Exterior of the bar at Masseria Torre Maizza
MASSERIA TORRE MAIZZA , PUGLIA
‘‘
The
Bar interior
eye of the owner is very important ”: It ’ s a translated Italian saying that Sir Rocco Forte refers to when discussing what sets London-based Rocco Forte Hotels apart from other luxury brands .
The London-based hotel company is focusing on growth , with about a dozen properties open and a few more teed up , including hotels in Sicily and Shanghai . Forte says with his Italian origins and business relationships , he continues to look for opportunities in that country .
Being a family-run group brings a special atmosphere to their lodgings , and Forte credits the vision of Olga Polizzi , the group ’ s design director and his sister , to both differentiate their brand and attract clientele . When designing a hotel , Polizzi hand-picks local artwork and carefully considers location and history to center each hotel in place , “ which is different from the average corporate style of hotel ,” Forte says .
In May , London-based Rocco Forte Hotels opened two new hotels in Italy : Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia . They expand the group ’ s Italian footprint to five , with another set to open in 2020 .
Their primary market is Americans , representing about 45 % of their customers across the board , Forte says . Their aim is to create an attractive , comfortable feel that resonates with singles , couples and family groups of all ages , he says .
MASSERIA TORRE MAIZZA , PUGLIA Located in Puglia ’ s Savelletri di Fasano , just minutes from the Adriatic Sea , is Masseria Torre Maizza , a renovated 16th-century farmhouse . Inspired by property ’ s orchards and 1,000-year-old olive trees , Polizzi created a rustic design using natural materials to evoke a laid-back , peaceful feeling .
Guest room windows are covered by shutters and linen panels embroidered with the initials TM . Rather than using bright colors on the wall , Polizzi chose statement headboards for beds and cushions decorated with birds and flowers . Working with local artisans , she added oversized ceramic plates to hang over the beds and sofas , and added books of poetry and short
September 2019 hotelsmag . com 43