MIRA Acaya Golf Resort & SPA ★★★★

You say golf clubs

Respected American golf course architects Hurdzan and Fry designed the course to respect all the natural beauty of the landscape. Tricky water hazards, strategically placed vegetation, rocky outcrops, and sometimes unpredictable winds will put your skills to the test from hole 1 through 18. Novices can also enjoy the course at their own pace while taking in the scenic backdrop of the Italian countryside.

I say sauna

In the spa, enjoy the three Roman pools – all different temperatures – or perhaps being pampered in one of the 8 treatment rooms with a facial, mud wrap, or a holistic massage. There are also couple’s massages available in the Private Thermal Suite.

You say tour guide

The town of Lecce is a beautiful Baroque town, its outstanding architectural heritage, quaint antique shops, and sleek, designer boutiques should keep everyone happy.

I say fauna

Green as far as the eye can see. Situated right next to the WWF Nature Reserve of La Cesine, surrounded by 300 acres of olive groves, the Acaya Golf Resort is as pastoral as it gets. And for a good dose of sunshine-induced endorphins and healthy sea air, the hotel has its own private beach on the Adriatic Sea.

You say king size and I say cosy

The luxurious bedding, down pillows, and king-size beds take comfort to the height of luxury. The rooms are stylish, the decor timeless; simple, unostentatious elegance. Naturally, everything one could expect from luxury establishment: climate control, large flat-screen TV, minibar, Wi-Fi, shower, bath, complimentary natural Aroma Active products by Geraldine Howard.

You say health food and I say, ‘Really?’

For breakfast, enjoy freshly squeezed fruit juice or frothy cappuccino. For lunch, a light snack at the pool bar, near the golf course. For dinner, typical Salento dishes in the Giangiacomo, the resort’s fine dining option. Here, sample fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients in a mix of traditional and international cuisine, designed to be digestible and light.

With so many activities on offer – the Acaya Golf Resort is certainly not a compromise!