Suspended over the azure sea and set amid rose-laden gardens, this magical place was once the home of Lord Grimthorpe and the holiday hideaway of Greta Garbo. Now the Gothic-style castello (castle) has guest rooms ranging from cozy to palatial. (Opt for the Peony Room, which has its own terrace.) Tapestried armchairs, framed prints, vintage art books, and other antiques that belonged to Viscountess Frost, the lord's daughter, still grace the enchantingly elegant sitting room. Best of all, guests have the villa's world-famous gardens all to themselves once the gates are closed at sunset. The villa is a strenuous hike from the town center, but porters will carry your luggage and the distance helps keep this the most peaceful place on the Amalfi Coast. Pros: Good restaurant, access to gardens after crowds have left. Cons: Parking lot not at the hotel, a 10-minute walk from town center.
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