Blu Melia - Seven Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 14

Blu Melia occupies a privileged position on Puglia’s southeast coast. 180-degree views pan out over the sea, a park of fragrant Mediterranean pines secludes the property from the world, and a path weaves down through the grounds to a bathing platform below. And with a panoramic pool this is an exceptional option for those desiring privacy, direct access to the cobalt waters of the Adriatic, and space galore for a large group of family or friends.

Please note that a new, panoramic pool and adjacent spa and gym are being added for the 2026 season.

Inside: accommodation at Blu Melia is spread over a main house on one level and three independently accessed garden bedrooms.

Beautifully and thoughtfully restored, Blu Melia boast bright, airy and serene interiors that spill out onto terraces at every opportunity. White walls, lofty, star-vaulted ceilings, floors in creamy Trani stone and period tiles, and soft furnishings in muted greys and beiges combine to great effect. Wherever possible, materials and design features have been sourced locally. This is particularly the case in the artistic Puglian lighting found inside and out, the bespoke, artisan mirrors, and the original artwork by a Puglian painter.

From a large, secluded terrace, a pair of French doors open into the central hub of the upper floor, a splendidly proportioned living area furnished with a large sink-in sofa and a wall of built-in cushioned seating. Two more sets of French doors flank an impressive fireplace and provide seamless access to a voluminous, sea-view terrace running along the front of the house.

A door to one side of the living room opens into a corridor which leads to:

• the principal bedrooms, a sea-view double with en-suite shower room, a decorative fireplace, and a panoramic private terrace
• a double-twin bedroom with en-suite shower room and access to the terrace by the main entrance
• a well-equipped, traditional kitchen with striking blue cabinetry and access to both al fresco dining areas
• an airy dining room with high, star-vaulted ceilings, a triptych of Arabic-arched windows, a fireplace, a venerable wooden dining table, and sea views

Another door on the opposite side of the living room door opens into a vestibule, off which are two more double bedrooms sharing a shower room. Both of the bedrooms have sea views, and one comes with access to the main front terrace.

Accommodation at Blu Melia is completed by the three garden bedrooms, which are accessed from a terrace below the main house. Two share a shower room, while the third has its own en-suite shower room. An internal corridor behind the rooms connects them.

Outside: Blu Melia sits about 40m above the sea in extensive, 2.5-acre grounds that run all the way down to the coastline below. There is an abundance of space for al fresco pursuits and more than enough room for everyone to find their own favourite spot. Mature Mediterranean pine trees cocoon the property in an oasis of fragrant greenery, and terraces, both secluded and sun-kissed, develop over several levels.

On the sea-facing side of the house are series of terraces. First, accessed from the living room and one of the bedrooms, is a long, partially covered terrace with a series of graceful arches, a comfortably furnished sitting area, a table and chairs, and glorious views of the Adriatic.

Next to this is the private terrace of the principal bedroom, which shares the same magnificent views.

Continuing along the façade of the house we come to the main al fresco dining area, which is accessed from the kitchen. Featuring a long table seating 14, ample shade, a wall of well-cushioned, built-in seating, and more of those glorious sea views, this is the place to be for long, lazy lunches, and convivial dinners under the stars.

There is, however, an alternative al fresco dining area to one side of the house. Accessed from the kitchen, and conceived with aperitivo hour and more informal dining in mind, it has a pizza oven, a barbecue, and traditional luminarie (festive lighting).

Near here is the wonderful pool (being built for the 2026 season), a fabulously panoramic mirror of water with views out to sea and an adjacent spa and gym (also for the 2026 season).

Below this pool terrace is a series of white arches, which frame and enclose a spacious courtyard that’s been furnished for lounging and shady breakfasts. One of the main house’s bedrooms opens out onto this space, as does the living room.

One either side of the main house, steps lead down to a large expanse of sea-view garden delimited by an arcing stone wall that brings to mind the prow of an ocean-going liner. Surrounded by luxuriant greenery and flowering plants, there is a generous scattering of quality outdoor furniture from which to survey the views. The three independent garden bedrooms are accessed from this here.

As if all this weren’t enough, arguably the best of Blu Melia is still to come: a path of around 150 steps leads down through the pine trees to the rocky coast below. There, lapped by the irresistible blue waters of the Adriatic and hidden away by the cliffs, is a bathing platform and a few sun loungers.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.

The sea access in front of this property is via rocks and so may not be possible to use if the sea is rough.

The sea access is immediately deep and therefore not ideal for less confident swimmers.

Please note that there is a neighbouring property to one side of Blu Melia, which is almost completely masked by thick barrier vegetation.
Blu Melia is located on the southeastern coast of Salento, just 10km for Puglia's southernmost tip at Santa Maria di Leuca .

There are numerous charming villages and small towns nearby, including Corsano, Gagliano del Capo, Tiggiano and Tricase. All have a good selection of cafés, restaurants and shops, and the last on the list is also home to Farmacia Balboa, a bar that's part-owned by Taylor Hackford, Oscar-winning film director and husband of Helen Mirren.

The Adriatic coast is literally on your doorstep and, apart from the direct sea access below Blu Melia, there are lots of other great options within a few minutes' drive, including Tricase Porto and Il Ciolo (a deep rocky inlet that's great for swimming). The tiny harbour village of Marina di Novaglie (5mins), meanwhile, is home to Lo Scalo, one of Puglia's best seafront fish restaurants.

For sandy beaches, head to Santa Maria di Leuca and Salento's southwest coastline, where there are miles and miles of golden sandy beaches and transparent blue waters, and some excellent beach clubs. Particularly beautiful are the beaches of Torre San Giovanni and Marina di Pescoluse, this latter nicknamed the Maldives.

A 45-minute drive up the scenic coast road will take you to gorgeous Otranto with its castle, beach and historic centre. Beautiful baroque Lecce, meanwhile, is just a 55-minutes drive away, and the fortified island town of Gallipoli is even closer. You won't be at a loss for things to see and do.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.