“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.”
For the second of our 2022 Adventures with IWC, we ventured back to a place that we’ve visited for many years and which we hold dear in our hearts, Puglia in Southern Italy and the magical town of Ostuni.
Rising high above the vast olive-carpeted plateau of the lower Murgia, Ostuni has long been an awe-inspiring sight for those travelling across Puglia. After a long winding drive through acres and acres of olive groves, Ostuni emerges tall and proud, a majestic city made up of uniformly white historic buildings and the jewel at the top, the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
An architectural wonder in its own right, our home for the week was the iconic and inimitable Masseria Moroseta, a sun-drenched, whitewashed, contemporary 'Masseria' set amongst the landscape of ancient olive trees, with views of Ostuni and the Adriatic Sea. Designed by renowned architect Andrew Trotter, Masseria Moroseta was born from falling in love: falling in love with a unique land, with local traditions, with simple and authentic flavours and with each other.
— Falling in love with Masseria Moroseta in Ostuni
— Masseria Moroseta stunning architecture by Andrew Trotter
— Sarah-Louise wearing the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 IW459008
Moroseta is a special place, popular with creatives, artists, architects and designers, owners Carlo Lanzini and Alessio Manca have created a true home away from home in the beautiful Italian countryside. A place to escape, unwind and connect with nature. Four double rooms and two suites are accessed via the central courtyard, feature chalk-white walls, limestone floors and shuttered French doors opening onto secluded outdoor areas. Furnishings are simple, elegant and rustic. The pool looks out over the olive groves and is the place you’re sure to spend most of your time at Moroseta, clean and minimalist colours are combined to create a tasteful environment, a space to unwind and escape the bustle of the outside world.
At the helm of the Moroseta kitchen, is resident chef and culinary icon, Giorgia Eugenia Goggi. Giorgia’s food is beautiful and delicious, her ethos is seasonal, locally produced or homegrown and healthy spontaneous cuisine. Each meal is an event, and every dish as fresh and delicious as the next. Dinners at Moroseta are sociable events under the stars, beautiful communal tables line the courtyards and are dressed with rustic Puglian ceramics and candlelight, an opportunity to meet new people, have interesting conversation and enjoy the days delicious dinner offerings.
iwc.everything.shoppable.seewatch
— Christopher Phelps from the Adventures of Us with his Portugieser Chronograph IW371604
The Portugieser Chronograph with white dial is a classic timepiece that settles into its surroundings flawlessly; dressed up or down, it is the perfect accompaniment to the rustic glamour of an Italian country break. The chic Portofino Automatic Moon Phase is an elegant addition to an Italian evening under the stars, taking you from day to night effortlessly. Our watches of choice for the trip and two of our favourites, ensuring we’re always on time.
When you’re not laying by the pool enjoying the light Puglian breeze and a Moroseta Spritz, head out to explore local historic towns and beaches in Monopoli, Matera and Polignano a Mare. Our favourite places to dine are Il Cortiletto in Fasano, a speakeasy style trattoria serving up the freshest local fare in a beautiful hidden courtyard. For something special, dress up and head to the incredible and iconic Borgo Egnazia for a Michelin Star meal at Due Camini in a truly magical setting loved by celebrities and jetsetters alike.
Golden hour in Puglia ...
... With the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37
— Christopher Phelps from The Adventures of us in Masseria Moroseta
Want to know where we’ll head to next? Follow the @IWCjournal to find out.
#AdventureswithIWC
Sarah-Louise Marks and Christopher Phelps run the popular travel blog “The Adventures of Us” . The London-based couple are sharing their breathtaking escapes on The Journal in a special travel series.
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