{Note: I wrote this post yesterday before I heard about the earthquake in Italy in the early hours of this morning…my thoughts and prayers go out to the people in the small towns of Amatrice, Accumoli and the surrounding areas which were devastated by this event.}
Where have the past two weeks gone…I have been busy trying to squeeze every drop out of summer!
At last, I am thrilled to present the winner of “Hotel of the Year” from Virtuoso Travel Week…drum roll please…
Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy
If you are not familiar with Puglia, it is in the heel of Italy’s boot – in the far south. It is a region that for many years remained untouched by tourism and is only recently becoming more popular with the American tourism market. Borgo Egnazia is family owned – the Melpignano family envisioned creating more than just a resort, to offer a new concept of hospitality (interestingly enough, I have also found this exact concept in another hotel that has, of late, become a darling of the travel world – The Faena Miami Beach.) The “borgo” is the re-creation of a traditional Puglian village, inspired by the magic of Puglia – the beautiful Apulian land where it is located and the traditional local “tufo” limestone buildings juxtaposed with a unique style that includes contemporary architecture and design. Architect and set designer Pino Brescia was heavily influenced by the rural villages and farms of Puglia – he wanted to blend “tradition and innovation, modernity and authenticity, mightiness and simplicity”.
Borgo Egnazia has a total of 192 rooms – sixty three rooms in La Corte, the main building; ninety two rooms in the Borgo, which feel like living in part of the village; and twenty eight villas – all with their own pools – which, along with an excellent kids’ club, make this a perfect family destination.
Add two beach clubs, a golf course, a world class spa and a list of activities so long you couldn’t do them all in an entire summer there (the cooking classes alone look remarkable!), and it is completely understandable why this beautiful resort took home the top prize from Travel Week.
See for yourself and let me know what you think…
While I was a little surprised that the Ritz Paris didn’t win this year after its much anticipated re-opening, after looking more closely at the stunning Borgo Egnazia, it seems that the honor was well deserved!
Intrigued? Check out this short video on the property…
xoxo
Wow, what a stunning hotel! No wonder it is the winner! I have been so busy today that I haven’t even seen the news about the earthquake. How sad – my thoughts and prayers go out to the people in that area.
Shelley
Hello Sandy!
I have been wondering what you were up too. I am trying to squeeze as much summer out of the season as well. I hope that whatever you are doing you are relaxing!
This hotel is fabulous and looks like a wonderful place to spend time.
So sorry about the 278 lost souls in Italy. These are indeed sad times.
What a beautiful property–this only increases my determination to go to Italy . . . soon! It looks like a delightful place for a family vacation. Prayers for all those who suffered the earthquake~
OMG!!! Looks sensational…..that kitchen and restaurant holy cannoli! How is it in Dec:) Heartbreaking about the loss of life as well as the irreplaceable historically significant landmarks that were lost. Tragic and my prayers are with all affected. Thank you for showing us this gem in Italy…adding it to the list! See you later….
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