Relais Monastero Santa Teresa

Nardò, Italy

The Relais Monastero Santa Teresa sits proudly in the small town of Nardò, well liked for its laidback simplicity. Located within the southern region of Puglia, in the province of Lecce, Nardò not only boasts a fascinating history and stunning coastline, but it also makes a great base for exploring the many charming Apulian towns which surround it.

The Relais Monastero Santa Teresa is especially unique in that it is both an art boutique hotel and an 'albergo diffuso'. What is an 'albergo diffuso' you ask? Good question. The term translates to 'scattered hotel', meaning a property that features rooms and suites that are located in different buildings within the same town. This concept of hospitality began in the 1980s as a way to bring tourism to Italy's lesser known areas, and it allows visitors to experience a destination authentically, as if they were a local.

As an 'albergo diffuso', the Relais Monastero Santa Teresa is made up of three palaces: Monastero Santa Teresa, Palazzo Il Mignano and Palazzo Manieri - Zuccaro. Additionally, there is Villa Tafuri, a medieval tower turned beautiful villa.

Antonello Rizzello
Owner

“After years studying and working around the world, I decided to come back to my “sleeping beauty”: Nardò. An art city, rich of palaces, towers, eclectic villas, castles, masserie, monumental gardens and natural parks. It covers a territory of over 20 miles, 15 of which are on the coast with a crystaline and unpolluted sea; a real melting pot of Greek, Roman, Norman, Spanish and French dominations.

I wanted to restore my monumental palaces to share their culture and to share their beauty with the most exacting traveler. Thus, the first Albergo Diffuso in Nardò was created. It offers guests the possibility of experiencing the splendid rooms and rich history of three palaces, once inhabited by numerous eminent aristocrats.

We invite our guests to dine in our exquisite restaurant, discovering Salento tastes and enjoying the panoramic view from its terraces. They can also admire the artworks on display as part of our exhibitions located within the majestic halls of the Monastero Santa Teresa. For those looking to get lost in a book, our frescoed rooms, gardens and private pool provide the perfect hideaway.”

Highlights

Stay in a renovated palace with frescoed ceilings and mosaic floors
23 rooms, suites and apartments across three historical buildings
Gourmet restaurant with panoramic views from the rooftop terrace
Special treasures throughout including art exhibits, secret gardens and a pool
Choose from a variety of local experiences and activities available

Praise for Relais Monastero Santa Teresa

“A unique and charming experience staying in this grand ex-monastery. It felt as if I was stepping back in time, to a truly unspoiled area of Italy. The owner was on hand to show the local sights and offer suggestions for evening entertainment . The rooms were elegant with enormously high ceilings and private terraces. The beds are super comfortable. Classical music and a water fountain welcome you in the courtyard. The rooftop views are spectacular and offer a blissful sense of peace.”
— Guests of Relais Monastero Santa Teresa

“A stunning building, hard to believe it’s a hotel. The public spaces were exquisite and our room was beautiful — large, airy, bright with exceptionally high ceilings and a lovely terrace as well. The staff was extremely helpful, professional and lovely. Amazing breakfasts topped it all off. There’s nothing not to love.”
— Guests of Relais Monastero Santa Teresa

Photo Gallery

Looking to inspire your clients with wanderlust-provoking photos?

Right click on each individual image below and save it to your device to have beautiful, ready-to-post marketing content. (P.S. Don’t forget to tag us!)