Hotel Romazzino

Inspired by a dream to create an incomparable seaside retreat on an exclusive stretch of Sardinia's rugged northeast coast, Prince Karim Aga Khan assembled a team of noted architects in the early 1960s to form the Architectural Committee of Costa Smeralda (quite literally, the Emerald Coast).

Famed Italian architect Michele Busiri Vici, considered the father of Mediterranean architecture and already well known throughout Sardinia for his Stella Maris Church in Porto Cervo, joined fellow Italian Luigi Vietti and Frenchman Jacque Couelle to create a posh holiday village for the world's rich and famous.

Here, along a stunning shoreline overlooking enchanting beaches, yacht-filled harbours and jewel-coloured waters that truly are emerald green, the Hotel Romazzino debuted in 1965.

Busiri Vici's flowing design of whitewashed rounded walls and terraced arches that haromonise so fluidly with nature received great acclaim and gave the hotel its signature style.

Considered one of the world's most beautiful resorts, Hotel Romazzino was completely restored between 2004 and 2007, an expansive undertaking characterised by mosaic tiles reflecting the bright and happy colours of the Mediterranean Sea and marbles playing to the warm rich textures of the land.

All guest rooms feature authentic Sardinian furniture hand-crafted by local artisans. Today, in keeping with its glamorous reputation, Hotel Romazzino shares its prestigious address with the nearby private villa homes of legendary Italian families such as the Agnellis and Pirellis - all quietly hidden amongst the famous cliffs of the Costa Smeralda.