Stay in the ‘I Kissed a Boy’ and ‘I Kissed a Girl’ masserias in Puglia, Italy

Christopher White
Jun 10
6 min read

If you’ve been avidly watching the BBC series of ‘I Kissed a Boy’ and ‘I Kissed a Girl’ in 2024 and 2025, you will have seen the groups play out their she already done had herses queer dramas in some absolutely beautiful Puglia properties.

These were what’s called ‘masseria’ in Puglia: originally two storied farmhouses with expansive outdoor space, now converted into luxury holiday accommodation. They often feature old stables, fortified walls, all manner of workshops and sometimes their own olive pressing buildings.

The vibes are simply exquisite, especially with the endless sunshine, the tan and teal tones, and my favourite: the Leccese stonework, which is typical of the region.

For some time, I had been wondering just where these masseria actually are exactly, without much luck in finding out.

But here’s the good news: we now know two out of the three…and what’s more, you can actually stay in both yourself!

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Location for I Kissed a Boy Series 2
Location for I Kissed a Girl Series 1
Celebrities in Puglia
How to stay in a masseria in Puglia
Affordable masseria stays

Location for I Kissed a Boy Series 2: Mastropa Exclusive Resort

Mastropa Exclusive Resort is the location for Series 2 of I Kissed a Boy, and boy…is it stunning. I just love the alcoved façade greeting you on arrival, and the luxury feel of the outdoor spaces. As we’ve seen, there are plenty of terrazzi and other private little spaces to have some quiet time – or DMC’s (deep meaningful chats to those who don’t know). That Masseria saw some drama – and fabulousness – in series 2!

The resort (which includes the Masseria, but is more than that), is actually much nearer the port of Taranto, near the gateway to the Salento (whereas the Masseria in Season 1 was located somewhere near Ostuni). To get there, you’d be best flying into Brindisi airport. The advantage of staying in this particular area is that you’re likely to get more affordable prices for your Puglia holiday stays, away from the pricier areas around Ostuni, Polignano, and Fasano in the north.

The resort’s website describes a centuries-old olive grove which opens the view to the beauty of the natural scenery: a suggestive 18-hectare park that cradles Mastropà, giving its guests the pleasure of immersion in the green quiet.

The ravine, with its rock settlements due to its hermitic vocation, offers corners of meditation where the only sound is that of nature.

I certainly agree with them that this is the luxury of feeling good!

You don’t have to hire out the entire resort to get the I Kissed a Boy experience (without the drama of course): rooms with private bathrooms are available from around 280 euro per night.

Location for I Kissed a Girl Series 1: Masseria Lamacerase

It seems so long ago now that we watched the girls dive headfirst into love on series 1 of I Kissed a Girl in Puglia. Personally, I thought the girls’ series was somehow more enjoyable than the boys’ – maybe because of the frisson between Amy and Firenze – but that’s just my opinion.

What we can all agree on, however, was the Masseria – again, absolutely stunning!

And the location of that villa is Masseria Lamacerase, near Polignano a Mare.

Similar to Mastropa, the old farmhouse has been tastefully renovated to keep the charm of the original Pugliese architecture, whilst offering all the luxury that you’d hope for in such a beautiful holiday property.

Like the impressive outdoor pool (one of two!) with vine-covered pergola framing it; original stone features like the old well, and reclaimed en-suite sinks: it’s beauty with a rustic charm.

And again like Mastropa, you can get the I Kissed a Girl experience at Masseria Lamacerase by Raro Villas – either by hiring the entire thing (which sleeps 16 in 8 bedrooms) for your event (imagine your wedding there), or by renting out one of the three luxury residences and two suites in the former farmhouse.

This Masseria is a little more expensive than the first one: hire the entire place for £3,500 per night (split between 16 of you, that’s only £218 per person per night…)

The best place to fly into if you were to stay at this masseria is Bari airport, in the north of Puglia. It's a great location if you want to explore Polignano, Monopoli, Gargano, Trani and Bari Vecchia - with easy enough access to the Valle d'Itria which includes Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Alberobello, Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica.

Other Hollywood, A-list and TV Celebrities in Puglia

What I'd really like to know is what the fabulous hostess with the mostest, popstar Dannii Minogue, got up to outside of her filming commitments. Did she visit any of the stunning beach clubs? Did Dannii go exploring around the centro storico of Ostuni or Cisternino? Did she try its famous pasta, orecchiette, with a glass of local Negroamaro?!

Minogue wouldn't be the first celebrity to enjoy the delights of Puglia, as there have been almost too many to name. Personally I can add British actor Ben Miller, who we sat next to at dinner once in Ceglie Messapica, and one of the 'three amigos', Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who stayed at a villa my friend was property managing at the time (we didn't meet him, but we did eat all his leftover cheese...)

Other celebrities spotted in Puglia include:

Madonna: She celebrated her 59th birthday in a masseria in Puglia and has been spotted visiting the region with her children.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel: They chose Borgo Egnazia in Puglia as their wedding venue.
Meryl Streep: Reports indicate she owns a restored property in Puglia.
Helen Mirren: She has been spotted enjoying her time in Puglia, including participating in a watermelon festival. She owns a property near Lecce.
The Beckhams: They have vacationed in Puglia with their children.
Suggs (Madness): He owns a house in Borgagne, Melendugno.
Paul Weller: He owns a property in Puglia.
Francis Ford Coppola: He owns a mansion in Puglia and even started a successful agricultural company there.
Mick Hucknall (Simply Red): He owns a mansion in Puglia and launched an agricultural company there.
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard: They chose Puglia as the location for their wedding.
Willem Dafoe and Giada Colagrande: They also chose Puglia as their wedding location.
Naomi Watts: She has expressed her admiration for Salento and Puglia, enjoying a relaxing holiday in the region.
Amanda Lamb (A Place in the Sun): She has bought property in Puglia twice.
George Clooney: He has been spotted in Puglia.
Ivanka Trump: She rented an entire masseria in Puglia for her stay.
Bono (U2): He was spotted in Gallipoli on the Ionian coast.
Gerard Depardieu: He owns a property in Lecce.

How you can stay in a masseria in Puglia

Truth be told, staying in a luxury masseria in Puglia often comes with a hefty price tag for the privilege.

But if you know where to look, you can find quite reasonable masseria stays that won't break the bank - and you'll still get an authentic Puglia holiday (although perhaps with just a little less luxury). Usually you can simply book a private room in many of the region's masseria (often operated as hotels or B&Bs) at quite affordable prices.

Staying in a luxury masseria

You might want to check out one of my other blog posts to see what your money can get you in terms of luxury masseria!

Read: Luxury Masseria in Puglia: 13 of the best

Affordable masseria stays in Puglia

The following masseria I'd say are reasonably affordable, especially for couples - and they're sorted by price: £££ = £200+ per night; ££ = £100+ per night; £ = under £100 per night.