Encapsulating the Costa Smeralda’s glamorous charm is Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, and Sardinia’s original beach retreat. An icon of sixties retro-allure, it was conceived by the Aga Khan IV and designed by famed architect Michele Busiri Vici, who created a sanctuary of white, organically curved buildings that blend seamlessly into the landscape while framing views of the turquoise waters beyond. Upon opening in 1965, Romazzino quickly became coveted among Sardinia’s stylish clientele. Italian and international socialites frequented the hotel, meeting up with friends who moored their yachts off Romazzino or in nearby Porto Cervo. Throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, a stream of colorful guests stepped off their yachts into Romazzino’s fashionable scene. Today, under Belmond, this haven is as welcoming to families as to the international jet set. Uniquely located on its own private white-sand beach and surrounded by fragrant macchia (Sardinian Mediterranean scrub), its wide-ranging onsite facilities and personalized activities make it the perfect base for a long and lavish Italian villeggiatura. Generous accommodation includes two signature suites with panoramic sea-view terraces, five 3-bedroom villas and one five-bedroom villa, the supreme choice for families. Exquisite chef-led cuisine takes diners on epicurean journeys through modern Sardinia. Two restaurants and three bars offer exceptional choice and include fine-dining Restaurant La Terrasse and beguiling beach grill Éntu e Mari. As well as a spa, tennis court, padel court, gym and two pools, there is a kids’ club for 3–12-year-olds.