Palazzo Sasso, Ravello, Italy

In the mountain top village of Ravello, Palazzo Sasso, a pale pink C12th building with Gothic arched windows, has risen to the heights it knew in the 50s when it was the society hotel. Totally refurbished in the 90s by the Virgin group, the hotel ranks amongst the top three on the Amalfi Coast and leaves the neighbouring Hotel Palumbo far behind. Leading off a small cobbled street, the outside of the building hides its star feature - the view. Stunning from most locations, Palazzo Sasso’s vertiginous hilltop position gives a bird’s eye view of villages clinging to the tree-covered mountains that lead down to the coast and the wide expanse of blue, blue sea.

The gleaming interior mirrors Palazzo Sasso’s polished staff and glitzy clientele. Shining marble floors dazzle with intricate patterns. White marble steps flanked by matching marble lions lead from the high ceilinged lobby to the lounge and piano bar, where sofas are plentiful, tucked into the vaulted sections, and walls are hung with colourful modern art (for sale).

Outside, on the first of the cascading terraces is where you’ll find Palazzo Sasso’s Michelin starred restaurant. Waterfalls tumble down to suggestive statues. Teak furniture and white canvas parasols on the terraced gardens enjoy the magnificent views down to the turquoise pool and on to the coast at the bottom of the mountains, although it takes in the pool at the budget hotel below as well. The pool even has an underwater window so you never have to miss the view. The gym, housed under three open sided canvas tents, shares the glorious vista, inspiring dedicated exercisers, but surely it must be more appealing to enjoy this inspiration from the comfort of the sun loungers so generously provided. A glass sided elevator leads up to the roof top solarium and two whirlpools - again benefiting from the superb view.

When the views are this good it makes sense to have a room with one. But you’ll have to be quick - reservations need to be made months in advance to secure a room at Palazzo Sasso. The rooms are sumptuous and luxurious and like the public areas, everything sparkles, just like the sea out of the windows. Although obviously recently renovated, the décor has an elegant, antique style with comfortable sofas, oriental rugs, and though most of the furniture is reproduction, there are some original 18th and 19th century pieces too. Wood is dark and there is a fair amount of gold and brass. Sparkle, sparkle, shine. All rooms feature hand made Vietri tiles, satellite TV, safe, minibar, and internet access. The Infinito suite has a large terrace with a view to take your breath away, and a price to match. There is a daily Frette sheet menu with three different choices - linen, percale or satin. Guests that stay here are high maintenance (getting used to service like this means you will be when you leave even if you aren’t when you arrive) but Palazzo Sasso is well prepared.