Summer Travels Part 1 : Puglia, Italy
ciao!
Writing to you live from the Naples airport! When I first got here today I was too early for bag drop (and was admittedly irritated…) but as I sit here in the coffee shop with my latte and chocolate croissant, I am glad I have some time to kill.
I spent the last week in Puglia, Italy celebrating the collaboration of J.Crew & Masseria San Domenico, a luxury hotel. I know I don’t frequently speak about my job on here, but what a proud moment and special experience. We welcomed 20 VIP guests to kick off the partnership and then opened, J.Crew a Mare, our beach club takeover at the hotel’s space on the water. Everything about this was stunning, rewarding, special, and holistic. The collaboration is still live on J.Crew’s website, and beautiful images from the event & beach club activation are live on social (shot by the fabulous Lucy Laucht and Tor Harrison) if you care to take a peak. Through my lens below -
One of the fabulous perks of this trip, and this experience, was the chance to learn about and understand the Puglia culture and region. The eastern coast of Italy, the tip of the boot, on the Adriatic sea. Known for its seafood, olives, figs, and cherries, the region is rich in history, unique tastes, and colorful flora.
During the trip, we traveled to three towns in the area: Fasano, Ostuni, and Alberobella. Each incredibly different yet rich in the cultivated aesthetic and common architecture of the region.
Ostuni
Nestled in the hillside, the incline of this town was no joke. We definitely underestimated how many flights of stairs we would be climbing. Filled with cute pottery shops and Aperol spritz bars, Ostuni was one of the cutest Italian towns I have ever had the chance to see. We stopped in a pottery shop and purchased some bowls with the signature splatter paint design native to the Puglian coast (centuries ago, they used large leaves doused in paint to achieve the aesthetic!). There a ton of rotating markets that come through the city with lace, pottery, and other types of Italian art that we wished we could have caught!
During sunset, we traveled up hills (many) to get to Borgo Antico Bistrot. What I initially thought may be a “tiktok & tourist trap” turned out to be one of the beautiful sights and moments of my life. The view was breathtaking, the food was incredible, and it was surprisingly easy to get a table. I will never forget this sunset! We walked a short way to dinner at Casa San Giacomo, which featured an incredible and authentic Puglian menu; pasta, meat, and seafood. They also host pasta making classes with the chefs - would be so fun!
Fasano
The hotel that we had partnered with, Masseria San Domenico, is in the flatlands that lead to the beach just outside of Fasano. Masseria, as I learned, means “farmhouse”. There are many famous masserias in Puglia that have been converted to hotels and resorts, including this one, and the area is rich in these massive, unchanged farmhouses from years and years before. Recently, a hotel conglomerate replicated (beautifully) the aesthetic and architecture of these old farmhouses and villas and created the village that is Borgo Egnazia, another property that sits in this same area of Fasano. We ate at Masseria San Domenico’s restaurant which was superb, and Borgo Egnazia’s La Frasca which also lived up to the hype. Both properties were unique and beautiful in their own ways.
We also ventured into the main town of Fasano. More authentic than Ostuni (not as many tourist & gift shops), Fasano has beautiful art pieces draped throughout the streets and above the lamp posts that reminded me of a painting of picture of what you would find in old Italy - truly breathtaking. We ate at Forcella Cucina & Cantina, a “if you know you know” place. The mussels & eggplant parmesan changed my life!
Alberobella
One of my favorite places I have ever been in my life! We took a day trip about 40 minutes away to this historic, somehow unchanged town in the hillside. For miles, all you see are these little huts, called trulli, that serve as any and all businesses, homes, shops, restaurants, churches, in the town. It was truly spectacular and so cool. We stopped in vintage lace shops throughout the village and watched accordion players in the streets - a true Italian experience. What a special place this was, and how cool that all of these trullis are preserved and used to house even the modern businesses. This place was a must see!
Truly one of the most memorable trips of my life, coupled with one of the most special career moments I have had this far. So proud to say that I contributed & that we accomplished something so special and innately J.Crew while also staying true and authentic to the region. No small feat!
Thrilled to share this half, and the rest of my European vacation with you all in Part 2! Feeling so grateful and lucky. Follow along on my Instagram for more content on Italy & my life back home - thank you all for being here xx
Love Ostuni!
Amazing!! I’m living vicariously!!!