In Diso for the Mohala Boutique Hotel and the illuminations

Another interesting getaway could be to Diso, a village renowned for its churches built of Lecce stone, amongst which the church dedicated to the patron saints Philip and James stands out. And for its tradition of illuminations, which attract thousands of enthusiasts here during the summer months. Now, on the very central Via Filippo Bottazzi, in what used to be the local tobacco factory, the Mohala Boutique Hotel has made its grand debut. The original exterior architecture has been largely preserved, whilst inside, under the direction of Celeste Orlandi, Alessandro Boracci has created an authentic tropical oasis where exotic plants coexist in harmony with the Corten steel structures and sculptures created by the artist Daniele Dell’Angelo Custode. Every room in this flamboyant jungle ‘slides’ into the swimming pool via bridges and terraces made of wood, stone and iron. Boracci’s passion for surfing and Hawaii has had a profound influence on him; he has transformed the underground chamber into a dreamlike spa, set amongst star-vaulted ceilings and Leccese stone pillars, where the large, mesmerising pool is filled with seawater. Chef Giuseppe Amato, fresh from his training in the kitchens of Gualtiero Marchesi and Alain Ducasse, experiments with creative flair to craft imaginative dishes, including vegetarian options, amongst which the chlorophyll spaghetti stands out.