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The 6 Best Hotels on the Italian Riviera and Tuscan Archipelago

By Chris Boyle

Portofino

Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare – choose from our stunning selection

The Grand Hotel Imperiale

Grand Hotel Imperiale

Inimitable, effortless Italian style is the priority of this five-star hotel, which enjoys a privileged location in an exclusive beach resort favored by the likes of Giorgio Armani and Andrea Bocelli.

Luxury, exclusivity and serious style—what else would you expect of the Tuscan coast? The five-star luxury Grand Hotel Imperiale has all this in spades.

World renowned for its comfortable surroundings, the hotel welcomes its guests to exclusive rooms that offer elegant intimacy, where impeccable care is devoted to every detail.

Beautifully located just 380 yards from its own beach, the Grand Hotel Imperiale has everything you need for an impossibly chic beach break. The hotel’s Minerva beach has 38 covered sun areas available for guests, each with luxury five-star facilities including two sun beds, two deckchairs, a sun chaise, table and sponge-tidy. Guests may eat breakfast and lunch in one of the area’s exclusive restaurants or have it served by the hostess in their own sun area.

As if the exclusive beach wasn’t enough, Grand Hotel Imperiale dresses to impress yet again with Medical SPA Imperiale. Deservedly calling itself “the most exclusive of medical spas”, the spa prides itself on its tried-and- tested formulas to soothe body and mind. Specialist diet therapy and nutritional diagnosis, ear reflexology, stress profiling, specialist dermatologist consultations, hydrotherapy, phytotherapy, massage, body treatments, oriental treatments, Ayurveda and facial treatments are all on offer.

Location: In Forte dei Marmi, the luxury capital of the Versilia, on Italy’s renowned Tuscan coast.

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We love…

• Minerva Beach

As well as the exclusive sun areas, there is an indoor restaurant and a pizzeria with a stone oven and a mouth-watering selection of pizza and focaccia bread. Mondo Bimbo offers fun for children, the nursery caters for children aged three to twelve, and there’s an exclusive pool and games area available for use by younger guests.

• Restaurant Olivo d’Oro

Using fresh, seasonal produce, the Restaurant Olivo d’Oro serves mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list made up of the best vintages from around the world.

• Need to know…

You don’t have to be a beach lover to enjoy Forte dei Marmi. Why not take a day trip into the mountains of Versilia and explore the marble caves?

• Why go?

For the beautiful beach location, inimitable Italian style and world-class culture of the nearby cities, including tourist hotspots Pisa, Florence and Lucca.

Grand Hotel Imperiale – Front office – Reservation Department

+39 05 847 8271

Via Mazzini, 20 Forte dei Marmi, Italy

www.grandhotelimperiale.it

HOTEL SPLENDIDO

Hotel Splendido

It was the legend of Hotel Splendido that first started attracting elite travelers to Portofino.

The name has been thrown around by such people as Edward, Duke of Windsor; Sir Winston Churchill; Elizabeth Taylor; Richard Burton; and Franklin Roosevelt Jr. But legend alone has not kept the hotel’s regulars coming back again and again, its position above the bay of Portofino offers the finest views from its suites, pools, restaurants and stunning gardens – there are few other places where can you swim, dine or stroll to such an unforgettable backdrop. For a unique experience take a sunset cruise on one of the hotel’s private speed boats where you can sip champagne as the Ligurian coast zips past.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: The views from this suite’s four magnificent terraces are what make the Presidential Suite truly special. To have dinner laid out on one of the terraces with a view of Portofino’s cove is an experience fit for any romantic. Normally this suite comes with one master bedroom in addition to a sitting room and large bathroom, but on request a junior suite can be connected giving extra space to those who need it.

  • Square footage: 750
  • Nightly rate: $6,500

Ermes De Megni, General Manager

+39 01 8526 7801

Hotel Splendido, Salita Baratta, 16, Portofino

www.hotelsplendido.com

IL PELLICANO

Il Pellicano

From the outside Il Pellicano is merely a collection of cottages and suites set in olive groves that stretch down to the rocky Mediterranean coastline.

But these cottages, some previously owned by the Queen of Denmark and Charlie Chaplin, are far from generic as they are part of one of Italy’s most elegant hotels. Stylish clientele include Missoni, Battaglia, Pucci, Fendi, Niarcho and Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, as well as a collection of other well-connected and well-traveled guests. The elegance of Il Pellicano is unavoidable in the beautifully furnished cottages, the newly built Pelliclub Spa, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant and the visiting antique speed boats. Such is the legend of Il Pellicano that a new photographic book named after the hotel has been released featuring entries from celebrated photographers such as Slim Aarons, John Swope and Juergen Teller.

