The Riviera, Unplugged
We were so glad we booked the Imperial Hotel in Santa Margherita instead of trying to navigate Portofino. The hotel sits high above the town, a white palace wrapped in old-Hollywood glamour. Each morning began with breakfast in a grand, chandeliered dining room, Nessun Dorma floating from the speakers, and a sea breeze rolling in across the blue Ligurian coast.

A Hotel You Don’t Want to Leave
From the main building, a bridge leads across the road to the gardens, private beach, and saltwater pool — a peaceful, sprawling estate with postcard views at every turn. We loved the rhythm of doing nothing: snorkelling from the stone beach, a quick gym session, long lunches on the terrace, sunbeds at the water’s edge. The kids could roam freely and happily, and we never once needed the car. This is how a hotel should feel in summer.

A Dior Day at Bagni Fiore
On our first outing, we visited nearby Paraggi and spent the day at Bagni Fiore — a boutique beach club styled with Dior parasols, designer sunbeds, and cinematic green water. We swam, paddle-boarded, snorkelled, and ate lunch at Langosteria, the onsite restaurant, where the langoustine pasta was a standout. The whole place is a visual dream, and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. It felt exclusive but warm — and utterly Italian.

Sailing Cinque Terre by Sea
The next day we set off on a private boat trip to explore Cinque Terre by water. From the moment we met our skipper (who welcomed us with a tray of warm Ligurian focaccia), we knew we were in for something special. The boat was fast and comfortable, with big sunbeds and room for everyone to lounge and dive in at will. We snorkelled at a quiet cove and then docked in Riomaggiore for lunch at Rio Bistrot, a small seafood spot tucked into the village — fresh anchovies, octopus salad, perfect pasta. The whole day was magic, the kind you always remember.

Details That Made It Effortless
Travelling with kids felt easy here. The Imperial had spacious family rooms, onsite parking, and everything we needed in one place. The town of Santa Margherita itself is charming, easier to navigate than Portofino, and buzzing with local energy at night. The Ligurian food — focaccia, pesto, seafood — was a delicious change of pace. This was the Riviera at its best: unfussy, elegant, and soaked in sun.