Locanda Eco del Mare

Though children (and pets) are welcome at Eco del Mare, the lie-by-the-water-all-day-sipping-Prosecco vibe mainly appeals to couples. The aesthetic here is more bohemian beach shack than white glove resort, although it has a decidedly refined vibe nonetheless. After parking at the top of a cliff, guests can take a path and steep steps down to the beach where they'll find the open-air front desk inside a natural cave overlooking the beach. The space is decorated with plants, lemon trees, and natural rock. Low sofas and white gauze curtains look chic. The bar and natural wood tables are next to the front desk; everything overlooks the mostly untouched beach and sea. You won't hear any noises from the road above -- just the natural sounds of waves lapping on the shore. Hotel rooms are housed together in a two-floor building nearby, also on the beach.

Eco del Mare is a top contender for best secluded location in the Italian Riviera along the Ligurian Coast. The private beach on the Golfe dei Poeti is a major draw, as is the nearby picturesque village of Lerici de Tellaro. A car is probably the best way to explore the winding coastline, and an ideal way to pop in and out of the seaside villages, called Cinque Terre, that dominate the area. There's a golf course 10 minutes away from the hotel while Pisa is about an hour's drive.

There are just six rooms and suites inside Eco del Mare and each of them was inspired by one of Zucchero's pop songs and the sea. For example, Il Volo (which means "the flight") is painted sky blue. Wings hang on the wall and antique suitcases decorate the space. Each room has a stocked mini-bar, flat-screen TV, and refurbished wooden furniture. Spacious bathrooms include stone-lined showers and rock sinks. Upgrade to the Dunne Mosse room for an enormous bathtub lined with candles. Some past guests have complained that the style and quality of the rooms doesn't match the price. Sheer curtains allow natural light through tall windows. All of the rooms face the beach directly.

Features at the Eco del Mare focus on the beach and eating. Breakfast is included with the price of the room and features options like fresh fruit, cold cuts, and croissants. There's an on-site restaurant for à la carte lunch and dinner which focuses on Ligurian cuisine and fresh seafood. A semi-outdoor bar serves a good variety of cocktails and Italian wines, which can also be enjoyed on the beach. Umbrellas, sun loungers, and plush pillows are free for guests to use on the sand. Sea kayaks and a sailboat are also available. Wi-Fi and parking are free. If you simply must have a swimming pool, check out the ocean-facing pool at nearby Excelsior Palace Hotel -- though you'll lose the sandy beach and intimacy found at Eco del Mare.