. It was built in imitation of an apulian borgo, with low-rise houses made with local stone – the “tufo”. The entire structure is styled with rural romance and raw materials: candles, baskets filled with almonds and walnuts, white stone, olive branches and authentic traditional utensils as ornaments.
Everything at Borgo Egnazia screams Puglia.
Borgo Egnazia: redifining the concept of luxury
Luxury at Borgo Egnazia is not how I thought it would be.
Here, luxury means authenticity, devotion and respect towards the place and the Apulian culture. It has nothing to do with pomp and glitz. It is all about simplicity and infinite care over detail. It’s the offer of a unique experience so intimately bound to local tradition that it cannot be lived in any other place of the world – nowhere else.
Borgo Egnazia Facilities:
The structure is divided into three places to stay:
La Corte: the main building;
Il Borgo: the heart of the property with its entrance arches, narrow streets, the square, fountains, an iconic clock tower and 92 townhouses;
Le Ville: an area where you can find 23 villas with private gardens and pools that are perfect for families and for those who want privacy (the Beckhams chose to spend their summer here, two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020).
The place features luxurious add-ons, including the Michelin-starred restaurant “Due Camini”, a golf course, two private and equipped beaches, a gym, a boutique and a Spa that bases its treatments on ancient apulian rituals. During your stay a Local Adviser will suggest you the most authentic experiences in the area, often related to the discovery of local tradition such as cooking classes, oil tastings or monument hunt in the surroundings.
How to get to Borgo Egnazia:
Borgo Egnazia is located in Savelletri di Fasano (BR), a few steps away from the Adriatic coast and the Itria Valley and it is accessible from both international airports of Bari (approx. 50 min. by car) and Brindisi (approx. 35 min by car) and from the Fasano train station. We got there by car and I definitely recommend renting one to explore the neighborhood.
Address: Strada Comunale Egnazia, 72015 Savelletri, Fasano BR
Check the official website to book a room, they usually offer the best rates compared to other online booking websites. The lower rate I found was 269 euros per night in the off-season. If you don’t feel like spending the night you can visit the place by taking part to one of their in-house events such as The Borgo Egnazia Christmas Markets.
What to do in the surrounding area:
There are plenty of attractions to visit near Borgo Egnazia:
- Visit the Egnazia Archeological museum (5 minutes by car)
- Have fun at Egnazia Aquapark (7 min by car)
- Go to Fasano Zoo Safari (15 minutes by car)
- Visit the city of Monopoli (20 minutes by car)
- Visit the city of Polignano a mare (25 minutes by car)
- Visit the city of Locorotondo (approx.. 25 minutes by car)
- Visit the city of Ostuni “The white city” ( approx.. 25 minutes by car)
- Visit the city of Martina Franca (approx. 30 minutes by car)
- Visit the city of Alberobello ( approx. 30 minutes by car)
- Visit the “Grotte di Castellana” (approx. 30 minutes by car)
Fun fact: In 2012 Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel got married in Borgo Egnazia!
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