Villa Raffaella is one of the most beautifulhistoric manors in Santa Cesarea Terme, between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, that has been converted to a residence for charming holiday apartments and guest rooms.

An ideal seaside starting point for sightseeing in Puglia and Salento, Villa Raffaella has retained the original interiors designed in the late 19th century by Emilio Corti, the Milanese architect and engineer who also played a role in designing many other local art nouveau manors and the hot springs spa of Santa Cesarea. With its eclectic details inspired by Romanesque and Gothic architecture with a slightly Moorish feel, overlooking the sea and set in a lush garden, the Villa stands regally on two floors to give a home to the manor's eight holiday apartments. Annexed to the main house of the Villa is a recently-renovated carriage house which holds the guest rooms with their beautiful view of the garden.

The lobby and 24-hour reception, breakfast room and meeting room are located in the succession of halls and salons of Villa Raffaella. The manor still has the original feel, décor and furnishings of the early 20th century, when the Baroness Raffaella Papaleo of the Lubbelli Barony enjoyed spending leisurely hours in the family home in Santa Cesarea Terme, immersed in music and literature. The terraces of Villa Raffaella command a breathtaking view: the panorama spans the seafront and coastline from Leuca to Otranto.

Villa Raffaella pampers its guests with every service one would expect in a residence of holiday apartments between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca: Internet access, transfer to and from Lecce and Brindisi, reservations for sightseeing and guided tours, an abundant buffet breakfast with local Pugliese specialties. The two meeting rooms, that together accommodate up to 80 people(with equipment and catering), complete the services available at Villa Raffaella.