There are many compelling reasons to visit historic Ostuni, named the White Town for its limewashed buildings and fortified walls. Its long history takes in the Punic Wars, Greeks, Romans, and Italian unification. The maze-like hilltop Old Town has dreamy views to the Adriatic. The Gothic Cathedral and ornate palazzi are prime examples of the medieval and Italian Renaissance architecture of its heyday. The surrounding country provides wondrous food and drink. And now beautiful boutique hotel Paragon 700 is added to this list.
The Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace) had been dormant for decades until new Swiss owners realised its extraordinary potential. Interiors were transformed with an assured blend of old and new art, bespoke furniture (such as gazebos and braziers turned into bathtubs) and sophisticated light fixtures. 11 sumptuous suites have original frescoes, huge fireplaces, multicultural antiques and contemporary bathrooms. The ancient water cistern was cleverly reinvented as an underground spa, while the vaulted former oil mill now serves refined local fare in restaurant 700. Enjoy regional wines and excellent cocktails at the 8-metre-long stone counter in the stylish bar, or dine al fresco beside the supremely elegant 15-metre swimming pool. A true paragon of beauty.
Highs
- Perfect for design lovers seeking a more in-depth insight into Puglia's cuisine, history and culture
- Incomparable style throughout, especially in the spacious suites with their soaring ceilings and parquet floors
- The only full length swimming pool in Ostuni, and within such an elegant walled garden: a haven of peace
- Their sister beach club P-Beach (15 minutes away) means you can relax by the sea in yet more style
- Fine dining in 700 restaurant, and innovative cocktails in Bar 700
Lows
- This level of service and style is priced accordingly, but worth paying for
- No children under 16, a high for many!
Best time to go
Avoid July and August if you can: it can get very hot and crowded in the town and on the beaches. We think spring and autumn are the best times, and it is warm enough to swim in the sea up to October.
Our top tips
You can explore more of the Adriatic coast on their 15-metre power yacht, the Dragonfly. A sunset cruise is especially wonderful
- Boutique Hotel
- 11 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- Over 16s only
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Whichever of the 11 unique rooms and suites you choose at Paragon 700, it's guaranteed to be magnificent. All are restored with superb artistic flair and come with kingsized beds and French parquet floors.
The ample entry level Deluxe rooms have unexpected treasures such as a Turkish bath or frescoes, whereas the elegant Deluxe Suites are larger still, with perhaps a grand fireplace or spacious living area.
Exquisite Loft Suites come with cathedral ceilings and hand-painted details on the walls, along with a contemporary colour palette and bespoke tiles.
For honeymooners or that special occasion, the sumptuous Paragon Suite boasts 7m high cathedral ceilings, a large terrace with a pool view, a sunken bath and enormous open fireplace.
Luxurious details are everywhere: 100% stonewashed bed linen, iPad Pros loaded with all the information you'll need for your stay, underfloor heating and bathtubs with spa showers or walk-in showers in the marvellous bathrooms, plus a complimentary mini-bar.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
Chef Giovanni Cerroni trained in Michelin-starred restaurants, and his cuisine showcases his passion for local and seasonal produce. The 700 restaurant and state-of-the-art kitchen in the ancient vaulted oil mill has 4- to 8-course tasting menus for dinner, as well as simpler fare for lunch.
An a la carte breakfast - sweet and savoury dishes, preserves, eggs, salmon, hams, pastries - is served on the terrace facing the orange grove and pool; in summer dine here on warm evenings too. During the day many guests head to the seaside restaurant and bar at the P Beach Lido.
Stylish Bar 700 serves cocktails, local wines and spirits; its signature 8.5m long stone counter is made of antique tin plates. Snacks and small plates can be eaten by the fireplace. Ask about wine tastings in the cellar with the resident Sommelier. In summer the pool bar is open.
Paragon 700 is centrally placed in Ostuni so all eateries are within easy reach. For a change of scene, try Monna Lisa Caffe, Ciccio in Piazza, or Osteria Ricanatti.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Explore Ostuni's beautiful whitewashed old town - the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, the attractive Arco Scoppa nearby, and the ancient walls
- Indulge in a massage, body treatment or a 2-hour salt ritual in the unique underground spa which has a Turkish bath, chromotherapy shower, and a couple's therapy room
- The beaches are 10-15km away; sister beach club P-Beach Lido (15 minutes) has a restaurant and cocktail bar plus DJs
- Discover Puglia's distinctive regional gastronomy; cooking classes and wine tastings in the former olive oil cellar are both easily arranged
- The countryside surrounding Ostuni features wineries, fortified mansions, golf courses and historic small towns
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Windsurfing
Kids
Paragon 700 is a sophisticated place and is aimed at adults (over 14s only).
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Paragon 700 is located in the centre of Ostuni hill town in the southern Italian region of Puglia.
By Air:
The nearest airports are Brindisi (39km) and Bari (99km).
By Train:
There are trains from Rome to Ostuni (but not direct).
By Car:
We recommend hiring a car to make the most of the area. Ostuni is a pedestrianised town but the hotel has private parking.
Detailed directions will be sent once your booking is confirmed.
Read our guide to getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Brindisi 39.0 km BDS
- Bari 99.0 km BRI
Other:
- Beach 11.0 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km