THE FACTS ABOUT LA SOMMITA RELAIS CULTI

Italy Puglia

Since Italian lifestyle brand Culti launched its range of furniture and homeware in 1990, it has branched out into cashmere and chocolates, introduced a day spa at its flagship store in Milan, opened seven more shops and created this hotel and spa in the southern Italian town of Ostuni. The spa is still a work-in-progress, but until that and the new outdoor pool are finished this summer, there is plenty to revive the spirits of stressed-out urbanites, not least the phenomenal views of the surrounding countryside: Ostuni is a circular town built around a hill and La Sommità is right at the top. The original building itself, a 16th-century palazzo backing onto Ostunis 15th-century cathedral, has been exquisitely restored: its stone walls and vaulted ceilings teamed with limestone floors and thin-framed windows. Outside, there are terraces shaded by citrus trees and palms; inside are nine rooms furnished in covetable Culti white and ecru linens, with pale-wood furniture and flat-screen TVs. The menu is suitably minimalist, offering stylish takes on Puglian classics in one of three dining rooms or on the parapet, which looks out across the olive groves to the sea. Ostuni itself is a fashionable, lively town and a couple of the best bars and restaurants are right on your doorstep. WHEN TO GO As soon as you can, while Puglia still feels undiscovered ROOM TO BOOK Il Sole, which faces south-east, so you can watch the sun rise from the comfort of your bed CONTACT La Sommità Relais Culti, via Scipione Petrarolo 7, Ostuni, Italy (00 39 0831 305925; fax: 306729; www.lasommita.relaisculti.com). Doubles from euro 250