Palazzo Sasso

In 1997, when Richard Branson reopened this long-defunct hotel in an ornate 12th-century palazzo, Plácido Domingo set the tone as the first guest. It has remained a consistent five-star fave (often taking top honors for Italy on the T+L 500 list), with rooms layered in 17th- through 19th-century antiques, Vietri tile floors, and Frette and Bulgari appointments. But the main attraction? Sea view, sea view, sea view. Even the gym and heated pool come with sweeping views (the pool from an underwater window), though for the best panoramas head for the rooftop solarium with its twin Jacuzzis. Chef Pino Lavarra’s eclectic/nouvelle-Italian cuisine has garnered two Michelin stars for Rossellinis restaurant (open April–October).