Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi

Character and identity

Set behind Forte dei Marmi's pine and palm groves, this is Klaus Müller's minimalist glass cube dropped into the Versilia coast, a few steps from the beach and a short walk into town. The interiors read as a curated showcase of Italian design houses (Citterio, Armani Casa, B&B, Flexform, Maxalto), with contemporary sculpture punctuating the gardens. Valentino Cassanelli's rooftop Lux Lucis handles the ambitious cooking and chef's table, while the 67 Sky Lounge takes sunset duties. There's a 4,300 square foot spa with Finnish sauna, Russian banya, hammam, indoor and heated outdoor pools, plus the Dalmazia beach club on the sand.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this place apart is the rare combination of architect-led modernism and a genuinely ambitious kitchen, in a beach town where most rivals lean traditional. Book it if you want design and dining to do the heavy lifting alongside the sand. Aim for a rooftop-adjacent category to make the most of the views, and target shoulder season in June or September for better rates and a calmer Versilia.