Grand Hotel Riviera

Mixing Modernism with Art Deco, this chic hotel really walks the walk. The Italians know all about aesthetics and this hotel serves up a double helping. First, there’s its location. Anchored on a craggy cliff above the Bay of Naples, its sea-facing side does a great job of zooming in on Sorrento’s spectacular setting. As panoramas go, it’s hard to beat.

Next up is its design. Painted ice-white, the outside of the hotel is a striking fusion of modern and Art Déco - all angular lines and unfussy white-railed balconies. Inside, the Italian take on Modernism shifts up a gear. The lobby is a sea of white with frosted lights and blue chairs adding dashes of colour. But it’s the American Bar that wins out for Italian cool. With its pearly grey seating, its look is 1950s bar-lounge meets Star Trek.

Outside, everything is set on split-level terraces. The pool’s perched to the side, and offers straight-up views over the bay framed by umbrella pines. There’s waiter service here and a whirlpool, too. For a change of scene, an elevator whisks guests down to a decked jetty with sunbeds and deckchairs. A private bathing platform means you can swim in the sea. Snorkelling equipment is at hand too, along with changing rooms, showers and a bar for total chill. You can even rent a boat, complete with skipper, or book scuba diving excursions from here as well.

Back inside, the main restaurant features high-backed wicker chairs and grand pillars, the scene for Continental and cooked breakfast buffets. The food at dinner comes from the haute cuisine drawer with elaborate international and Italian dishes served by waiters in full penguin regalia.

The hotel stands in a residential area of Sorrento, backed by lemon and orange trees. There’s a little piazza nearby with restaurants and shops, and the town’s main square, Piazza Tasso, is a 15 minute walk down the road.