Historic Palazzo in the Heart of Puglia re opens
- Richard
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Vista Ostuni the hotly anticipated new hotel officially opens its doors to guests in July, in the white-washed coastal City of Ostuni, marking an exciting new chapter for the independent Italian hospitality group, Vista.
Set within a meticulously restored 14th-century stone palazzo in the heart of Puglia's iconic White City, and open to guests all year round, Vista Ostuni features 28 elegant, spacious rooms and suites that boast a refined expression of Apulian hospitality in one of Italy's most captivating regions.
Originally built as a convent and later converted into a tobacco-processing factory, the historic palazzo has been brought back to life through a sensitive and visionary restoration by renowned architect Roberto Murgia of Milan's RMA Studio. More than 6,000 square metres of historic interiors have been preserved and reimagined – from its grand entrance and lofty ceilings to an unexpected cloister bathed in light from a glass ceiling above.
The first guests to Vista Ostuni will be able to unwind in an expansive, year-round spa featuring treatments with products from the prestigious Biologique Recherche brand, complete with a tranquil indoor pool for deep relaxation and a fully equipped fitness area. They can bask in the southern sun by the rooftop infinity pool or take a refreshing dip in the garden pool all-year round. Set among Mediterranean olive groves, the pool area sits within a “translucent garden” rich in aromatic herbs, fruit trees, and Mediterranean maquis, where olive and carob trees lend structure and a strong sense of place to the landscape.
The culinary experience, led by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, is thoughtfully curated to celebrate Puglia's rich culinary traditions and exceptional local flavours. Berton al Vista, the signature fine dining restaurant, showcases the region's high quality locally sourced ingredients while Bianca Bistrot offers a lively, all-day garden-pool setting, serving breakfast through to aperitivo and dinner. Guests can retire to the tranquil Chiostro Bar or head to the scenic Infinity rooftop bar, where a lush hanging garden of plants and aromatic herbs effuses Mediterranean scents. Both spaces are designed for relaxed conversation and cocktails, set against the inspiring backdrop of the Apulian countryside.
The three-hectare garden at Vista Ostuni, designed by landscape architect Erik Dhont, is a celebration of the Apulian Mediterranean landscape, where native and ornamental plants blend seamlessly. Guests arrive through a courtyard framed by ancient olive and carob trees, palms, and citrus, centred around a traditional fountain. Secluded green corners with dry-stone walls and organic benches offer a quiet retreat, while flowering slopes and wild herbs thrive naturally. The private suite gardens provide shaded intimacy, and a belvedere terrace opens onto sweeping Ocean views. More than a single garden, this is a living, breathing expression of the Apulian countryside.
“Today marks a truly exciting milestone in what has been a remarkable journey for us,” said Bianca Passera, Chairwoman of Vista. “From the moment we first discovered the property, we recognised its extraordinary potential. Restoring it has been a labour of love—one that has allowed us to honour its heritage while working with talented Italian artisans and using sustainable, locally sourced materials to give it a second life. The result is a place that feels both timeless and entirely new”.
“Ostuni represents our boldest and most meaningful project to date,” said Luigi Passera, CEO of Vista. “Vista was founded on the belief that luxury can thrive beyond Italy's typical destinations. With Vista Ostuni, we are proud to introduce global travellers to a lesser-known gem, with the same world-class hospitality found at Vista Verona.”
Vista Ostuni is 37km from Brindisi airport, just 28 minutes by car, or one hour from Bari. During the summer, almost daily flights from London to Brindisi takes 2.5 hours.
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