Mr & Mrs Smith Borgo Canonica

Start with what’s on offer at the Borgo itself: leisurely, delicious breakfasts; poolside relaxing; wine tastings and cookery classes. Beach bunnies will want to head to Polignano a Mare (a 45-minute drive from the hotel), a seaside town on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast that’s famous for white-pebble beach Lama Monachile (aka Cala Porto), which is bordered by a Roman bridge. Visit Trani, a picturesque town with honey-hued architecture, churches, a castle and a lively seafront, where fishermen sell their catch each morning. Cisternino is also worth exploring for its architecture and stellar restaurants. The Unesco-listed Castel del Monte in Andria is something of a mystery: it lacks the features of a traditional military fort and is built on a hill, not a strategically sound choice. If you have animal-loving little Smiths in tow, take them to Fasano Zoo on Via della Zoo. And make the 30-minute drive to Ostuni to immortalise its stunning views with your camera.