Portofino

Tucked into a prime corner of the piazzetta is this storied fishing village’s crown jewel: Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino. More understated townhouse than the glitz-fest you might expect from the place that invented la dolce vita, it’s both laid-back and sophisticated, thanks to a stunning redesign from Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay of Festen Architecture in Paris. Polished wood and gentle curves warm the mid-century modern aesthetic, especially in the snug bar (there are seats for three at the counter) tucked behind the hotel’s exquisite restaurant DaV Mare. (Order the Stinger cocktail after supper—it’s a scrumptious muddle of Cognac and mint liqueur—and ask for a sip of the local Lalla Luisa digestivo while you’re at it.) And with only fourteen rooms, this chic ode to Italian modernism meets maritime won’t stay under the radar for long. Images courtesy of Belmond.

This wonderfully old-world classic—which has the most epic views in the most amazing location—is the sort of place where every need is anticipated. When we were last here, we arrived really late—within 10 minutes they brought up the perfect plate of spaghetti pomodoro and a glass of red wine.