Spend Christmas off the beaten track in the silent enchantment of Masseria Aura Terrae in the heart of Apulia’s Polignano a Mare countryside.
Warm Apulian hospitality overlooking the Adriatic Sea
Masseria AuraTerrae, a refuge of the soul, where peasant monks once prayed and cultivated the land, where local tradition intertwines with warm Apulian hospitality. From AuraTerrae’s panoramic terraces, one's gaze embraces the Adriatic Sea and the countryside dotted with olive trees, while between the glow of lit braziers in the narrow streets of the village and the scent of citrus fruits and aromatic plants wafting through the air. The property has 22 rooms - each one different and unique - with double beds, six of which have Turkish baths, three with fireplaces and four with outdoor Jacuzzis, and there are two scenic infinity pools, surrounded by greenery and with breathtaking views.
Signature menus, aperitifs and cooking classes
During the festive season, AuraTerrae welcomes guests in a warm, refined and discreet atmosphere: the masseria is dressed in soft lighting and natural decorations, and the panoramic restaurant celebrates Apulian culinary tradition with signature menus from Chef Antonio Gentile. The gastronomic experiences go from Apulian breakfasts to AuraTerrae aperitifs at sunset to cooking classes dedicated to the Christmas specialties of the area such as Cartellate local sweets with honey or cooked figs, which represent the halo or bands that wrapped the Baby Jesus in the cradle. Among the wellness experiences there is the panoramic barrel sauna, and the AuraTerrae signature Calor Vitae, an exclusive treatment using the heat of lava stones to reactivate body and mind. There are also workshops to learn the ancient arts of wicker weaving and ceramics, tastings of indigenous wines and walks in the countryside surrounding the residence through age-old olive groves, vineyards, fragrant citrus groves and ancient fruit orchards.
Christmas events close to AuraTerrae
A few minutes from the masseria, Conversano and Polignano a Mare are dressed with Christmas lights, while a little further away Mola di Bari offers ScopriaMola at Christmas, a guided tour of the monuments and artistic beauties of the historic centre. Monopoli welcomes Destinazione Natale, with immersive installations, shows, exhibitions of cribs and attractions for children. In the heart of the Valle d'Itria, Locorotondo, with its white houses and narrow alleys, is lit up with The Magic of Christmas Illuminations and markets selling typical products. Alberobello confirms itself as one of the most evocative destinations for Christmas in Puglia with We Are in Trulli and the LiFe Light Festival. A dialogue between art and architecture that transforms the UNESCO town into an open-air stage, blending innovation and tradition in a unique immersive experience. A little more than half an hour away, in Pezze di Greco there is a Living Crib, while the White City of Ostuni amazes with its traditional illuminations, a 40-metre Ferris wheel and spectacular dancing fountains. Finally, Bari, a city known for its Swabian Castle and the Basilica of St. Nicholas, combines the sacred and the traditional with its Father Christmas Village set up with Alpine-style wooden cottages and the markets in Piazza Mercantile where you can find handcrafted cribs, decorations and typical products. For information: www.masseriaauraterrae.com/it
