Palazzo Tafuri, a restored 19th-century palace turned boutique hotel in the heart of Puglia, Italy, is more than just a place to stay—it’s a curated journey through beauty, heritage, and contemporary elegance. Welcome to the new icon of refined luxury in southern Italy.
Palazzo Tafuri: The Renaissance of Luxury in the Heart of Nardò
In the sun-drenched streets of Nardò, where Baroque façades whisper centuries-old stories, a hidden gem redefines what it means to escape in style.
Once the residence of the noble Zimara and Tafuri families, this historic palazzo has been lovingly brought back to life by Count and Countess d’Espous, who fell for the rhythm of Salento and envisioned a sanctuary where time would slow, art would breathe, and elegance would take center stage. The meticulous restoration, led by local architect Claudio Colaci and Belgian design expert Vincent De Cat, seamlessly merges architectural heritage with modern minimalism, creating an atmosphere where history is not just preserved—it’s celebrated.
A noble revival
Step inside and discover a space where grandeur meets intimacy. From original frescoes and vaulted ceilings to sleek, nature-inspired interiors, every detail at Palazzo Tafuri tells a story. The hotel’s 16 uniquely styled rooms and suites each embody a quiet, botanical-inspired luxury—a tribute to the palazzo’s past as home to a famed herbalist and to Madame d’Espous’ role as President of the French Botanic Park Association. Think Karl Blossfeldt floral prints, Mediterranean photography by Salento artist Rocco Casaluci, custom-made furniture, and sumptuous Italian textiles.
Each room is designed to create a sense of calm, with features like rain showers, curated minibars, Smart TVs, and organic textures. Some suites open onto private courtyards or terraces overlooking the Monastery of Santa Chiara, while others boast loft-style spaces or garden hideaways. The experience here is not tech-centric, but soulful—crafted for those who value slowness and sensory richness.
At the culinary heart of the hotel is a destination in itself: the Palazzo Tafuri Restaurant, led by acclaimed chef Antonio Capoccello. Voted “Emerging Chef of the Year 2022” by Food & Travel Italy, Capoccello bridges Puglian tradition with French refinement.
His seasonal menus, based on locally sourced ingredients—sun-kissed vegetables, Adriatic fish, regional cheeses—are expressions of place and creativity. From à la carte selections to indulgent tasting menus, dining here is both comforting and avant-garde. On Sundays, the brunch and traditional lunch transform the palazzo into a lively local gathering spot.
Timeless tranquility
Former stables have been reimagined as Bacco & Crudi, a warm, elegant cocktail bar offering handcrafted drinks, boutique wines, and rare champagnes. For golden-hour views, the rooftop lounge offers sweeping panoramas over the Aragonese Castle and the Ionian coastline—a picture-perfect setting for aperitivos or starlit conversations.
Well-being is woven into every corner. The spa, immersed in light and framed by vertical gardens, invites total relaxation with its Turkish bath, sauna, treatment rooms, and indoor pool that seamlessly blends into outdoor serenity. A rooftop jacuzzi adds to the restorative experience, and bespoke yoga sessions or nature-based fitness programs can be arranged on request.
Centrally located, Palazzo Tafuri is an ideal base to explore the raw beauty and culture of Salento. Just minutes from the crystal-clear beaches of Santa Caterina and the Porto Selvaggio nature reserve, guests can also embark on guided tours of Lecce, coastal sailing adventures, or simply soak in the vibrant rhythms of Nardò’s piazzas.
More than just a hotel, Palazzo Tafuri is a living narrative—where the past is respected, the present is cherished, and the future of luxury hospitality is quietly rewritten.
Key information
- What is Palazzo Tafuri and where is it located? Palazzo Tafuri is a boutique luxury hotel located in the historic center of Nardò, in Puglia, southern Italy.
- Who led the restoration of the historic palace? The restoration was overseen by architect Claudio Colaci and Belgian designer Vincent De Cat, under the vision of Count and Countess d’Espous.
- What makes the rooms at Palazzo Tafuri unique? Each room blends historical charm with botanical-inspired design and modern comfort, featuring elements like rain showers, Smart TVs, and private terraces or garden access.
- Who is the chef behind the Palazzo Tafuri Restaurant? Chef Antonio Capoccello, named “Emerging Chef of the Year 2022” by Food & Travel Italy, leads the restaurant with seasonal menus that mix Puglian tradition and French flair.
