Castle Elvira - The Castle & The Cottage

Everything about this place is exceptional.
True hospitality is the ultimate luxury these days. If you agree with that statement, you simply have to visit Castel Elvira.
Harvey and Stevie are the perfect hosts. Every detail has been considered with such care and passion that it feels as though they created the entire place purely for themselves and then decided to share it with their guests. The interior design is breathtaking—beautiful, refined, and uncompromising. Nothing feels driven by commercial considerations; everything is designed to create an atmosphere where you instantly feel at home, as if you were spending a holiday with close friends.
The lovingly curated gardens, with their astonishing variety of plants, the hidden pools, the tranquility, and the countless places to unwind create a retreat that never feels like a retreat in the conventional sense. It simply feels natural.
Our absolute highlight was every evening from 6:30 pm onwards, when guests gathered on the spectacular rooftop terrace. A gentle breeze, relaxed music, excellent drinks, new friendships, conversations about the day—and at the center of it all, Harvey and Stevie. Their warmth, authenticity, and effortless hospitality quite literally embrace everyone and set the tone for the entire experience. It feels less like a hotel aperitivo and more like sharing a drink with friends. Even our daughters were deeply impressed by what they called the “cool atmosphere.

Steve and Harvey not just created another wonderful hotel. It is rather a home you can expect after entering Castle Elvira. A home for people who value hospitality, art and wonderful conversations at 18:00 on the unique rooftop bar. Giorgio and his wonderful team do everything to make your stay as convinient as possible. A unique spot in Puglia. They say: "You come as a guest but you leave as a friend". So true! Anja and Jochen.

We toured around Puglia for two weeks May 2026 including three nights at Castle Elvira. It was by far the highlight of our trip. The hotel really is a castle and was magnificent from the rooms to the setting to the pools and roof top bar. It was quiet yet close to many destinations in the area. Our hosts were very engaging and constantly made us feel welcome. The food was fantastic and every one of the staff were pleasant, accommodating and extremely helpful with our requests. Hotel Elvira rates as one of our best hotel experiences, if not the best, in over 30 years of travel and we’d love to return.

It’s truly magical. From the moment you arrive, you know you’ve found something special.
The owners, Steve and Harvey, are exceptional hosts—warm, generous, and a loads of fun. Their restoration of the castle is remarkable, with every detail thoughtfully executed. Harvey has created all the artwork which shines throughout out the castle. The grounds, rooms, and common areas are all absolutely beautiful.
Drinks on the rooftop at sunset are an absolute must—an unforgettable experience. The staff is fantastic and attentive to every need, and the on-site restaurant is excellent. Plus, the city of Lecce is just a short 25-minute drive away, perfect for additional dining and shopping.
We can’t say enough about how much we loved our stay. It’s a truly special place that we hope to return to.

An absolutely outstanding stay at Castle Elvira. Stunning surroundings, immaculate interiors, and true five-star luxury.
The food was exceptional, the staff were warm and attentive, and a special thank you to Harvey and Steve for being such fantastic hosts.
Sunset cocktails on the roof terrace with exceptional views were the perfect start to each evening.
Seamless travel, beautiful sunshine, and an experience I’ll definitely be repeating. Whether you visit for a holiday or simply a meal in the restaurant, it’s an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.

Located 12km from Lecce this luxury castle hotel is perfectly located to explore the many delights of Puglia. However, once you enter the tranquil grounds of Castle Elvira you really don't want to leave. The rooms are amazing with fantastic art and design everywhere you look. It is hard to top sunset cocktails on the roof of the castle or cosying up in the bespoke cinema. The on site restaurant serves high quality wines and food, embracing local cuisine and including home grown produce. We enjoyed and savoured every meal we had. The owners, Harvey and Steve, have created the perfect balance of warmth, friendliness and professionalism. The service was excellent from front of house to the restaurant and housekeeping. Castle Elvira is truly special in every way.

