A historic palazzo in Puglia's 'White City' of Ostuni will be given new life as a luxury boutique hotel when it opens in summer 2025. Olivia Palamountain reports

One of Ostuni's most significant historic buildings is set to open as a a 28-room luxury retreat, converting a long-abandoned 14th-century palazzo into Vista Ostuni.

Scheduled to open in summer 2025, represents the third property from the Vista hospitality group, led by third and fourth generation hoteliers Bianca and Luigi Passera. The family, already established with properties in Lake Como and Verona, has undertaken a sensitive restoration of the historic structure, which has remained vacant for nearly six decades.

The building's history spans more than 700 years, beginning as a convent in the 1300s before being transformed centuries later when Sister Maria Raimonda Fuentes repurposed it to provide shelter and education for underprivileged girls. In the early 20th century, it became the Manifattura Tabacchi, a tobacco-processing factory that employed approximately 600 female cigar rollers at its height before closing in 1969. "From the moment we stepped inside, the building's charm spoke to us," says Bianca Passera, chairwoman of Vista. "We have honoured the rich heritage of both the property and the town of Ostuni by incorporating sustainable Italian materials and resources, underscoring our commitment to environmental stewardship."

The sensitive renovation by architect Roberto Murgia of Milan's RMA Studio has preserved and enhanced the palazzo's original features, including soaring ceilings and a geometric cloister on the first floor now illuminated by a glass ceiling. More than 6,000 square metres of interior space has been carefully restored to highlight traces of the building's history.
Vista Ostuni will be the first hotel in Italy to feature landscaping by Belgian designer Erik Dhont, selected for his appreciation of native vegetation and ability to create landscapes that reflect local character. The property has already achieved LEED® certification, becoming the first hotel in the Puglia region to receive this environmental recognition.Culinary offerings will be overseen by one of Italy's most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, Andrea Berton. His portfolio at the hotel will include Berton al Vista, a fine dining restaurant; Bianca Bistrot, a garden restaurant serving from breakfast until aperitivo; an intimate Library Bar; and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Apulian countryside.
The hotel's location provides easy access to the region's renowned beaches, with private transfers to premier beach clubs available for guests. The property will also serve as a base for exploring nearby destinations such as Lecce, Matera and Alberobello.

"We are a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, which is a testament to the level of service and quality at Vista Ostuni, even before the opening of the hotel," adds Luigi Passera, CEO of Vista. "Since the establishment of Vista, our objective has been to introduce the concept of luxury to new destinations, and Vista Ostuni represents the third and most significant chapter for our brand."
Room rates will start from €1,500 per night, with the hotel accessible via Brindisi airport, just 37 kilometres (28 minutes) away. During summer months, direct flights from London to Brindisi take approximately 2.5 hours.