One of my very favorite vacations was at Hotel Il Pellicano,Tuscany, Italy.  Just outside of Porto Ercole, overlooking the Tyrrhernian Sea, at cliff's edge sits Il Pellicano.  It's been the resort of choice for various celebrities and European royalty for over 50 years.  During its 1960's heyday, the society photographer, Slim Aarons  chronicled the guests as they played and relaxed in this tucked away oasis.  Updated in 2006 the hotel maintains its laid-back charm, feeling more like a very well run private home rather than a luxury hotel.  Philippe and I arrived very late one evening at the end of summer and there were no street or house lights for miles around.