Figs, Warmth & Biodiversity At Furnirussi Tenuta In Puglia Italy

Head to the cultural heart of Grecia Salentina, and you’ll find Furnirussi Tenuta. This charming family-run hotel offers a blend of heritage, sustainability, and luxury in Puglia, the vegetable garden of Italy
Furnirussi Eco Stay aerial drone view of the property

This 12-hectare estate tells a story that begins in 2006 when the De Santis family set out to revive a forgotten tradition. What started as a bare plot of land has blossomed into one of Europe’s most extensive certified organic fig plantations, now home to 6,000 fig trees representing 48 varieties. The plantation uses traditional farming techniques, prioritising soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. The estate promotes natural ecosystems by avoiding harmful pesticides and chemical fertilisers, encouraging pollinators like bees and butterflies to thrive. During your stay, you’re encouraged to learn about these methods to bridge the gap between the farm and your plate. Wander the orchards, learn about sustainable farming methods, and enjoy figs fresh from the trees. This isn’t just a farm—it’s a celebration of Puglia’s agricultural heritage, providing an immersive experience that connects you to the land, its history and its traditions.

The De Santis family planted these trees to reconnect the region to its agricultural roots. By 2012, their passion project became a boutique hotel featuring 25 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites. Each space reflects the essence of Puglia, with local stone, natural tones, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

A Taste of Grecia Salentina’s Culture
The Grecia Salentina region is a unique cultural enclave where many locals still speak a Greek dialect—a testament to centuries-old ties with nearby Greece. From Otranto, just 10 minutes away, you can take a boat to small Greek islands, reachable within 1.5 hours, making the estate a perfect base for exploring both Italian and Greek heritage.

Furnirussi Tenuta logo in white
Interior Room View At Furnirussi Tenuta
Interior Room View At Furnirussi Tenuta.
Image Courtesy of Furnirussi Tenuta
Interior Room View At Furnirussi Tenuta of Queen size bed and window.
Interior Room View At Furnirussi Tenuta of Queen Size Bed & Window.
Image Courtesy of Furnirussi Tenuta

Luxury with a Sustainable Soul

The hotel itself embodies sustainability. Built using local materials, the design integrates with the landscape. Eco-conscious practices, such as water conservation and renewable energy use, are woven into the estate’s daily operations. Even the spa treatments embrace nature, featuring local ingredients like fig extracts and olive oil.

Authentic charm, warm hospitality, and a chic, relaxed vibe make Furnirussi one of the best owner-managed hotels in Puglia. The interiors are light and fresh in a soft, muted colour palette of whites, greys and beiges; floors are covered with rugs made by the local nuns, and furniture made in Puglia, adorned with local ceramics. Rooms and suites are bright and spacious; some have interconnecting rooms, making them ideal for families. Bathrooms are modern, and British-brand Votary bath and body products packaged in aluminium are used to avoid plastic and keep with the organic way of living. Room 104, one of the hotel’s expansive suites, has a huge private terrace with panoramic views across the estate. It would work for a family of four with small children, but it is also excellent as a romantic hideaway. Every detail is a nod to the past while embracing the future with eco-conscious practices; Furnirussi Tenuta has taken steps to phase out single-use plastics throughout its operations. The rooms feature glass water bottles and biodegradable bath and body products, and the restaurant and bar use reusable or compostable materials wherever possible.

The huge pool has a decidedly beach vibe, and there’s a pool bar open May to October. It’s made from marble powder and certified with a bio-design patent, making it entirely organic. Keen to keep up with your fitness? There’s a 2.5km track around the property if you like to run or you’ll find the glass-walled gym, equipped with Technogym machines in the garden. The spacious spa can be booked for two to four people; there are two treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, a hammam and an emotional shower, and all treatments use local Pugliese products.

Sip a cocktail from a gluten-free pasta straw by the pool or in the sitting room before making your way to ‘Il Ristorante’ a relaxed affair with simple, delicious, and mostly organic food. Sustainability extends to the kitchen, where the philosophy is rooted in the farm-to-table approach. Much of the produce, including figs, seasonal vegetables, and aromatic herbs, comes directly from the estate. What isn’t grown on-site is sourced from local organic farmers, supporting Puglia’s agricultural community and reducing food miles. By prioritising seasonal ingredients, the menu offers the freshest flavours and minimises the environmental impact associated with transportation and storage.

