What it is

An uber-stylish 14-room retreat just off the glimmering harbor, with a dazzling waterside restaurant, throwback bar, and a wooden gozzo boat available for charter.

What it isn't

Equipped with its own spa or pool. But with so many soft sand beaches nearby, you won’t miss them. (Need a gym to work off the cannoli? They have Technogym training cases available on request.)

What we think

When they called this Portofino charmer “splendido,” they had it exactly right. Everything about it is splendid, including the chic (and vaguely nautical) Mid century-inspired guest rooms. Even the entry room category, Double Rooms, are extremely cinematic, thanks to parquet wood flooring, crystal sconces, and private balconies that peer out on the piazza below. For pure Portofino perfection, book the Ava Gardner Suite: named after the hotel's former guest and head-turning enough for any ascendant starlet, thanks to a 548 square foot floor plan with a separate living space and a sprawling waterfront terrace where lemon trees flourish. How do you say “dreamy” in Italian?

You're here because

The hotel has curated some unforgettable exploits for guests that range from beach days on Christian Dior-designed daybeds at Paraggi Beach to sunset kayak tours of nearby coves.

The Moment

From your table overlooking the water at Dav Mare, you can’t help but order the fruits of the sea: golden scallop in saffron eggnog and roasted turbot with spring salad…an artisanal sorbet for dessert.

Restaurants & Bars

DaV Mare - harborside, casual fine dining Italian restaurant

Gelateria San Giorgio - ice cream and gelato

Location

Just off Portofino’s harbor, a 56-minute drive from Genova City Airport.