Description

At this opulent, idyllic retreat, you're coddled in luxury and comfort. Local resident Gore Vidal calls it a "posh B&B," but it's larger than the other top-notch choice in town, the Palumbo (above). Built in the 1100s for an aristocratic family, this palace began functioning as a hotel in 1880. Richard Wagner composed parts of Parsifal here, and Ingrid Bergman found a snug retreat with producer Roberto Rossellini in the days when their affair was causing a scandal. The hotel fell into ruin in 1978, but in 1997 it reopened thanks to a flood of money from Virgin Airlines top-dog Richard Branson; it welcomed Plácido Domingo as its first guest. The Sasso is perched 305m (1,000 ft.) above the coast and evokes a Moorish pavilion. The guest rooms are luxurious, even if not overly large, and the views of the Mediterranean compensate for the lack of space. Ask for rooms no. 1, 201, 204, or 301, or the grand suite, 304, because they have the most all-encompassing views. The marble bathrooms with brass fixtures come with scales, large tubs, robes, and dual basins. Facilities:
Restaurant (open in high season only); bar; 2 pools (1 outdoor, 1 outdoor heated Jacuzzi); 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; 1 room for those w/limited mobility Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.