If it’s not in season it’s not on the menu. Organic herbs come directly from the kitchen garden, oranges, cherries, pears, lemons, medlars and figs from the estate and olive oil from the hotel’s olive trees. Try Il Spaghettone with their organic homemade tomato sauce, made with the rare datterino tomato (tomatoes that are grown every other year) or the fresh grilled octopus with mint mashed potato and chicory. The freshly baked bread is made with organic fig yeast and is the perfect starter dipped in olive oil—foodie heaven where you can enjoy La Dolce Vita.

Interior Bathroom View At Furnirussi Tenuta
Interior Bathroom View At Furnirussi Tenuta.
Image Courtesy of Furnirussi Tenuta
Interior Room View at Furnirussi Tenuta
Interior Room View at Furnirussi Tenuta.
Image Courtesy of Furnirussi Tenuta
Poolside View at Furnirussi Tenuta
Poolside View at Furnirussi Tenuta.
Image Courtesy of Furnirussi Tenuta

Sustainable Architecture

The property’s design uses locally sourced, eco-friendly materials like limestone and natural stone, reducing its environmental footprint while ensuring the buildings reflect the timeless beauty of the Puglian countryside. Thoughtful insulation, efficient heating systems, and natural ventilation minimise energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Puglia’s semi-arid climate makes water a precious resource, and Furnirussi takes proactive steps to conserve it. A sophisticated irrigation system ensures water is used efficiently across the fig plantation and gardens. Rainwater harvesting systems further support this effort, collecting and reusing water for irrigation. Renewable energy also plays a significant role in the estate’s operations. Solar panels discreetly positioned around the property provide a substantial portion of the energy needed to power the estate, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

Education and Community Engagement
Furnirussi Tenuta is committed to inspiring its guests and the wider community to embrace sustainability. The estate educates you on how small changes can make a big difference through guided tours, workshops on sustainable farming, and cooking classes highlighting local ingredients. It also supports local artisans and producers, showcasing their crafts and products to encourage ethical tourism.

Preserving Biodiversity
The estate’s gardens and fig plantation are havens for native flora and fauna. Efforts to preserve biodiversity include planting indigenous trees and shrubs, creating habitats for local wildlife, and minimising disturbances to the natural ecosystem. At Furnirussi Tenuta, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s woven into every aspect of the authentic Puglian experience. From the organic farm to the thoughtful design of the suites, the estate demonstrates how luxury can work hand in hand with sustainability. If you’re an eco-conscious traveller looking to indulge in luxury responsibly, this Puglian hideaway offers a blueprint for a future where hospitality and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Things to Do
The Furnirussi experience extends far beyond the fig plantation. You can join cooking classes and learn to make Puglian classics such as orecchiette pasta or focaccia. Guided tours of the farm allow you to delve deeper into sustainable agriculture and understand the estate’s role in preserving Puglia’s biodiversity. If you’re adventurous, the nearby Adriatic coast has crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches. Cycling routes wind through olive groves and vineyards, offering a slower, more intimate way to explore the countryside.

Local Artisans and Places to Visit
The charming towns of Otranto, Lecce, and Maglie are just a short drive away. Otranto’s ancient walls and turquoise harbour make it a must-visit, while Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” dazzles with its baroque architecture, shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s a blossoming Italian town with many new boutique hotel openings. Maglie, known for its bustling markets, offers a glimpse into everyday life in Puglia.

The region is also home to talented artisans. Visit Francesco Fasano Ceramics in Grottaglie to see exquisite handmade pottery, or discover the intricate textiles of Le Costantine Foundation in Casamassella, where traditional weaving techniques meet modern design.

Furnirussi Tenuta offers a rare blend of luxury, sustainability, and authenticity. It immerses you in the land’s traditions and is guided by an unwavering commitment to preserving the environment and celebrating the region’s natural wealth. It’s a living example of how a luxury hotel can embrace sustainability without compromise. For more information, visit their website: www.furnirussi.it.

Book through The Hotel Guru

Outside Terrace at Furnirussi Tenuta
Interior of the Luna Unplugged cabin.
Image Credit Rebecca Hope
Outside Terrace Lounge Chairs at Furnirussi Tenuta.
Interior of the Luna Unplugged cabin.
Image Credit Rebecca Hope
Dining Room View At Furnirussi Tenuta.
Image Courtesy of Furnirussi Tenuta

Related Posts