Rocco Forte Hotels will open its second hotel in the southern Italian region of Puglia. Masseria del Cardinale is scheduled to debut in 2028 in Fasano. The development follows the opening of Masseria Torre Maizza in 2019 and continues the group’s expansion in Italy.
The estate is leased through an agreement with PGIM’s real estate business Re.vo and Dekus serves as development partner. The property is located in the Itria Valley, an area known for its landscapes and historical villages.
Masseria del Cardinale will have 86 rooms and suites. Planned facilities include restaurants, a bar, event and meeting spaces, an Irene Forte Spa and a large swimming pool. The renovation of the estate will be led by Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairman and Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, in collaboration with Luigi Fragola Architects, a Florence-based architecture studio.
“Puglia has earned a special place in the heart of our brand, the region represents one of Italy’s extraordinary excellences,” said Olga Polizzi, adding, “Masseria del Cardinale is a perfect complement to the successful Masseria Torre Maizza.”
“With four new openings planned over the next three years – Sardinia, Sicily, Naples, and now Puglia – the signing of Masseria del Cardinale is a clear indication of Italy’s continuing importance to the brand’s growth,” said Charles Forte, director of development at Rocco Forte Hotels.
Rocco Forte Hotels was established in 1996 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Lady Olga Polizzi. The company operates a collection of 15 hotels, resorts, residences and villas. The portfolio includes properties in Milan, Rome, Florence, Sicily, Puglia, Edinburgh, London, Munich, Brussels and St Petersburg.
Current properties include The Carlton Milan and Rocco Forte House in Milan, Hotel de la Ville, Hotel de Russie and Rocco Forte House in Rome, Hotel Savoy in Florence, Verdura Resort, Rocco Forte Private Villas and Villa Igiea in Sicily, Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia, The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Brown’s Hotel in London, The Charles Hotel in Munich, Hotel Amigo in Brussels and Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg.
Future openings are scheduled for Costa Smeralda in Sardinia in 2026 and Palazzo Castelluccio in Noto and Palazzo Sirignano in Naples in 2027.
The addition of Masseria del Cardinale will expand the group’s presence in southern Italy and represent its second operating location in Puglia following Masseria Torre Maizza.