Puglia, Italy @ Masseria San Domenico & Cimino
September 2010
September 2010
Description
Masseria San Domenico, against the backdrop of the blue Mediterranean sky and sea, lies with whitewashed buildings amidst centenarian olive groves. With this only 500 meters from the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region of Italy. The building itself dates back to the 15th century, when it was used by the Knights of Malta as a watch-tower.
After a careful restoration, respective of the original shapes and materials, the tower was converted into a 5 star deluxe resort which still echoes the history of the region. Masseria San Domenico walks us through a history where Eastern and Mediterranean cultures mixed in a myriad of ways.
Around the historical center with its ancient slits and chimneys was born the Masseria San Domenico whose architectural structures developed around the beginning of the XX century according to the needs of local agricultural activities. Surrounded by 60 hectares of ancient olive trees and orchards, and keeping intact the original architectural structure, the Masseria San Domenico has been restored and converted into a refined hotel which has been in activity since 1996.
In the Puglia region, the "masserie" were large agricultural centers for farming the land and preserving produce. There were several types of buildings used for farming. Out of these buildings one was the house for the "massaro's" workers and was -occasionally- used by the owners as their residence.
Masseria San Domenico dates back to the XIV century when it was inhabited by the Knights of Malta, whose main center in Puglia was S. Stefano. They stood as a watch tower against invading Saracens.
The San Domenico Gardens draw inspiration from eastern and Mediterranean horticultural traditions. Organic and water-efficient, they provide an array of fresh produce for San Domenico’s dinner tables as well as a peaceful environment for reflection, relaxation and meditation.
Accommodations
4 classic single rooms
1st floor with window - Queen Bed - Bath - Garden view - 22 Square meters - Max occupancy: 1
7 superior rooms
1st floor with window - Bath - Sofa - Garden view or Pool view - 27 square meters - Max occupancy: 2
20 deluxe rooms
Ground floor with balcony and little patio - Bath - Sofa - Garden view - 30 square meters - Max occupancy: 2
3 junior suites
Open plan bedroom and living room - Ground floor with Windows - Bath and separate shower - Garden view - 40 square Meters - Max occupancy: 2
3 junior suite classic
1 double room connecting with one single room - Ground floor - Balcony with private patio (15 square meters) - 2 toilets with Jacuzzi shower - Garden view - 40 square meters - Max occupancy: 3
4 Talasso suites
One bedroom and one separate living room - 1st floor with Balcony - Bath and separate shower - Second courtesy toilet - Garden view or sea view - 52 square meters - Max occupancy: 2
5 Masseria suites
Combined bedroom and living room - 1st floor with Terrace (15 Square meters) - 2 Bathrooms - Garden view or sea view - 45 Square meters - Max occupancy: 2
1 San Domenico suite
2 en suite bedrooms - Bath and shower - Living room with Fireplace - Private terrace (35 square meters) - Pool view - 125 Square meters - Max occupancy: 4
Amenities in all rooms
Telephone, air conditioning, safe, air dryer, mini bar, satellite television, bathrobe and slippers, Masseria’s own olive oil based toiletry line.
Masseria Cimino (on the golf course)
15 guest rooms, some of which are located in the ancient tower and others in the old farmhouse adjacent to the archaeological site slaves’ dwellings in the ancient city of Egnatia. The walls of this ancient city form part of the boundaries of this property. The rooms have been furnished in a fresh Mediterranean style and are equipped with flat screen TV, minibar, safe and all have individually controlled air conditioning and marble bathrooms. Some of the rooms have a beautiful fireplace and others have balconies with a little terrace overlooking the golf course and with a view of the nearby Adriatic sea.
Services
A wide range of facilities and services as well as wonderfully landscaped gardens and private relaxation/meditation corners make this estate and grove an ideal venue for self indulgence and meditative yoga. All of this is in a place where one is cocooned in history, luxury and grace.
Services range from, Yoga, Spa Thalsassotherapy, golf, various itineraries and surroundings ranging from castles to cathedrals. Our staff will assist you with the various options.
YOGA
The daily yoga classes, tailored to the level of the group, are scheduled before breakfast and dinner. The lessons are thorough with theoretical arguments and easy to comprehend guidelines for spirituality and healthy living thus opening a portal to the hidden aspects of yoga. Perumal explains the linkages and interactions between the mental, physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga with highlights from his own experience which will make yoga tangible for leading to genuine mental and physical wellbeing. The lessons, thanks to a progressive approach, will allow the guest to achieve the right state of flow in order to improve mobility, breathing and circulation while strengthening muscles, tendons and ligaments.
