Puglia has taken the lead in southern Italy. The raw materials were always there – the towns, the food, the landscapes, the coastline, and the old manor houses, ripe for conversion to luxury hotels.

Yet compared to other regions of Italy, Puglia — pronounced pool-yah ... forget the agreeable weather most of the year — and maps out how to make the most of a trip to this sunny region.

Welcome to Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot and one of the country’s best-kept secrets, especially for those dreaming of a destination wedding that blends elegance, intimacy, and a taste of la ...