Masseria Pettolecchia, Puglia

A jewelled sea laps at olive groves. Trunks twist into artful sculptures grown with wild abandon. Regal gates enclose an ancient castle and hold historic secrets. Champagne flows. Revelry unfolds under a canopy of lights.

The Magic

The Adriatic coastline of Puglia is a collision of magic – sun-drenched beaches lapped by emerald waters, vast acres of ancient olive groves, Baroque churches, historic trulli homes, air perfumed with sea salt, olives and myrtle – countryside surroundings that make up the enchanted kingdom that is Pettolecchia. 

Renowned for their luxuriously restored private Apulian residences, the soul of the Pettolecchia Collection is the original 15th-century castle – a boldly structured fortress with an ancient facade peeling in layers of chalky pink hues. Originally built to protect the agricultural lands from invaders coming from the sea, Masseria Pettolecchia is now an idyllic wedding venue in the southern tip of Italy.

Enclosed by ancient walls, La Fortezza includes a quaint stone chapel, an orchard lined with orange trees, an underground cave for indoor events, and a dramatic staircase leading to a rooftop with 360-degree views over a sea of olive groves and the ocean.

Outside, a country lane leads to the Pettolecchia Collection’s two sprawling oceanfront estates luxuriously restored from traditional masserias host private weddings and indulgent vacations. Minutes away from both properties is an exclusive beach club filled with chic, elegant decor. Blending nostalgic romance with indulgent luxury, the Pettolecchia Collection properties are the perfect canvas for a dream destination wedding to suit your style. Hold your wedding within ancient castle walls, honeymoon at a private beachfront estate, or exchange vows framed by olive groves followed by a poolside reception at the private estate and post-wedding brunch at Pettolecchia Il Lido.

The Wedding

The Ceremony

Hold your ceremony within the ancient olive groves – a celebration framed by a backdrop of olive trees that twist into artful sculptures and a scattering of rustic wooden garden chairs is just about all this magical setting needs.

For more intimate celebrations or elopements, hold your ceremony on Masseria Pettolecchia‘s rooftop, with sweeping views of the Apulian coastline and olive groves. Having shot our recent editorials there, we loved the contrast of ageing stone walls against textural wedding gowns.

The Reception

Masseria Pettolecchia creates the dreamiest setting for an outdoor reception. Draw inspiration from regal dining and style a dramatic infinity table stretched from the entrance of the property to the castle’s stairs. String festoon lights for a magical setting as dusk segues into night.

Private Villas –

Pettolecchia La Residenza & La Piccola

Once traditional masserias, now transformed into luxurious private estates Masseria Pettolecchia La Residenza and sister property, Pettolecchia La Piccola, epitomize indulgent escapism. The five-suite and three-bedroom properties are set amongst acres of olive trees just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Dramatic in scale, adorned in regal finishes, privately guarded and rented with your own private chef, butler and staff – a mood of majesty is echoed throughout each space.

For an extravagant destination wedding or vacation escape, La Residenza and La Piccola are magical private spaces distinguished by unabashed prestige. Their sheer size and unique setting lend to diversely different setups from panoramic rooftop celebrations, a garden soiree, pool deck, private beach club or eight hectares of ancient olive groves.

The Highlights

The Location

The ocean directly out front, hectares of ancient olive trees behind you, a quaint fishing village to your left, and the stunning white-washed city of Ostuni on the horizon – La Residenza and La Piccola are set on some of Puglia’s most prime real estate, surrounded by Italy’s most renowned resorts… only you have this entire property to yourself. You also have the choice of both Bari or Brindisi airports which makes the logistics of flying in a large group for a destination wedding much easier.

The Pool

An outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens is where you’ll spend most of your time during sun-drenched summer days (or heated for the cooler seasons). A setting that transforms into a magical, ambient scene lit by lanterns at dusk for wedding celebrations.

Personal Staff & Private Chef

The properties are fully staffed with daily housekeeping, a butler, night security and a private chef to cater to your every need – a level of luxury designed for the most indulgent traveller. La Residenza is also equipped with a hybrid jeep for the exclusive use of guests.

The Wedding

The Ceremony

Hold a ceremony enveloped by surrounding olive groves on the platform of the historic well fully wrought with fresh flowers, or within the lush gardens of the private estates styled with overflowing blooms.

The Reception

The expansive grounds of each property are a blank canvas to transform. Hold your post-ceremony celebrations around the pool, and create drama with two infinity dining tables dripping in candles and draped with festoon lights.

“Hold your wedding within ancient castle walls, honeymoon at a private beachfront estate, or exchange vows framed by olive groves…”

Pettolecchia Il Lido

Exuding elegance and exclusivity Pettolecchia Il Lido is a private beach club accessible to guests of La Residenza and La Piccola. In a palette of bleached timber and chic, all-white furnishings, Pettolecchia Il Lido is a dreamy setting for languid summer lounging or sophisticated celebrations.

The Wedding

The Ceremony

Exchange nuptials in front of an emerald sea, accented with decor in muted palettes and a ceremony installation of dried blooms. Post-ceremony, serve elegant signature cocktails and seafood canapés for guests during aperitivo hour, before leading guests to your seaside reception.

The Reception

Pettolecchia Il Lido is a dreamy location for a chic, minimalist beachfront wedding. Beautifully styled in modern furniture, earthen tones and elegant glassware, only ambient lighting and florals are needed to finish this naturally stunning space.

For more information or to book your wedding or honeymoon, visit the Pettolecchia Collection’s website.