This hotel is magic — words and photos simply don’t do it justice and until you have experienced it I don’t think u can truly understand the magic of castle Elvira. We stayed for 3 nights in the “top” room. It was simply amazing the highlight being our rooftop bath. The staff are so friendly — nothing is too much trouble for them. The food in the restaurant was delicious the pistachio pasta being our favourite. The nights always started with drinks on the rooftop bar where you could view beautiful sunsets. Our favourite night was pizza night as the whole castle had a lovely vibe and the pizzas were the best we had on our whole trip. It’s situated near to some lovely towns so you can go out and explore if you wish — Lecce being our favourite. There is also gorgeous beach not far away if you want to spend the day at a beach club. Would highly recommend this hotel 🥰

Special place with a tasteful blend of old and new. The decor choices feature a lot of the artwork of one of the owners which is dramatic and interesting — and I think beautiful. The restoration of the old grounds is done with care to preserve an old world feel. Drinks on the roof of the castle — magic. The pools are an amazing place to relax. It is small, so you can practically have the place to yourself.
The care by the staff was top notch. Really enjoyed the food as well. The breakfast buffet could be better — a bit limited.
We rode bicycles outside of the property and there is a marked bike lane and route.
We took a car service to visit Lecce and did a great tour — all arranged by a very accommodating concierge who responded to my watts app questions immediately.
Wish I could have stayed longer to just relax.

Castle Elvira is more than just a historic residence — it’s a place where every detail reflects elegance, care, and passion. From the very first moment, we felt truly welcomed, with a warm, genuine hospitality and discreet professionalism.
The rooms are a masterpiece of charm and comfort: tastefully decorated, they perfectly blend history with contemporary design. Every element is thoughtfully curated — from the fine fabrics to the subtle scents in the air, from the soft lighting to the breathtaking views of the surrounding park.
A special mention goes to the staff: always kind, attentive, and ready to assist, they made us feel pampered and valued without ever being intrusive. This is hospitality at its finest — sincere, refined, and unforgettable.
We will definitely return. Castle Elvira is a place that stays with your soul.

Our recent stay at Castle Elvira was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this is a property that takes luxury and hospitality seriously—yet delivers it all with warmth and genuine care.
The grounds are breathtaking. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and olive groves, the estate feels peaceful and private, yet full of life. Butterflies fluttered constantly around the pool area, which added a charming and almost cinematic quality to our afternoons. Every corner of the property is thoughtfully designed, offering plenty of quiet places to relax and take in the landscape.
We stayed in the Queen Suite, which was spacious, elegant, and impeccably clean. The room featured high ceilings, a plush bed with high-quality linens, and a luxurious bathroom stocked with high-end toiletries that made the experience feel like a personal spa retreat. The marble bath tub was a dream!
The staff at Castle Elvira were outstanding. Everyone we encountered was kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our stay personal and memorable. From remembering our preferences to offering helpful recommendations, the level of service went well beyond expectations.
Food and drink were also a highlight. The included breakfast was delightful—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented each morning. One of the standout experiences was the all-you-can-eat pizza and Prosecco night, held under the stars.

An amazing setting for a hotel – a castle with just a few rooms. The service is very welcoming, and you're likely to meet the owners during your stay.
The rooms are all spacious and uniquely designed, each with its own character. In the Princess Room, the entrance to the bathroom is hidden inside a closet — something straight out of Alice in Wonderland. The rooms are comfortable, though the cooling system can be a bit noisy. If you're a light sleeper, you might want to bring earplugs, as it runs throughout the night.
The garden is beautiful, and the pool is wonderfully refreshing.
The restaurant, set in the garden, offers à la carte dining. The chef is incredibly friendly, enjoys experimenting with flavors, and genuinely cares about your opinion of his dishes. We thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the attentive service.
The rooftop bar is spectacular, offering stunning views and a great atmosphere.
And last but not least — the cats! They love to wander through the gardens, join you for dinner at the restaurant, or lounge with you by the pool in the shade.
We absolutely loved our stay, even though it was a short one.

