- Project: Transformation of the former Relais del Cardinale into a 5-star palace.
- Location: Fasano, in the region of Puglia (Italy).
- Management & Ownership: Operated by Rocco Forte Hotels, co-owned by PGIM and Re.vo Holding.
A New Exceptional Address by Rocco Forte in Puglia
The region of Puglia is preparing to enrich its high-end hotel offering with the planned metamorphosis of the former Relais del Cardinale. To bring this major project to life, Rocco Forte Hotels will take operational charge of this future 5-star palace, further anchoring its presence in Italy’s ultra-luxury hospitality market.
Located in the municipality of Fasano, nestled between ancestral olive groves and the immediate proximity of the Adriatic coastline, the estate enjoys a privileged setting. The establishment aims to offer a refined immersion into local culture, within easy reach of iconic regional sites such as Ostuni and Alberobello.
A Major Financial and Real Estate Alliance
The realization of this address relies on a structured financial arrangement involving leading industry players. Ownership of the estate is held jointly by international investment fund PGIM and Re.vo Holding, an entity linked to the Benetton family. Real estate management platform Dekus is driving the operational development of the initiative.
On the renovation front, the project has been entrusted to a consortium led by construction group Impredo, together with Pigroup and Corbuild. This consortium will oversee global project management to bring the historic structure back to life while meeting current environmental and architectural standards.
Fasano, a Strategic Hub for High-End Tourism
The establishment of this new property confirms the very positive momentum Puglia is experiencing among a discerning international clientele. Enrico Danesi, representative of the Dekus platform, emphasizes the importance of reviving Relais del Cardinale while scrupulously preserving the landscape identity and local heritage.
For his part, Daniele D’Orazio, head of Impredo, points out that this transaction embodies a key synergy between the investors’ vision and the recognized expertise of Rocco Forte Hotels in the ultra-luxury segment. The consolidation of Impredo’s capital through the entry of LMDV Capital reinforces the group’s operational capabilities for this type of complex project.
The Continued Rise of Heritage Hospitality in Italy
The conversion of Relais del Cardinale is part of a fundamental trend in Italy: the revitalisation of iconic historic properties rather than new builds disconnected from their territory. By combining authentic local roots with the international standards of a prestigious family group, this future address promises to offer a choice alternative to the region’s traditional masserias.
