La Posta Vecchia Hotel

The place

An hour's drive from Rome stands a majestic seaside palace from the eighteenth century. Meticulously restored by J. Paul Getty, La Posta Vecchia wears its Renaissance opulence easily.

The 19 rooms and suites are each decorated on their own terms — antique furnishings, fine artworks, custom fabrics, and the modern things kept discreet.

The indoor marble pool looks straight out over the Tyrrhenian Sea; a private beach waits below. There is also a gym, a calidarium, tennis courts, and massage rooms. Da Aurelio serves lunch and dinner in praise of simple, rich Italian flavors. Afterward, Bar Piranesi — plush armchairs, velvet stools, a slow drink.