Five-star service meets atmospheric charm in this unpretentious yet stylish boutique hotel in Monopoli.

Linger on the terrace over fresh Mediterranean fare, slink into the dinky rooftop pool and soak up those dazzling Adriatic views.

An excellent location for exploring Puglia: sandy beaches, a pretty historic centre and fine dining, all within walking distance.

Built into the defensive walls of the coastal town of Monopoli, the Don Ferrante is a former 16th century fortress with a sparkling white exterior and a roof terrace that overlooks the sea. Situated along a narrow lane within walking distance of the town’s shops and restaurants, the hotel is perched high above the rocks with the sound of lapping waves below.

This is boutique luxury without the fuss, a perfect illustration of 5-star service and attention to detail without unnecessary frills. The outside space comprises several sun decks, with a small pool tucked away in a walled corner of the main terrace, overlooking the sea.

The dazzling roof terrace, dotted with chalk white sun beds, sofas and sun shades, and lit up at night by the gentle glow of fourteen chimney stacks, is the place to be. Linger over an espresso for early morning glimpses of the fishermen at work below, untangling nets and sorting out their catch, and over a cool glass of wine in the evening, while you watch the boats going in and out and the last of the swimmers on the rocks below.

The Mediterranean-style bedrooms combine elegance and style with high tech mod cons in a choice of Junior, Superior and Deluxe rooms, with magnificent stone arched ceilings and Pugliese limestone floors.

Rooms are furnished with king-size beds, fine linen bedding and ornamental white handmade ceramics. The magnificent Don Ferrante Suite has a separate living-room with fireplace and double doors from both rooms leading out to a terrace overlooking the sea.

At the Locanda Don Ferrante restaurant, you can dine outdoors on the freshest of seafood and traditional Pugliese dishes, on a terrace overlooking the sea.

There are heaps of restaurants, bars and cafés catering for all tastes and just a stone's throw of the Don Ferrante, ask the concierge for the most suitable.

Easily accessible from both Bari and Brindisi airports, Monopoli is a lively coastal city, close to the heart of rural Puglia and the region’s most atmospheric inland towns.

The modern part of the town has chic boutiques and some excellent restaurants and the hotel is very conveniently located within walking distance of the winding lanes and stairways of Monopoli’s centro storico.

Down on the seafront, there is a series of pretty little harbours and the impressive Charles V Castle, which dates back to 1552. The public beach, with sparkling clear water and used by locals, is just a one minute walk away and the hotel also offers a shuttle service to another local lido where special rates are available to hotel guests.

From Monopoli, it is just a short drive inland to some of Puglia’s most fascinating towns such as the picture-postcard UNESCO world heritage site of Alberobello, characterised by its numerous trulli, and the pretty white-washed town of Locorotondo, well worth a visit for its views over the surrounding countryside.