Baglioni Masseria Muzza, which opened this month, is housed in a 17th-century fortified farmhouse, close to the Unesco-listed heritage city of Otranto. It is the group’s sixth property in Italy.

The property is centred around an historic whitewashed building and surrounded by five acres of countryside, with the 40 rooms and suites dotted around the central courtyard in former stables and barns, some of which have balconies and verandas overlooking the Alimini lakes.

Guido Polito, Baglioni Hotels & Resorts’ chief executive, said: “Similar to Baglioni Resort Sardinia, which we opened last year, we are once again offering our guests a five-star resort that is wholly immersed in nature.

“The Masseria Muzza is near Otranto and close to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Salento coast.”

Facilities include two restaurants, both offering local cuisine, alongside an infinity pool and a hotel spa offering steam bath, covered pool, sauna, ice fountain, sensory showers, four treatment rooms and a fitness room.

The estate and countryside provide the backdrop for yoga, jogging, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, while Acaya Golf Club is also located nearby.

The Salento coast is popular for activities such as diving, snorkelling, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing and fishing.