Gay Tourism in Italy travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

These days there are many resorts aim at gay and lesbian travelers. That is why the new Villa Cappelli, off the ancient Roman road, Via Appia, in the southern Italian region of Puglia, is such a welcome surprise. Paul Cappelli, the founder of the Manhattan advertising agency The Ad Store, puchased the property in his grandmother’s hometown, Terlizzi, in 2003, and set to work transforming the 14th-century villa and surrounding terra-cotta-roofed farmhouses into a luxurious retreat.

The property owns 10 oversize guest rooms with a smart mix of antique furniture and modern fixtures, fine white stonework and warm colors like vermilion and goldenrod; most have large baths and terraces that look out onto the vineyards, olive and almond groves that Cappelli farms to produce extra virgin olive oil, sugar-roasted almonds and sun-dried-tomato products. With a pool, private lounge areas in citrus and rose gardens and fitness and spa-treatment rooms, there’s plenty to keep guests occupied on site, but Terlizzi, which has a lovely historic center and excellent restaurants, is worth exploring. Bari, Puglia’s capital, as well as the Adriatic Sea, are just minutes away by car. Single rooms in high season are 100 euros per night, doubles 145 euros. Rates include breakfast, WiFi and a bottle of Villa Cappelli wine. The villa can also be rented in its entirety. Location: Terlizzi, Italy.