Trulli Damari Review: A Dreamy Trullo Hotel in Puglia
If you have been searching for the perfect boutique hotel in Puglia, Italy, I may have found a very special place.
Picture arriving in the countryside, where olive groves give way to colorful gardens. Gray stone cone shaped roofs rise above whitewashed walls, bringing the unmistakable trulli you have probably seen countless times on Pinterest to life before your eyes.
Welcome to Trulli Damari.
If you are visiting Puglia, consider spending at least a few nights in a traditional trullo or countryside masseria. It is one of the best ways to experience the distinctive architecture, landscapes, and slower pace of life that make this region so special.
Surrounded by lush gardens in the heart of the Valle d’Itria (Itria Valley), the property feels peaceful and secluded while still being close to some of the most beautiful towns in Puglia.
We spent three nights at Trulli Damari in June as part of our seven day Puglia road trip. From our spacious suite and private rooftop to the pristine gardens, the pool, and memorable food, this was one of the most special hotel experiences of our trip.
In this Trulli Damari review, I am sharing what our stay was really like, what we loved most, and everything you should know before booking.
Disclosure: Our stay at Trulli Damari was hosted. As always, all opinions and experiences shared in this review are my own.
Trulli Damari at a Glance
Trulli Damari is a boutique countryside retreat located just outside Locorotondo, in the heart of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria. Its suites are set within trulli that were carefully restored and rebuilt, the traditional stone houses with conical roofs that are characteristic of this part of southern Italy. The property opened in 2025 following five years of careful restoration and development. That attention to detail is evident throughout, with modern comforts thoughtfully incorporated while preserving the character of the traditional trulli.
Best for: Couples and slow travelers looking for an idyllic countryside base in the Valle d’Itria
Not for: Travelers who want to walk from their hotel to multiple restaurants and bars
Location: Just outside Locorotondo, approximately five minutes from Locorotondo, 10 minutes from Cisternino, and 15 minutes from Alberobello and Martina Franca
Season: Open seasonally. For 2026, Trulli Damari closes on October 31.
Bottom line: One of the most genuinely special places we stayed in Puglia, with thoughtful hospitality that was every bit as memorable as the setting
Location
Trulli Damari sits outside Locorotondo, about a five minute drive from the historic center.
This is genuinely a great base for the Valle d’Itria. Drive times from the property:
- Locorotondo: 5 minutes
- Cisternino: 10 minutes
- Alberobello: 15 minutes
- Martina Franca: 15 minutes
- Polignano a Mare: 30 minutes
- Monopoli: 25 minutes
- Ostuni: 30 minutes
All of these towns are approximately 30 minutes away or less, making Trulli Damari an excellent base without having to switch hotels throughout your trip.
If you want the full route we took, I mapped the whole thing out in my Puglia itinerary.
Our Suite: The White Loft
All of the accommodations at Trulli Damari are suites, each with a bedroom, modern bathroom, and separate living area.
We stayed in the White Loft, a spacious suite with exposed stone walls and plenty of room to relax. It included a living area with a sofa and television, a separate bedroom, a generously sized bathroom, and a private patio.
The most memorable feature was our private rooftop, which had a plunge bath and loungers. That rooftop made the stay for us, honestly. We started our mornings there with coffee and returned in the evenings to enjoy a glass of wine or two. Having your own elevated outdoor space in complete privacy is something you rarely find at a hotel.
The combination of historic trullo architecture, exposed stone walls, and a spacious modern layout made the suite feel distinctive without sacrificing comfort.
The White Loft is not currently listed on the Trulli Damari website for this season, so I recommend contacting the property directly if you are interested in this particular suite. However, all of the suites at Trulli Damari are spacious, and there are several other appealing options.
The Pool and Gardens
The pool was one of my favorite parts of the hotel. Surrounded by the property’s manicured grounds, the entire area has a quiet countryside atmosphere. Summers in Puglia can get quite hot, so we returned to the hotel during the middle of the day to swim and cool off.
The gardens were an unexpected highlight. Two gardeners care for the grounds, and everything was in pristine condition when we visited. The property grows an impressive variety of produce, including zucchini, tomatoes, and many different herbs.
I especially loved the butterfly bushes. Their purple flowers attract butterflies, and we often watched them flutter around the blooms. It was a small detail, but it added to the sense that the gardens were alive and thoughtfully cared for.
The lush landscaping is a large part of what makes Trulli Damari feel so special. This is not simply a place to sleep while exploring Puglia. The grounds invite you to slow down and spend part of your day enjoying the hotel itself.
