La Sommità Relais & Chateaux

First Impressions

Walking through the entrance of La Sommità Relais & Chateaux feels like stepping into someone’s incredibly sophisticated private residence — which, honestly, is exactly what this five-star property used to be. The 16th-century palazzo sits right in Ostuni’s historic center, and I mean right in the heart of it, where those famous whitewashed buildings create this almost dreamlike maze of narrow streets. You know what struck me most? The way they’ve preserved the original architecture while making everything feel completely contemporary and, well, luxurious without being stuffy about it.

Location & Neighborhood

The location is actually ridiculous — and I mean that in the best possible way. You’re literally steps from Ostuni’s main cathedral and can wander through the old town’s winding alleys whenever the mood strikes. What couples seem to love most (and the 9.9 location rating from couples makes total sense) is how you can disappear into this romantic labyrinth of white stone buildings, then pop out onto terraces with those sweeping views over olive groves stretching toward the Adriatic. The whole “White City” thing isn’t just marketing speak — Ostuni really does glow at sunset, and from La Sommità’s position, you get front-row seats to the show.

The Rooms

I’ll be honest — the beds here are something special, and apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so based on all the sleep quality praise this place gets. Each room feels like its own little sanctuary, with original stone walls and vaulted ceilings that remind you you’re in a historic palazzo, but then there’s this perfect modern comfort layered on top. The bathrooms are particularly well done, sort of bridging that gap between old-world charm and contemporary luxury. Some rooms have private terraces, and if you can swing one of those, do it — there’s something magical about having your morning coffee while looking out over the Puglian countryside.

Breakfast & Dining

Breakfast here actually covers all the bases without feeling like they’re trying too hard. You’ve got your Italian classics — proper espresso, fresh pastries, local cheeses — but they also do American options and have solid vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The buffet setup works well, though honestly, the setting is what makes it memorable. Whether you’re eating in the elegant dining room or out on one of the terraces, you’re surrounded by views that make even a simple cornetto feel like an event. The staff seems to genuinely care about dietary restrictions too, which isn’t always a given at smaller luxury properties.

Why Guests Love It

What keeps people coming back to this place — and what had me recommending it to friends before I’d even checked out — is how it manages to feel both grand and intimate. You’re staying in this incredible historic building in one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns, but it never feels overwhelming or pretentious. The private parking is actually a huge plus too, since navigating cars through Ostuni’s old town can be, let’s say, an adventure. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just wandering the property and the surrounding streets, then settle in for an aperitivo while watching the light change over those endless olive groves.