LuciaGiovanni’s style is unmistakably Arabic, and the castle-like building on an expansive green property is filled with dark, intricately carved wood and bright red, purple, and gold patterned fabrics. Like a traditional Moroccan palace, the 28 rooms and suites surround an inner courtyard, and a fire is lit in the center of the space in cooler evenings. Music and an exotic perfume fill the area. The large outdoor pool has a beach-like sloped entrance and is surrounded by white-curtained cabanas and bed-like loungers. The restaurant has arched ceilings and beautiful tiled floors. The spa is a similar escape, filled with dark purple accents.

The hotel is on a gated property in a quiet part of Lecce, removed from the bustle of the city and several minutes from its historic old town via car. The beach is a quick drive away as well, and there’s also a bike path opposite the hotel that reaches the center of Lecce. Otranto, known for its famous cathedral, is a longer drive away, around 45 minutes to the south.

LuciaGiovanni’s 28 rooms and suites continue the Moroccan look, with high wood-beamed ceilings and purple, crimson, and brown shades everywhere, right down to the bath towels. The metal four-poster beds draped with plum-colored fabric are a bit high from the ground, so shorter guests might find it challenging to climb onto. Modern amenities include large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. The bathrooms can be on the dark side, making it difficult to shave or apply makeup, but it matches the venue’s overall romantic atmosphere.

The hotel’s expansive spa has a sauna, steam bath, hot tub, and a secluded indoor/outdoor thalassic pool area filled with lamps. A range of services are available as well, including guided yoga/meditation and massages. There’s also a large outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. LuciaGiovanni provides free breakfast and the on-site restaurant serves foods typical of Salento, including vegetables and fruits grown nearby as well as fresh fish and other seafood. The hotel also has a conference space, along with a fitness center and squash court.