About Us
La Sommità Relais, a 5-star boutique hotel in Puglia, is a historic 16th-century residence that stands as the jewel of the prestigious historic center of Ostuni, a renowned tourist destination in Puglia, also known as the ‘White City.'”
The Relais
A journey through time: the magical evolution of an ancient residence into a refined luxury Relais.
From the centuries-old walls of an ancient residence, rich in history and tradition, La Sommità Relais emerges—a luxurious oasis that combines the charm of the past with the elegance of the present.
Every corner of this historic residence tells a journey through time, where elegance and modernity blend harmoniously, offering a unique experience of comfort and prestige. A place where every detail is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in a timeless atmosphere.
Our History
Originally the Castle of Ostuni, was strategically positioned atop a hill to control invaders from the coast. Over the years, parts of the ancient palace were taken over by the Cathedral and neighboring buildings. Between the XIIIth and XVIth centuries, the Zavallo’s family, Dukes of Ostuni, owned it, but were eventually overthrown due to their tyranny.
The estate was then given to Bona Sforza, Duchess of Milan, before passing to the Palmieri family, who had a significant influence on its history. The Palmieri’s restored the building, adding a baroque-style portal. The mansion housed an olive press in the XVIIIth century, and its original grindstones are now part of the Wellness Centre. The suites are located in the inner part of the building, with small windows and skylights due to the defensive nature of the original structure.
Sustainability
La Sommità Relais in Ostuni is a perfect blend of elegance and environmental consciousness. Located in the heart of Puglia, the relais stands out for its commitment to sustainability.
Every detail of the structure is designed to minimize its ecological impact without compromising the quality of the experience. The architecture has been restored using local and natural materials that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape.
The relais uses renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and manages water responsibly with recovery and treatment systems.
The cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers who adopt sustainable practices. Each dish tells the story of a deep respect for the land.
La Sommità Relais offers an experience that combines comfort, tradition, and sustainability, perfect for those seeking a stay in harmony with nature.
Vision
Our approach is to create an experience that seamlessly blends the region’s rich cultural, historical, environmental, and culinary heritage, reimagined with a modern and sophisticated flair. The goal is to honor local traditions, thoughtfully adapting them to the needs of today’s discerning traveler, striking a perfect balance between history and innovation.
Every detail, from the cuisine to the design of the spaces, is meticulously crafted to offer an authentic and one-of-a-kind experience, where each element narrates the story of the place, while embracing comfort and contemporary luxury
