Risorgimento Resort ★★★★★ L

This is the Salento peninsula, the Mediterranean heel of Italy's high-heeled boots, lovingly caressed by both the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Here you can still find unspoilt Italy, leaving the tourists stuck in Florence or Rome, or the more picture-perfect pastures of Tuscany. Here is an authentic Italy, a wild Italy. Dramatic coastlines with towers and castles bear testimony to the historical grandeur of the past. The regional architecture is full of Baroque splendour, with sparkling white-washed towns and the distinctive conical trulli. Ancient oak and beech forests line the region's mountainous north. No town is lovelier than its capital, Lecce. It was in there that we discovered a jewel of warm hospitality, heritage and tradition, blending effortlessly with contemporary design and confident luxury. The Risorgimento Resort was the most elegant and generous establishment anyone could ask for on their sojourn to Italy's best kept secret.

We had heard Lecce referred to as the 'Florence of the South' by some Italian friends, and just walking through its streets showed us why. We arrived at the hotel early, so, after being escorted to our gorgeous room, were quickly back outside, irresistibly drawn by the promise of basking in the Italian sunshine from the hotel's rooftop restaurant. We revived ourselves from our journey with Italy’s two signature treats - coffee and Gelato – and then it was out into those enchanting streets below.

The Risorgimento Resort is located in the sentimental heart of the old town, a breath away from the central piazza, and right opposite the impressive Roman amphitheatre. We were surrounded by beautiful Baroque edifices and a nostalgic sense of the city's opulent past. But there were also the vibrant sights, smells, and sounds of the living culture whirling around us. This city is not overshadowed by its ancestors, but pulsates with a fiery and passionate life force. The frenetic pizzica rhythms spill out from busy eateries and colours flash brightly amidst the gentle ochre background of the flamboyant sand-stone architecture. We ate out many times, letting evenings stretch on lavishly, entranced by watching vignettes of daily life go by, and wandered the medieval alleys map-less, chancing upon lively market places and silent monuments.

Each evening, returning to the Risorgimento Resort was sheer bliss. The hotel is able to rejuvenate your senses completely with its boutique comfort, and uplift even the weariest sightseer. It stands as an epitome of good taste, a stunning blend of classical style and innovative interior design. Our room enveloped us in our own private luxury, with exquisitely comfortable beds, a grand marble bathroom, and spacious living area with desk, rich colours, and stone detail, all beautifully complemented by original artwork. Our view from the balcony provided us with magical moments suspended above the city.

We couldn’t resist the hotel's spa ... boasting some of the most cutting-edge equipment for physical and mental well-being; using light and colour therapy in 'emotional showers', cloud baths, as well as contemporary versions of ancient health-giving practices, like Hammam and Caldarium showers.

Once we were pampered and preened, we had renewed energy to explore the surroundings even further. We hired a car and discovered a landscape of picturesque olive groves, slender cypress trees, orchards, and quaint villages. We found deserted coves of bright white rock and crystal clear water, where ancient towers and castles stand overlooking a sea where myths are made. We fell head over heels for Sorrento, and we're sure that staying at the Risorgimento Resort had a lot to do with it!