T

his isn’t grey postwar Milan, but sunny seaside Milano Marittima, on the Adriatic Riviera along the east coast of Emilia-Romagna. Here the Design Hotel Waldorf sits just yards from the beach, showing off a different side of Italy, that of the sun-drenched tropical escape. It’s on the outskirts of Cervia, perfectly positioned between the monuments of Ravenna and the oceanside excess of Rimini, sharing the same holiday-friendly weather but with quite a lot less cookie-cutter beach-club development.

The hotel itself certainly lives up to its “design” billing, from the vaguely space-age circular building to the simple modernist lines and curves of its furnishings and interior design. Interiors are a collaboration between a poet and a mosaic artist, which makes for a welcome change from the boutique-minimalist norm. There’s plenty of white space to make the most of the sunshine, and colorful lighting effects keep the rooms and the public spaces from feeling too empty.

Each of the 30 rooms and four suites comes with a balcony, most with sea views; suites add spacious, jacuzzi-equipped terraces with a SPA cabin, and the Diamond Suite comes with a private rooftop pool. Sun, sand, seafood — surely it’s a concept we can all get behind, and it’s no surprise that the Italians can do it just as well as anyone else.

Please note: Design Hotel Waldorf is open seasonally, March through September. Minimum night requirements over weekends and peak periods.

How to get there: Design Hotel Waldorf is approximately 90 km (50 miles) from Bologna Airport (BLQ) & 30 km (18 miles) from Federico Fellini Airport Rimini (RMI).