Masseria Dei Gesuiti

A Heritage Estate Transformed into an Apulian Spa Property

Masseria dei Gesuiti is a stunning estate in the heart of Salento, just a short drive from Lecce and the Adriatic coast. The estate was once a Jesuit residence, and it preserves rare architectural features such as an 18th-century colonnade and underground olive presses.The estate unfolds across three unique settings: the majestic Corpo Centrale, the evocative Antiche Stalle, and the exclusive Uliveto. Each space is designed to offer maximum comfort, absolute privacy, and a profound connection to the surrounding land — among ancient colonnades, hidden oil mills, and centuries-old olive trees.

The estate’s main building houses hosts four refined rooms with private bathrooms, several lounges with fireplaces, a billiard room, a wine cellar, and terraces that open to the surrounding countryside. The estate operates exclusively under the “private villa” formula, meaning individual room bookings are not allowed. This ensures complete privacy and no shared spaces with other guests.

There’s an on-site gym, spa and swimming pool, and centuries-old olive trees surround the property. The main garden is home to a lounger-lined pool. There’s a bamboo and wood gazebo for outdoor dining and a barbecue area with a wood-fired oven, and the central courtyard features a 16th-century chapel of local stone.

Rates shown are based on maximum occupancy. Please inquire about minimum occupancy (four bedrooms) and lower rates, which maybe available on request.

Layout

The Corpo Centrale features four bedrooms in the former Jesuit space, each with a private bathroom. There are welcoming lounges with fireplaces, a billiard room, a wine cellar, and panoramic terraces that offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

The Camara Terrazza Panoramica room is located on the first floor, offering a king-sized bed, a stone fireplace and a large terrace overlooking the pool. The en-suite bathroom includes double sinks and a shower with massage jets and a stone seat.

Camera Dalle Nicchie di Luce occupies the second floor and features a king-sized bed framed by softly lit side niches. Generous closets, upholstered in light grey patterned fabric are seamlessly integrated into the design and the en-suite bathroom, offers a spacious rain shower. For added comfort, the room is fully air-conditioned, with both heating and cooling controlled via intuitive touch displays.

The Camera Balcone e Camino on the first floor is dominated by a king-sized bed, a romantic space with an antique stone fireplace. Closets upholstered in white fabric with field-flower patterns lend a touch of countryside charm. The en-suite bathroom features double sinks and a spacious green-tiled shower. A French door opens onto a private balcony, offering a delightful view of the surrounding countryside.

The fourth bedroom, the Camera con Vasca in Pietra, is the sole ground floor room with a double entrance—one from the church side and the other from the central courtyard. Inside, a pink sofa that doubles as a bed, softly lit wall niches, and a wooden door leading to an upper balcony create a warm ambiance. The spacious en-suite bathroom includes a striking stone bathtub-shower with illuminated niches and a French door with a view of the small church.

The former stables (Antiche Stalle) have been expertly restored to accommodate four king-sized rooms with private bathrooms, where the natural beauty of stone and wood enhances a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a rural soul.

Camera Aurora is largest bedroom on the property, a luminous space with a king-sized bed (180x220 cm) beneath a vaulted stone ceiling, with access from the central courtyard and the rear garden creating a connection between indoors and nature.The en-suite bathroom is crafted entirely from stone, with a walk-in shower, double sinks, toilet, and bidet.

Camera Alba has a king-size bed (180x220 cm), an antique wooden chest of drawers and a stone niche repurposed as a closet pay homage to the Masseria’s artisanal heritage. It opens to both the central courtyard and the back garden. The en-suite bathroom is crafted entirely from stone, with a swalk-in shower, toilet, bidet, and double round sinks carved from local stone.

Camera Armonia is an intimate retreat designed for those seeking simplicity and elegance. The room offers two single beds that can easily be joined into a comfortable king-sized bed, and a private bathroom, made of natural stone with a walk-in shower, double sink, toilet and bidet.

Camera Beddha is a unique double room with a king-sized bed (180x220 cm) and en suite bathroom. On the headboard, a delicate calligraphic inscription recounts an ancient Salentine folk song, which begins “Beddha ci dormi sulli cuscini,” evoking sweetness and light dreams. The private, natural stone bathroom has a large walk-in shower and double sink.

Within the olive grove, two unique rooms in the Uliveto celebrate the estate’s agricultural heritage, including a charming suite featuring a fireplace and a bathroom crafted from a former stone oven. Surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, this area invites deep connection with nature. Nearby, glass-covered cisterns reveal the ancient oil mill, just steps from the wellness area with a spa and gym.

Suite Frantoio is converted from an old oil mill, offering historical charms. The living room features a sofa bed, smart TV with Netflix access and a stone fireplace with a contemporary design. The sleeping area, with a king-size bed (180x220 cm), is enhanced by a charming antique fireplace with brazier. The en suite bathroom offers a washbasin, WC, bidet and a spacious walk-in shower and direct access from both the central courtyard and the garden.

Camere Belvedere is on the first floor, this room features a king-sized bed, a stone fireplace, and a spacious terrace with a panoramic view of the pool. The en-suite bathroom offers double sinks and a luxurious shower equipped with massage jets and a stone bench.

Experiences

Experiences include a private chef, outdoor yoga sessions, massages, guided tastings, babysitting and dogsitting services.

Around

Beyond the walls of the estate, this part of Puglia offers horseback riding in the olive groves, boat tours, tee times at nearby golf clubs, and cultural excursions to Lecce and nearby historic villages. Alluring Lecce and the well-heeled port town of Polignano al Mare are relatively close to the property, easily reached via a drive through the picturesque countryside.

This area of Italy offers amazing food, wine, olive oil, and miles of stunning Adriatic coastline, with some of its loveliest beaches on the Costa Merlata. Check out the small fishing harbor of Savelletri and the historic town of Ceglie Messapica, home to great seafood and other cuisine. The Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve includes a widely protected marine and wilderness area perfect for exploring the coastline’s beauty, and the Adriatic Sea’s cliffside views and coved beaches are unforgettable.