We Love —
- Taking a dip in the outdoor seawater swimming pool to enjoy the Ionian Sea's therapeutic properties.
- Dining at the laid-back Mediterraneo Restaurant for a delicious lunch paired with a refreshing breeze and picture-perfect views of the sea and dunes.
- Making our way through the massaging jets and the Kneipp pebble path of the Aquatonic Course to de-stress and stimulate our senses.
Customer reviews —
Welcome to the Stornara Nature Reserve in Apulia, where the Kalidria Hotel & Thalasso Spa is located. Surrounded by a lush pine forest that reaches down to a long, private beach of fine sand, the hotel and its splendid setting overlook the Ionian Sea. If you're looking for tranquillity and comfort, you've come to the right place: the wonderful Riserva Ethra complex is home to our Kalidria Hotel and Ethra Thalasso Spa, one of Italy's most prestigious thalassotherapy centres.
Kalidria Hotel & Thalasso Spa 5* —
Meticulously designed with comfort and wellness in mind by noted architect Emilio Ambasz, the idyllic Kalidria Hotel & Thalasso Spa 5* is a luxurious, eco-friendly paradise in scenic Puglia.
An ideal destination for those looking to get away and unwind, this hotel offers exceptional modern facilities, including a thalassotherapy spa and a 5 km stretch of private beach, all of which make for a divine holiday in the Italian sun.
Your room —
Choose between a stay in a Classic Room or a Superior Room.
Classic Room (30 m²)
Warm and inviting, the Classic Room offers a cosy retreat at the end of a lively day with a contemporary interior, two French beds and luxurious amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.
Superior Room (37 m²)
Make yourself comfortable in the stylish and cosy Superior Room, which features a bright and spacious interior, spa-like bathroom and private terrace offering views of the pine forest.
Your dining choices
This is a half board stay. Your breakfast and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).
Experience the flavours of Puglia at the Kalidria Restaurant, where fine Italian cuisine with an emphasis on ingredients grown and produced in Puglia awaits you. Here you can spend a warm summer evening on the terrace shaded under lush vegetation as you partake in mouthwatering and innovative dishes. After dinner, unwind with live music and an aperitif from The Kalidria Bar, where the drinks look as good as they taste.
Your time
Let the waters of the Ionian Sea work their magic on you at the Ethra Thalasso Spa, which offers 3,500 m2 of pure bliss, including seawater pools, jacuzzis, a solarium, an Acquatonic Course, a hammam and saunas. Awaken your senses with a Seawater Affusion Massage or opt for an exfoliating scrub for a refreshed look and a natural glow.
On extra sunny days, take to the hotel's private stretch of pristine beach and relax on your sunbed with a drink from the Beach Bar as you work on getting the perfect tan before cooling off with a dip in the sea.
Optional excursions and extras —
Guided tour of the Sassi districts of Matera
Explore the Sassi districts of Matera with a guide, discovering troglodyte buildings, historic monuments and panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Audio tour of Matera in a panoramic minibus
Discover Matera's historic centre on board a panoramic minibus, with stops to explore sites such as the Casa Grotta troglodyte house and Cava Paradiso, while enjoying cultural and historical commentary via audioguide.
Guided tour of Matera by tuk-tuk
Explore Matera's iconic Sassi by tuk-tuk, with a local driver-guide, stops at historic sites, and a visit to a troglodyte house, all in 45 minutes.
Boat hire without licence (full day - maximum 7 people)
Explore Puglia's splendid coastline on board a boat, offering a unique and memorable experience at sea.
Catamaran cruise - Santa Maria di Leuca
Discover the magic of Puglia with an unforgettable catamaran excursion offering breathtaking views of Santa Maria di Leuca and the Tacco d'Italia from the sea.
Aperitif cruise to the caves of Polignano a Mare
Explore the most beautiful sea caves of Polignano a Mare during a 1.5-hour boat trip with swimming and an aperitif of prosecco and taralli.
Guided tour of Alberobello
Discover Alberobello and its famous trulli on a guided walking tour through its historic neighbourhoods, immersing yourself in the history, architecture and traditions of Puglia.
Your journey to Italy —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Puglia —
Welcome to Puglia, Italy's sun-drenched southern gem, where ancient history, stunning coastlines, and culinary delights converge. Located in the heel of Italy's boot, Puglia offers travelers an authentic Italian experience away from the bustling crowds.
Must-sees:
- Lecce: Often dubbed the "Florence of the South," Lecce is renowned for its Baroque architecture, with ornate churches and palaces lining its historic streets.
- Alberobello: This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its "trulli" – whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, offering a glimpse into traditional Apulian life.
- Castel del Monte: A 13th-century castle with a unique octagonal design, reflecting a blend of cultural influences and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Culinary culture:
Puglia's cuisine is a celebration of simplicity and local produce. The region is a significant producer of olive oil and wine, with more wine production than any other Italian region. Traditional dishes include orecchiette pasta, often served with turnip tops or rich tomato sauces, and "puccia," a sandwich made with pizza dough. Seafood lovers will delight in the fresh catches from the Adriatic and Ionian seas, featured prominently in local menus.
Dive deeper:
Beyond its well-known attractions, Puglia offers numerous medieval towns such as Polignano a Mare and Martina Franca, each with its own unique charm. The region boasts two national parks, offering opportunities for hiking and biking amidst diverse landscapes. For a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional "masseria," a restored farmhouse that immerses you in the region's rustic charm.
Good to know:
Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner. Traveling by car is recommended to fully experience Puglia's offerings, as it allows access to its many hidden gems. The region is well-connected, with airports in Bari and Brindisi offering flights to various destinations. While Italian is the official language, English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