Castle Elvira is, quite simply, a dream. Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Puglia, this extraordinary property offers an experience that is as exclusive as it is unforgettable. With only ten beautifully designed rooms, each space exudes character, comfort, and refined taste. The attention to detail in the décor—an elegant fusion of historical charm and contemporary luxury—creates a warm and inspiring atmosphere.
The surrounding landscape is nothing short of breathtaking. The grounds have been impeccably landscaped to highlight the natural beauty of the region, with olive groves, lush gardens, and serene paths that invite you to explore or simply relax and take in the views. Every corner of the property feels thoughtfully curated, offering peaceful moments and picture-perfect vistas.
Dining at Castle Elvira and experiencing Pizza Night is another highlight. The food is of exceptional quality, blending local traditions with creative flair. Each meal is a celebration of regional home grown ingredients.
What truly sets Castle Elvira apart is its sense of exclusivity and a strong focus on personalized service thanks to their adorable hosts. It’s a place where time slows down, beauty surrounds you, and every detail enhances your sense of well-being.
Castle Elvira is a rare gem—historic, stylish, and soulfully luxurious. A stay here is more than just a getaway; it's an experience to be cherished.

Castle Elvira is just pure magic. We came here on our honeymoon — we were delayed a day arriving and are so sad we only got to spend two nights here.
The grounds are gorgeous & meticulously cared for; the rooms are beautiful and you can tell how much attention to detail went into designing them.
The food was delicious, and we appreciated getting to chat with the chef each night at dinner!
The highly of Elvira is really the staff — Francesca greeted us on arrival and made sure we had everything we needed to rest after a long trip. Every server and bartender were so kind and enjoyable to talk with and made sure we had the best experience possible. Steven and Harvey came up to say hello and chat with us every day and were incredibly kind. When they found out it was our honeymoon, they upgraded us to the king suite in the main castle which was such a nice surprise.
On top of everything else, we really just loved getting to meet all the cats 😂💕
We will definitely be back!

From the moment you arrive at Castle Elvira, it becomes abundantly clear: this is no ordinary escape. It’s a living, breathing work of art—an exquisite restoration brought to life by the creative vision and tireless dedication of Harvey B. Brown and Steve Riseley. What they have achieved here is nothing short of extraordinary.
Every corner of Castle Elvira exudes a sense of curated elegance. Innovation in decor is everywhere: where antique grandeur meets modern luxury in the most seamless, intoxicating way. Think: museum-quality pieces beside plush, contemporary comfort. Original artwork by Harvey himself graces the walls—not just decorating but storytelling—imbuing the space with bold personality and creative energy that feels utterly unique.
The attention to detail throughout the castle and its grounds is immaculate. From hand-selected linens to perfectly placed objets d’art, you feel the love and precision behind every decision. There’s no sense of anything being “designed”—rather, it feels composed, as if the castle were always destined to be this beautiful.
And then there’s the food. Divine doesn't even begin to describe it. Each dish is a celebration of local flavors elevated to fine art, delivered with grace and a touch of magic. Whether you’re dining under the stars or enjoying a long, luxurious breakfast in one of the opulent salons, the culinary experience is unforgettable.
As for relaxation? Castle Elvira redefines glamour.

Castle Elvira is now one of my favorite hotels in the world. It’s a work of art, and of love. Steve and Harvey have restored this beauty with a fantastic mix of elegance and fun, and every corner of the castle and it’s beautiful grounds reflect them and their unique stamp on it’s history and heritage.
It’s an absolute gem, with fabulous staff, who share Harvey and Steve’s impeccable hospitality, giving you a sense that this is your own home to luxuriate in!
Deeply relaxing.
We will be back!

An utterly charming place, beautifully curated, super friendly and top notch service. A great base from which to explore the delights of Southern Puglia. We stayed in the cottage which was perfect for our family of four. Whilst it’s not a typically family friendly option, our girls (aged 13 and 10) were made super welcome. The restaurant was cracking and our convivial hosts Steven and Harvey were sublime. With their help, we got to see (and taste) the very best that the region has to offer. Loved the pool options and rooftop bar for sundowner apertivos too — something for everyone!

We had an amazing experience at the Castle. The rooms, the food, the pools — the entire experience was outstanding. Love the Harvey, Steven and all the staff!