TOP SUITE MASTER DE LUXE POOL SUITE

Why we love it: Il Pellicano’s most exclusive suite is situated in its own private villa set away from the hotel with, as the name suggests, its very own pool. In traditional Tuscan style the master bedroom, guest bedroom and spacious living room have hand crafted furniture, exposed beams and open fireplaces. Outside the pavements and terraces, which are carved out of Tuscan stone, afford stunning views of the Tyrrhenian coast. Staying in the Master de Luxe Pool Suite is to have the best of both worlds, the villa gives complete privacy and exclusivity yet it is only a short stroll away from the hotel’s Pelliclub spa and the award wining Il Pellicano restaurant.

  • Square footage: 970
  • Nightly rate: $1,830 / $2,700 (high season)

Francesca Tozzi, General Manager

+39 05 6485 8111

Il Pellicano Hotel, Località Sbarcatello, Porto Ercole, Grosseto

www.pellicanohotel.com

L’ANDANA

L'Andana

Hidden away on the beautiful Badiola Estate the renowned restaurateur, Alain Ducasse, has created this remarkable hotel in the former summer residence of Grand Duke Leopold II.

As soon as you come up the Cyprus lined driveway towards L’Andana and glance across the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the islands of Elba and Giglio, you know you are somewhere very special. Ducasse’s passion is food, and at L’Andana this passion is certainly evident; wine lovers will love Tenuta La Badiola, the estate’s winery and Petra, the prestigious wine cellar. Cooking courses are held in the Michelin starred Trattoria Toscana restaurant and the ESPA branded hotel spa offers a Gourmand Spa concept that combines treatments with themed culinary delights. In the seven years it has been open L’Andana has already hosted a list of celebrity guests that include Robert DiNero, Monica Belucci and Queen Rania of Jordan.

TOP SUITE PRESTIGE SUITE

Why we love it: This beautifully furnished Prestige Suite provides a complete home away from home. A spacious living area with fine fabrics, comfy sofas and chaise-lounges flows through to a bedroom with views of the hotel’s romantic private chapel and the Mediterranean. In this suite there are two bathrooms, both with brilliant views of vineyards, and enormous tubs fit for true relaxation.

  • Square footage: 860
  • Nightly rate: $1,800

Mauro Zanotti, General Manager

+39 0564 944 800

Tenuta La Badiola, Località Badiola, Castiglione della Pescaia, Grosseto

www.andana.it

HOTEL HASSLER

Hotel Hassler

The Hotel Hassler is a grand sight at the top of the 270-year-old Spanish Steps, offering a truly VIP experience of the Eternal City.

The 95 bespoke-design rooms and suites are full of character and style, with art and antique furnishings setting the mood and state-of-the-art modern conveniences giving a contemporary feel. Facilities for leisure are in abundance and include a dedicated spa and fitness center, for up-to-theminute relaxation bliss, and Michelin-starred rooftop dining, which offers breathtaking views of the city.

TOP SUITE PENTHOUSE SUITE

Why we love it: This unique penthouse suite offers every convenience and comfort for state-of-the-art luxury living. It includes top entertainment and business facilities, a luxurious Jacuzzi and a private bar stocked with the best Italian wines. However, the real stars of this decadent seventh-floor suite are its rare antiques and bespoke luxury furnishings: a 200-year-old writing desk, stunning original paintings from the Caravaggio and Tintoretto schools and hand-cut crystal chandeliers. The enormous private terrace allows for indulgent afternoon sunbathing with sublime views of the Spanish Steps and the city. The suite is currently being renovated to incorporate even more space and luxury, although its beautiful, much-loved features and facilities will remain.

  • Square footage: 990 (as well as a 1,614 square foot private terrace)
  • Nightly rate: $4,130 (low season) to $5,230 (high season)

Roberto E Wirth, Managing Director

+39 06 699 340

6, Piazza Trinità dei Monti, Rome

www.hotelhasslerroma.com

The St Regis Rome

St. Regis Rome

A stay at The St Regis Rome is a singularly opulent way to experience the city.

Its 162 rooms and suites are individually appointed with breathtaking Regency and Empire splendor – including lavish gold, marble and dark wood finishes alongside rich silk and velvet textures, as well as luxurious antique beds, exquisite writing desks and abundantly-stocked minibars for guests’ indulgence and enjoyment. Fine dining, an eminently fashionable champagne bar and sumptuous private wine cellar – also available for functions – provide opportunities to wine and dine in pure style. When it’s time to head out and see the city, Rome’s most iconic locations and attractions are just a short, picturesque walk away.

TOP SUITE ROYAL SUITE

Why we love it: Popular with legendary figures, such as Richard Burton and Princess Grace of Monaco, this is a majestic suite dripping with regal splendor, from the opulent antique furnishings to the striking Pompeian mural on the dining room ceiling. Discerning guests will appreciate the suite’s host of elite facilities and services, from the complimentary welcome champagne, a discreet private entrance and attentive butler service, to his-and-hers walk-in closets, a piano, insuite check-in and the option to connect to a lavish twin room, for an even more spacious and luxurious stay.

  • Square footage: 3,230
  • Nightly rate: $19,670

Vincenzo Falcone, General Manager

+39 06 4 7091

3, Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, Rome, 00185

www.stregisrome.com

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