Relais La Sommità is a five-star boutique hotel perched at the highest point of Ostuni's historic centre in Brindisi province, Apulia. Ostuni, known as the Città Bianca (White City), is celebrated for its labyrinthine medieval lanes and densely whitewashed buildings cascading down a hilltop above the Valle d'Itria and the Adriatic coast. The hotel occupies a 17th-century palazzo restored and opened as a luxury property in the early 2000s, and its summit position delivers panoramic views across the valley, olive groves, and the sea.
The hotel offers rooms and suites distributed across the historic palazzo, furnished with a combination of antique pieces and contemporary design elements. Categories range from Deluxe Rooms to expansive Junior and Deluxe Suites, with rates beginning at approximately €200 per night for rooms and rising to €450 or more for the top suite tier. The rooftop pool is a signature feature—set on a terrace overlooking Ostuni's cathedral bell tower and the valley below, it ranks among the most visually striking pools in Apulia.
Dining at Relais La Sommità centres on a Michelin-recognised restaurant presenting creative Mediterranean cuisine informed by Puglian ingredients. The tasting menus change seasonally and draw heavily on local producers for fish, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. The wine list emphasises southern Italian and Puglian varietals. Breakfast is served on the panoramic terrace with views across the White City.
The on-site spa offers a curated menu of treatments including facials, body wraps, and massage therapies, with an emphasis on natural and locally sourced ingredients. The hotel is intimate by design, with a small room count ensuring personalised attention. Its location within Ostuni's pedestrianised historic centre means the 15th-century Gothic cathedral, the Norman castle ruins, and the town's baroque churches are reachable on foot in minutes.
Room types
- Rooms from €200/night (~$216)
- Junior suites from €320/night (~$346)
- Deluxe suites from €450/night (~$486)
Amenities
- rooftop pool
- michelin-starred restaurant
- spa
- panoramic terrace
- wine cellar
Location
Via Scipione Petrarolo 7, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
40.7278, 17.5808 View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic rooftop pool overlooking Ostuni's Gothic cathedral and the Valle d'Itria olive groves
- Michelin-recognised restaurant with seasonal Mediterranean and Puglian tasting menus
- Restored 17th-century palazzo at the apex of Ostuni's historic White City
- Steps from the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral of Ostuni and the medieval lanes
- Boutique scale with a high staff-to-guest ratio for personalised service
Tips for visiting
- Book the pool terrace breakfast early; it fills quickly and the early-morning light over the valley is exceptional
- The hotel is accessible only by foot within the historic centre; parking is available below the city walls
- Dinner reservations at the restaurant should be made at least two weeks ahead in peak summer season
- Pack comfortable walking shoes for Ostuni's cobblestone centro storico lanes
- Rooms on upper floors with valley-facing windows offer the best views; request this at booking
Accessibility
Relais La Sommità is located within Ostuni's historic pedestrian zone, which includes steep cobbled lanes and significant level changes between the hotel entrance and parking areas. The 17th-century palazzo contains steps and uneven surfaces throughout. Guests with mobility impairments are strongly advised to contact the hotel before booking to discuss room access and luggage transfer options.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Relais La Sommità within walking distance of Ostuni's main sights?
Yes. The hotel is at the highest point of Ostuni's historic centre, within a few minutes' walk of the Gothic cathedral, the medieval town walls, and the main restaurants and shops of the old town.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, the hotel has an on-site spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa is compact and best suited to couples or individuals seeking quieter, personalised sessions.
Is Relais La Sommità accessible by car?
The hotel is in the pedestrianised historic centre and cannot be reached by car to the front entrance. Guests typically park in the car parks below the city walls and walk up; staff arrange luggage assistance on arrival.
What is the restaurant's cuisine style?
The restaurant serves creative Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Puglian ingredients, with tasting menus that change seasonally. The kitchen works with local producers for fish, vegetables, and cheese.
How many rooms does the hotel have?
Relais La Sommità is a boutique property with a limited number of rooms and suites, fostering an intimate atmosphere. Check directly with the hotel for current room availability.