Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Tucked into the curve of glamourous Portofino harbour one of the most stylish marina villages in Italy - and looking out to sea, is the Splendido Mare. More charming and relaxed guest-house than formal hotel, the property takes pride of place on the town's main piazzetta.

From rope detailing in the bedframes that invoke the nautical inspiration of the harbour, to the terracotta tiling that links to the waves, each of the 14 rooms and suites at Splendido Mare is lovingly inspired by the chic surroundings of Portofino. Double rooms offer village or superior village views, Junior Suites feature village views or sea view with balcony. Each suite has a sea view and balcony. The Ava Gardner Suite provides an exceptional level of elevated service.

From an al-fresco aperitif to fine dining at dusk, Splendido Mare makes use of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Savour the delicacies of Dav Mare a casual fine dining restaurant. Dav Mare bar serves timeless cocktails and light snacks in the heart of the piazzetta. Or saunter over to Gelateria San Giorgio for a cooling sweet treat, where authentic flavour is always the scoop of the day.

Whilst staying at Splendido Mare why not visit a local eco-farm, charter the hotel's traditional Gozzo Boat, complete with Veuve Clicquot picnic, or step aboard the hotel's private motorboat, the Chris-Craft Corsair 36.