Masseria Donna Menga Resort

In the heart of Salento, nestled in the stunning countryside and just minutes from the renowned beaches of Porto Cesareo, lies Masseria Donna Menga, a five-star resort that celebrates the fusion of history and contemporary design. The masseria is part of the prestigious luxury circuit LHW (Leading Hotels of the World).

The interior design project and architectural consultancy for its conversion into a hospitality facility were curated by THDP, which has restored the authentic essence of this 16th-century masseria, protected by the Superintendency for Cultural Heritage, enhancing its architectural and cultural features.

The name “Donna Menga” is linked to Domenica, a historical female figure whose story is shrouded in mystery and the charm of the past.

A Design That Embraces the Past and the Future
The 21 rooms of the masseria, furnished with custom-designed pieces crafted from solid oiled oak by a local artisan, maintain the building’s original characteristics. The natural materials tell the story of the place, from the restored stone vaults to the walls finished with natural hydraulic lime. Every detail is designed to evoke a dialogue between past and present, offering contemporary comfort without excess.

History as the Common Thread
Masseria Donna Menga, once used for drying tobacco and tomatoes, still retains its original structure.

The building is arranged around a courtyard with three main sections. Along the main wing, once dedicated to labor, the reception and a lounge area have been created in the original carriage passage, which has been enclosed with a large glass window overlooking the inner garden. Adjacent to this area, four guest rooms have been added, featuring restored vaulted ceilings and garden views.

The lateral wing, which housed the horse stables and fountains, has been converted into seven garden rooms.

A monumental tower completes the building, where a suite has been created without altering its original openings, maintaining its authentic and unique appearance. Additionally, two junior suites feature plunge pools and spacious outdoor lounges.

Outside, reed pergolas and wooden beams provide natural shade, while large ceramic jars and locally crafted woven straw lamps add to the atmosphere. The landscape design, aimed at minimizing water consumption, features succulents and Mediterranean shrubs, blending harmoniously with the Salento environment.

An Authentic and Sustainable Experience
The common areas, designed to enhance interaction with the outdoors, include a pool, a small spa area with hammam, a massage room, a Technogym fitness center, and the restaurant ‘Radici’.

The masseria’s organic garden is transformed into a unique culinary experience, with the restaurant’s dishes celebrating local produce and embracing sustainability and awareness.

The reception interiors tell stories of upcycling: decorative panels behind the solid wood counter were repurposed from old worktables, while lamps created by a local fisherman reflect a deep connection with the territory. The spa, with materials such as stone, wood, and glossy blue tiles, recreates a relaxing and oriental ambiance.

Rooms and Suites: The Essence of Luxury
The 21 rooms include three suites with large furnished patios, ideal for exclusive relaxation. All rooms open onto private gardens, while the four rooms in the former stables face the inner courtyard and pool, preserving the building’s historical connection. Each element maintains an authentic link with tradition and the surrounding environment.

Bathrooms feature an open design, with a shower and sink reminiscent of old livestock fountains integrated into the sleeping area, while the WC cubicle is separate. Tiles, inspired by Lecce stone, have a slight sheen, celebrating the element of sunlight, a key theme of the project. Bronze-colored faucets evoke the wrought iron used in agricultural tools.

Behind the wardrobe, covered in natural raffia wallpaper, the aesthetic of the traditional external reed structures is echoed, creating a rustic and natural atmosphere.

Bedside tables made from Lecce stone monoliths add a touch of rural elegance, while traditional local stone flooring, laid in a classic pattern, seamlessly integrates the natural beauty of the surroundings with modern comfort.

A Journey Between Past and Future
Masseria Donna Menga represents a perfect balance between historical beauty and contemporary luxury. Through a careful and respectful restoration, THDP has created a place where history, sustainability, and design converge, offering guests a unique experience in the heart of Salento.

Design: THDP
Photography: Barbara Santoro