SPA THALASSOTHERAPY
Sea water, the essential element of thalassotherapy, is rich in minerals and numerous trace elements for purifying the human organism. In order to understand its’ nature and potentiality, for the purpose of maximizing the benefits of sea water, international thalassotherapeutic experts (particularly those in Thalgo) have extensively researched their subject. The water used in our center is drawn from a deep underground stratum, which sits at about 400 meters below the sea level. This water is purified by means of filters and afterwards heated in our center. Seaweed, an gift of the seas, has vast concentrations of minerals and vitamins which are indispensable for the enhancement of our biological functions. We take seaweed and finely pulverize it before having it added to sea water for hydro massage and compresses. Sea water and seaweed is an exceptional cocktail producing an equilibrating, invigorating and detoxifying effect.
SAN DOMENICO GOLF
The “San Domenico Golf” course lies near the small fisherman village of Savelletri with its southern boundary as close to the sea as the road and rocky coastline will allow. To the north are the olive groves and agricultural fields the site was once part of. A once flat and simple land is now a challenging 18 hole golf course offering an unforgettable experience for visitors and a superb view of the Adriatic Sea from every tee, green and fairway.
ITINERARIES AND SURROUNDINGS
- Brindisi - Alfonsino Castle, Roman Columns, Montenegro Palace, Cathedral, Archaeological Museum, S. Paolo Church, San Giovanni al Sepolcro Church, S. Maria degli Angeli Church, Svevo Castle, S. Maria del Casale Church.
- Fasano - Settlements rock
- Ostuni - Liberty Square, Obelisk, Town Hall building, S. Francesco Church, Monacelle Convent, Cathedral S. Biagio Grotto.
- Cisternino - Historical center, Pinewood overlooking the "Valle d'Itria".
- Selva di Fasano - A commanding panorama from the top of the hill.
- Bari - Svevo Castle, S. Sabino Cathedral, S. Nicola Basilica, S. Gregorio Church, Historical Museum, Archaeological Museum, Memorial Chapel of the Caduti d'Oltremare.
- Trani - Ognissanti Church, Caccetta Palace, Cathedral, Federico II Castle, S. Andrea Church, S. Francesco Church.
- Barletta - S. Sepolcro Basilica, Colosseum, De Nittis Civiei Museum, S. Maria Maggiore Cathedral, Castle, the Disfida Cellar.
- Castel del Monte - The extraordinary beauty of the monument belonging to the Swabian Age, the hunting residence of Federico II.
- Conversano - Castle, Cathedral, S. Cosma Church, Civic Museum.
- Castellana Grotte - Guided tour to the grottes (30 minutes or 1 hour)
- Alberobello - Alberobello Trulli, S. Cosma e Damiano Sanctuary, Monumental area.
- Lecce - Castle, S. Croce Basilica, Seggio Palace, S. Irene Church, S. Matteo, S. Chiara, Roman Amphitheatre, Town Hall and the Provincial Museum, Bell Tower, Cathedral, Seminary.
- Santa Maria di Leuca - Zinzulusa grottes, an interesting sea-cave.
- Gallipoli - once upon a time a Greek city, it lies on an headline and its little island in the Ionic Sea is linked by a bridge.
- Taranto - The Aragonese Castle, S. Domenico Cathedral, S. Domenico Maggiore Church, the National Museum, Peripato Villa, Con-Cathedral.
- Martina Franca - S. Stefano Arch, Duke Palace, S. Martino Collegiata, Court Palace, The Watch Tower, S. Domenico Church, Carmine Church.
- Massafra - S. Lucia Chapel, S. Martino Benedetto Church, The Watch Tower, Madonna della Scala Sanctuary, S. Leonardo Crypt, Candelora Crypt.
Miscellaneous
Arrival by Air
Bari Airport (tel. 080.5835204) is 55 Km far, about 35 minutes by car.
Brindisi Airport (tel. 0831.411711) is 45 Km away and 35 minutes by car.
Arrival by Car
From the motorway Bari-Brindisi, exit Savalletri. From Savalletri , go south -along the coast-on 379, heading toward Torre Canne. At about 2 Km. is the entry to The Masseria San Domenico.
Arrival by Train
The nearest railway station is at Fasano, about 5 Km away from the Masseria on the route Lecce-Bari-Roma-Bologna.
Transfers & Pickups
At the airport you can rent a car with various companies. We will provide you with directions.
Alternatively a chauffeur can collect you from anywhere - prices start at € 85,00 for a collection from Brindisi airport and € 105,00 from Bari airport - please let us know a day in advance. This can be easily arranged.