Breakfast and Dining at Trulli Damari
I’m going to say it: most hotel breakfasts in the US are genuinely terrible. I always look forward to breakfast when traveling abroad, and breakfast at Trulli Damari, prepared by their in house chef, Mirko, was outstanding.
The selection varied each morning, making it feel much more thoughtful than a standard hotel buffet. We enjoyed freshly prepared coffee, fruit, pastries, egg dishes, and a rotating buffet selection. There was enough variety to try something different each day of our three night stay.
The setting beneath the grapevines and olive trees could not have been more perfect. Even the little white Trulli Damari logo in the photo below was so cute and thoughtfully placed.
We did not have a regular dinner at the hotel, but we happened to visit during a Taranta Dance Party. Taranta is a traditional Puglian music and dance celebration filled with tambourines and energetic rhythms. Trulli Damari brought in live musicians for the evening, creating a lively celebration of the food, music, and traditions of Puglia.
Everyone was invited to participate in the traditional dance. The steps were easy to follow, and it became one of the most fun and memorable experiences of our stay. The hotel also prepared Apulian dishes for the evening, including panzerotti, and the entire dinner was delicious.
Cultural experiences at hotels can sometimes feel staged for visitors, but this evening felt genuinely joyful and welcoming. It allowed us to experience a part of Puglian culture while connecting with the other guests.
Trulli Damari hosts the Taranta Dance Party several times throughout the year. If one is scheduled during your stay, I highly recommend joining. At the time of our visit, the dinner and dancing experience cost €50 per person.
The Spa and Sensorial Journey Through the Garden
We did not use the spa during our stay, mostly because we preferred relaxing by the pool or on our private rooftop. We did participate in Trulli Damari’s sensorial journey through the garden. The experience began with a guided meditation with Tibetan singing bells and sound therapy, and continued with a slow walk through the property’s gardens. It encouraged us to pay closer attention to the plants, scents, sounds, and other details around us rather than simply walking through the grounds.
Unfortunately, construction was taking place at a neighboring property during our session, so the noise interrupted what was intended to be a quiet experience. This was outside Trulli Damari’s control, and the staff did their best to ask the neighboring construction crew to pause. I appreciated how seriously the team took the issue and how quickly they tried to help.
What We Loved Most
Several things made our stay at Trulli Damari stand out.
First, the location offers an ideal balance. The property feels peaceful and tucked away in the countryside, yet many of Puglia’s loveliest hill towns and villages are only a short drive away.
Second, the setting is genuinely hard to beat. The gardens, pool, and traditional stone trulli give the property a sense of character that feels much more personal than a typical hotel.
Most of all, the staff were incredible. Everyone went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Whatever we needed, they genuinely tried their best to help.
Chef Mirko even took us on a walk through the gardens, explaining the different herbs and vegetables they grow and use in the kitchen. He also prepared a scrambled egg dish with truffle for us at breakfast. These thoughtful, personal moments showed how much he cared and made the hospitality at Trulli Damari especially memorable.
Things to Know Before Booking
- You will need a rental car. The countryside location is part of the appeal, but it also means that a car is the most practical way to arrive and explore the surrounding towns.
- The property is seasonal. Trulli Damari closes for the season on October 31, so check the available dates before planning your trip.
- The White Loft is not currently listed online. Our suite is not currently shown on the hotel’s website for this season. Contact the property directly if you would like to ask about it.
- Allow time to enjoy the hotel. It can be tempting to fill every day in Puglia with towns and beaches, but the pool, private outdoor spaces, and gardens are part of the experience. I recommend leaving at least one slow afternoon in your itinerary.
FAQ
Where is Trulli Damari? Just outside Locorotondo in the Valle d’Itria, Puglia, about a five minute drive from the town’s historic center.
When is Trulli Damari open? It operates seasonally. For 2026, the season will end October 31. For 2027, it will be open March 26 until October 31.
Is breakfast included at Trulli Damari? Yes. It is a varied spread that changes daily, with freshly made coffee, fruit, pastries, egg dishes and a buffet.
Do you need a car to stay at Trulli Damari? Yes. The property is outside the town center and there is no walkable dining, so a rental car is essential. You will want one to explore Puglia regardless.
How far is Trulli Damari from Alberobello? About 15 minutes by car.
Is there a swimming pool at Trulli Damari? Yes, there is a pool with sun loungers and beds.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Trulli Damari was one of the most memorable hotels from our Puglia road trip. I would recommend it to couples and travelers looking for a peaceful countryside retreat with gorgeous surroundings, thoughtful hospitality, and easy access to the towns of the Valle d’Itria. I would happily stay here again.
Read next: If you are looking for inspiration for the rest of your trip, take a look at my 7 day Puglia itinerary, which includes neighboring Matera, and my full Matera travel guide.
