The D’Angelo Family Collection has announced the debut of Palazzo Zimara, the newest addition to its portfolio, alongside Villa Mojana, Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery and Francesco Radino Winery.
Originally built in 1557 as the aristocratic Zimara family’s residence, this Leccese Baroque palazzo has been transformed by architect Raffaele Centonze into a luxury boutique hotel. The property houses 16 restored rooms and suites, two signature restaurants, an outdoor garden and a rooftop terrace set to open later this year.
Each of the 16 rooms has a distinctive layout, showcasing restored frescoed, original cobblestone floors, nearly 10-foot vaulted ceilings, arched entryways, 18th-century wooden doors and terracotta cocciopesto tiles. Accommodations range from the 345-square-foot entry-level room to the Suite Zimara, spanning more than 1,075 square feet. This suite includes an in-room jacuzzi, a private sauna, a double bathroom and a separate living room. Another noteworthy accommodation is the Deluxe Wellness Room. Also known as the “Princess Room,” it has a two-level shower, a rim room and a private balcony.
At Palazzo Zimara, mornings begin with a Caffè Leccese, the region’s signature iced coffee sweetened with almond syrup, enjoyed in the courtyard. Afternoons shift to the Radino Wine Bistro, where organic wines from the family-owned Francesco Radino Winery complement small bites. Guests will also have access to the bistro’s outdoor terrace, set along a quiet street; they will have the choice of dining in the "cavernous" interior or in the courtyard. Later this year, Palazzo Zimara will unveil a rooftop terrace, welcoming both guests and locals.
Good to know: Guests can request private yoga and mindfulness sessions in the courtyard or terrace. Personalized bodywork therapies, including massages and holistic treatments, can also be arranged. Personal trainers are available, as well, to create bespoke programs, carried out in the hotel’s fully equipped fitness room.
Palazzo Zimara’s concierge service can curate experiences that highlight Lecce’s culture, landmarks and surroundings. Guests can explore the city’s history with guided tours, including a nighttime visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce. Seasonal cooking classes are available for private or group sessions in the hotel’s restaurant or courtyard garden. Olive oil tastings at nearby farms provide insights into the region’s agricultural traditions, while access to private beach clubs on the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, including Cinque Vele and Mora Mora, allows guests to unwind in coastal settings.
Sustainable features of Palazzo Zimara include an advanced potable water purification system, paired with reusable glass bottles refilled daily to eliminate single-use plastics. The property is entirely plastic-free, from packaging to daily operations. Eco-friendly bathroom amenities are crafted with recyclable materials, offering organic, sustainable products in refillable dispensers. The dining philosophy focuses on zero-mile, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, ensuring freshness, supporting the regional economy and reducing the carbon footprint. In addition, the restoration of the 16th-century property was carried out using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials.
The Radino Winery’s journey began in the 1950s and continues under the stewardship of the D’Angelo family, who became owners in 2015. Located in Rapolla, Basilicata, the winery produces organic and biodynamic wines across nearly 20 acres of vineyards. These wines are available across all D’Angelo Family Collection hotels, with tastings also offered at the Palazzo.
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