Passports and Visas:
In order to enter Italy, you must own a valid passport if you come from a non european continent. Most visitors to Italy do not need Visa (please check with the auhorities in your country) and are allowed to remain for up to 90 days on entry.
Immunisation:
Italy is a safe country and vaccinations are not required for entry.
Climate:
Along the Mediterranean, Puglia in Italy has a warm climate, tempered by the adriatic influences that give the coastal cities moderate temperatures. In Italy, winters are colder and summers warmer. The most magical time to visit is from early Spring to late Autumn. If you are visiting Puglia in the winter, do carry warm clothes as although the climate in Puglia is normally very mild it can also get.
Packages
| 3 Nights / 4 Days | June 17th - 20th | July 8th - 11th | September 2nd - 5th |
| 7 Nights / 8 Days | June 20th - 27th | July 11th - 18th | September 5th - 12th |
YOGA HOLIDAY RATES PER PERSON
In High Season in Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
The Yoga Holiday offer is based on a minimum of an 8 person attendance.
Masseria San Domenico Accommodation
Capacity: 4 Classic Double, 8 Superior Double, 19 Deluxe Double
www.masseriasandomenico.com
| Rooms | 3 nights | 7 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Double (Twin Sharing) | €798 | €1.862 |
| Classic Double (Single Use) | €960 | €2.240 |
| Deluxe Double (Twin Sharing) | €915 | €2.135 |
Combination Yoga Holiday & Thalassotherapy
| Rooms | 3 nights | 7 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Double (Twin Sharing) | €1.200 | €2.500 |
| Classic Double (Single Use) | €1.350 | €2.850 |
| Deluxe Double (Twin Sharing) | €1.300 | €2.650 |
| 3 Nights Yoga Thalaso Packages include: |
7 Nights Yoga Thalaso Packages include: |
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All Yoga Thalasso Packages include:
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Masseria Cimino Accommodation
Capacity: 15 Double Guestrooms
www.masseriacimino.com
We also can accommodate guests in Masseria Cimino, an 18th century building located on the 8th hole of the golf course. This option is ideal for the dedicated golfer or those who seek a more economic alternative. It is 3.5kms from the Masseria San Domenico and is divided by beautiful ancient olive trees and orchards.
| Rooms | 3 nights | 7 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Double Guestroom (Twin Sharing) | €555 | €1.295 |
| Double Guestroom (Single Use) | €720 | €1.680 |
Payment Terms
1. 50% (Half) payment is required on confirmation of booking.
2. 100% (Full) payment is required 2 months prior to departure.
3. Monetary values indicated are a reflection of the current conversion rates upon posting. These rates may be updated upon booking.
Booking Terms
1. Participants signing the booking form on behalf of several parties are conditional to having authorization from all parties named on the booking form.
2. After receipt of full payment the confirmation invoice sent constitutes a binding contract.
Client Cancellations
| Grace Period | Penalties |
| 8-7 weeks before
departure 6-4 weeks before departure 4-2 weeks before departure 2 weeks before departure |
50% loss of
deposit 100% loss of deposit 65% of total price 100% of total price |
Liability Release
a) Yoga with Perumal LLC, its officials, directors, and
employees expressly disclaim any and all responsibility
for any incidental charges, liability, loss or risk, injuries
or any other damages, personal or otherwise, which may be
or are incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly,
of the actions or negligence of Participant or of any other
third party during the Participant's attendance at any of
the holidays indicated.
b) Any Participants attending any of the events, including
the use of premises where the events will take place, shall
be at the Participant's own risk.
c) It is prohibited that the Participants engage in any
illegal or improper behavior, including, but not limited
to, drunkenness, use of illegal substances, and disturbing
the peace. Yoga with Perumal LLC reserves the right to take
any action that it deems necessary to enforce this prohibition.
d) Participants who decides not to partake in the total
execution of program for any reason except a verified emergency
will be responsible for all expenses incurred by Yoga with
Perumal LLC up to the date of this participant departure
along with the penalties imposed by the ticket issuing airline
and the transportation back to the Airport of origin.
e) We do not treat acute cases or those who suffer from
communicative disease or skin problems.
f) Yoga with Perumal LLC reserves the right to end the participation
in any event if any Participant incurs in negligent or improper
behavior. Yoga with Perumal LLC will not pay for any of
the expenses incurred by the Participant before and/or after
the culmination of his/her participation.
g) All bank transfer charges incurred on the side of the
participant must be paid by the participant. PayPal transfers
incur a markup of 3.5%.
The word Participant refers to the visitors who will participate
in a holiday sponsored by Yoga with Perumal LLC. The word
event refers to any activity related to a holiday sponsored
by Yoga with Perumal LLC.
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