Palazzo Tafuri is an elegant boutique hotel located in the heart of Nardò, Puglia, housed in a historic palace dating back to the 17th century, with a neoclassical façade added later. Originally the residence of the Zimara family and later of the Tafuri family, the building has been carefully restored by its current owners, the Count and Countess d’Espous, in a two-year project led by architect Claudio Colaci and designer Vincent De Cat, skillfully blending Salento Baroque with contemporary style.

The hotel features 16 unique rooms and suites. To pay tribute to the renowned herbalist Vincenzo Zimara, each of them exhibits a print by Karl Blossfeldt, a passionate botanist from the 18th century, or a contemporary photograph of a local Mediterranean plant by Salento artist Rocco Casaluci.

The restaurant offer creative cuisine based on local, seasonal ingredients including home-grown vegetables and Ionian fish. Guests can also enjoy two bars: “Bacco & Crudi,” located in the former stables, and a stylish rooftop bar with city views and sunsets.

The wellness center is a peaceful retreat featuring an indoor/outdoor heated pool with hydromassage, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, solarium, and relaxation areas. The spa’s design incorporates vertical gardens and natural light, offering treatments, massages, and yoga sessions.

Sustainability is a key focus, with natural fiber insulation, restored antique floors, high-efficiency windows, solar panels, heat pumps, smart home technology, waste management, and locally crafted furnishings. The hotel also organizes local experiences like tours, boat trips, diving, and cooking or yoga classes.

Located opposite the Santa Chiara monastery and just a few kilometers from Lecce, the Ionian coast, and Porto Selvaggio Park, Palazzo Tafuri is an ideal base for exploring Salento, offering a refined refuge where history, nature, gastronomy, and wellness come together in an authentic and sustainable setting.