Alessandra: Puglia’s best eco-retreat manager – A story of Italian excellence

Tell us about yourself and the story of Masseria Montenapoleone. 

Masseria Montenapoleone was born from the idea of respecting Nature, restoring biodiversity, and cultivating organically. Founded in the early 2000s, the Monteneve-Van Gaubergen family breathed new life into this forgotten Masseria, transforming it into a vibrant oasis.

Giuliano Monteneve, the General Manager and owner, has roots in Puglia and Flanders, and his years in southern France shaped his taste and vision. He aimed to create an authentic place reflecting his heritage, blending Puglian tradition with original touches. The colors and decor combine pieces of the past with innovative interpretations, showcasing a fusion of cultures.

I joined in 2014, bringing my experience from the film industry to create nature-inspired activities. Together with my husband Giuliano, who has overseen agricultural production from the start, we manage the Masseria, crafting a space where history, nature, and innovation coexist harmoniously.
 

What is the philosophy behind Masseria Montenapoleone? 

We love bringing our guests to the heart of production, embracing the rhythm of the past and the art of slow living. Nature offers everything we need, teaching us to respect the life cycle in realizing dreams and projects. There is a time for sowing and a time for harvesting, requiring care and trust in the gifts of our land.
 

What makes the Masseria Montenapoleone experience unique? 

We create what I like to call "dreams of reality." Coming from a background in creative writing and film production, each experience here is like a movie: I set the scene, choose the soundtrack, and see our guests as real characters with genuine emotions. Every day is a new chapter, a new episode to direct. Our mission is to engage the senses, evoking emotions that become cherished memories—memories that enrich the human emotional journey and provide comfort in daily life.
 

How does Masseria Montenapoleone highlight Puglia’s culture and traditions?

At the heart of every action and decision is Puglia. We deeply love our native land, which represents a lifestyle, gastronomic tradition, art, literature, and historical value. Staying with us means immersing oneself in the Puglian lifestyle—from agricultural production to culinary offerings, sharing the region’s natural beauty, and experiencing it from an insider’s perspective.
 

You describe yourselves as a “biomasseria.” What does that mean?

Being a “biomasseria” means farming in harmony with our agricultural traditions and following organic practices like crop rotation and using ancient seeds. We support local species to preserve the region’s identity. To reduce environmental impact, we use renewable energy: photovoltaic panels generate electricity, while solar panels and biomass systems produce hot water and heating.

Sustainability extends to our design, with the restoration of antique objects found in the Masseria and at local markets. Vintage furniture is renewed seasonally, blending Mediterranean colors with Nordic influences, reflecting our cultural fusion. We use local materials like stone and wood, alongside eco-friendly mortars for conservation work. Each room is unique, showcasing a design that blends tradition with creativity, with upcycled elements like old shutters, farm tools as furniture, antique prints, wooden doors, and century-old iron beds.

What are the main challenges you face in running a hospitality business focused on sustainability and authenticity?

The costs are high, and raising awareness about respecting the environment is a continuous effort. We remain committed to our identity, despite the complexities and challenges.

Is there a particular moment or anecdote from your experience at Masseria Montenapoleone that stands out?

One memorable moment was when Oliver Stone, the legendary filmmaker, joined us for dinner. He spent hours with us, captivated by our sustainable philosophy and intrigued by our vision and daily practices. We talked about potential new stories to tell… who knows what the future holds?
 

What does going the “extra mile” mean to you?

Staying open year-round is a significant economic effort, but it’s essential. In the countryside, seasons exist and offer different fruits, tastes, and colors—it’s wonderful to give our guests the opportunity to experience the changing seasons. We also strive to reduce the seasonality of tourism jobs, offering continuous employment opportunities.
 

What is your favorite place within the Masseria or nearby?

It’s impossible to choose just one! I love our Susumaniello Vineyard, where we produce our organic “Primi Passi” wine and host sunset aperitifs and dinners, surrounded by pink and orange hues with the sea on the horizon. I am also in love with our centuries-old olive grove, which produces three types of extra virgin olive oil: Mille, Cento, and Venti5, named after the age of the trees. Here, we organize picnics and grow ancient grains in rotation. Another special place is Herbarium, our holistic center, where ethnobotany is at the core of massages and treatments, using local botanical extracts to enhance well-being. Herbarium features the Vasca del Tempo, which enriches the relaxation experience with a view of the Orange Grove, and our “sky room,” an open-air space immersed in greenery for a rejuvenating massage. Every corner invites connection with Nature and rediscovery of inner balance.
 

What steps are necessary to improve sustainability in hospitality and promote more responsible tourism?

We need to avoid overcrowding during peak season. Mass tourism brings no real growth to the region. Promoting mindful tourism year-round can help reduce environmental pollution from transport and waste. Supporting recycling in all areas, enhancing infrastructure, increasing direct flights, and fostering dialogue and collaboration among tourism operators are crucial to protecting our natural, cultural, and architectural heritage.
 

What are the future plans for Masseria Montenapoleone? 

Our focus will remain on agricultural production and processing raw materials, supporting our farm-to-table culinary experience. Giuliano has planted new grape varieties: Ottavianello and Aleatico for rosé and dessert wines, and Impigno, Falanghina, and Minutolo for still white wine and classic method sparkling wine. We are about to open “MM Farm,” where we will complete the production cycle and process our goods, available at our BioRistoBar La Falegnameria and the new Montenapoleone Boutique. MM Farm will host the “Academy of Taste,” offering cooking classes, wine, olive oil, and rosolio tastings. Our hope is that tourism in Puglia continues to appreciate and protect our natural and cultural treasures, while staying true to its authentic roots.