Principe Forte dei Marmi

Principe Forte dei Marmi is difficult to see from the street. It's set behind a stone wall on a large lot surrounded by tall hedges, which adds to the exclusive atmosphere. The four-story building is distinctively modern (especially when compared to neighboring Italian villas) and large lawns are dotted with flowering bushes and Korean statues. Lovely covered terraces wrap around the hotel's exterior, and the outdoor spaces are furnished with lovely sofas, glass-topped white wicker coffee tables, and pots of daisies. Out back, there's a gorgeous outdoor pool that wouldn't look out of place in Miami thanks to its beach club vibe and sleek white furniture. Indoors, the look is no less glamorous. The beautiful lounge is designed with shag carpet, brown leather ottomans, and art books. Orchids and soft music keep the area feeling zen. Guests are mostly well-heeled European couples (and occasional families, especially in the summer).  

Principe isn't directly on the beach, but the hotel does have an exclusive beach club directly on the sand (less than two blocks away). The hotel is built in an expensive neighborhood, home to private Italian villas and small upscale hotels. Biking is the preferred method for getting around, thanks to quiet streets and a long bike path that extends up and down the beach. It's about a three-minute bike ride or 10-minute walk to the shopping enclave around Piazza Marconi that holds designer boutiques like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Armani. Italian restaurants, including pizza and seafood, abound on the beach. Nightclub revelers should note that the famous La Capannina di Franceschi is just one block from the hotel. Farther out, it's about an hour's drive to Cinque Terre. The closest airport is Pisa International Airport, about a 30-minute drive.  

Fifteen of the 28 rooms are actually suites, if that gives you any idea how important luxury is to the hotel and its guests. Each unit is similarly decorated with modern four-poster wooden beds as the showpieces. Wood floors, accent rugs, high ceilings, and clean lines keep everything look modern. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, refrigerated minibars, telephones, wine bars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Large closets provide hanging space and built-in dressers. Enormous bathrooms are separated by the rooms from a wall of glass (thick curtains can provide privacy). The most affordable rooms have glass walk-in showers and single suites, while pricier units upgrade to soaking tubs. Molton Brown toiletries and heated towel racks are nice upgrades. Views can include the ocean in the distance, or the hotel's pool. 

Features truly shine and the hotel has almost every base covered for a luxury beach vacation. Delmazia Beach Club is just over one block away, and the space is as chic as the hotel. White sun loungers and chairs hide under blue sun awnings, and the restaurant's chef has earned a Michelin star. Back at the hotel, Principe Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the pool area with drinks and meals. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available. In the evenings, Lux Lucis Restaurant provides contemporary Tuscan cuisine and panoramic views of the ocean. The adjacent 67 Sky Lounge Bar is open for cocktails and wines in ultra glamorous surroundings. Room service is available 24 hours. Wellness offerings also shine. Egoista Spa is decorated with a living plant wall and is suitable for spending an entire day. There's an indoor pool, chromotherapy showers, ice fountain, steam room, and two saunas. The relaxation lounge and dedicated healthy spa menu encourage lingering. Treatments range from relaxing massages and clarifying facials to full oxygen infusion and body sculpting. The outdoor pool is heated year-round and surrounded by chic furniture, plus a pool bar. There's also a fitness center with a variety of TecnhoGym cardio and strength-training equipment. Stylish Italian bikes with charming baskets are free to borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking in the underground garage costs extra. For guests who want to experience Italian life on a luxury yacht, staff can charter day cruises to Cinque Terre.