Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort ★★★★★

Grand is definitely the best word to describe this striking pink Liberty style building, overlooking the sparkling water and promontory of trendy Portofino. Surrounded by charming villages along the Cinque Terre, it’s fringed by tropical palms and fronted by a large outdoor infinity pool. First impressions will make you think there’s nothing more you could want from your luxurious Italian break. Walk inside though and you’ll be pleased to see that the interior certainly meets expectations too.

The hotel was built in 1908 and first opened in 1911, when it was one of the most sought-after places to stay in the area. Rooms are classic and elegant in romantic hues of peaches, pinks and lemon yellows. Swathes of fabric are draped over headboards and heavy curtains are gracefully bunched at the French windows, which lead out onto a charming private balcony. From here you have views of the lush gardens and cobalt blue sea beyond.

Italy is all about food and the Grand Hotel Bristol & Spa is no exception. For truly high-end dining, nothing beats the hotel’s rooftop Le Cupole Restaurant dishing up classic Ligurian dishes. All ingredients are locally sourced within Liguria itself, whether its wild meat from the Alps or fish from the sea.

During the day, as well as discovering quaint towns and secluded beaches, you could do little better with your time than hiking the trails along the famous Cinque Terre. The hotel will also be happy to organise a number of activities for you, from golf to boat rentals. The Italian Riviera is ripe for active exploration. To get yourself into shape for all these activities, check out the hotel’s Wellness & Fitness Centre. In this serene zone of mood-inducing lighting, you can while away your time in the large hot tub, Finnish sauna, or enjoy an emotional chromatic shower.

The Grand Hotel Bristol & Spa is the Italy that you’d expect to find along the upmarket Riviera coastline, and one that you’ll remember for a long time to come.