THE FACTS ABOUT CARDUCCI 76

Italy

Hemmed in by crazy golf and tired 1960s hotels, Carducci 76 is an oasis of style. The owner, Massimo Ferretti, brother of fashion designer Alberta, grew up in Cattolica on the Adriatic Riviera and wanted to give his hometown something a little different from the Victorias and Royals that line the beach. The hotel is housed in a turretted 1920s beachside villa, extended on two sides to create a three-sided space enclosing a Moorish-style courtyard. Inside, global references are strong: Japan makes its presence felt in the low geometric tables and Zen dried-petal arrangements; Africa in shell-embroidered wall hangings and zebra-striped lampshades. Unsurprisingly, fusion is the rallying call of the hotel's Vicolo Santa Lucia restaurant; even the staff are multi-ethnic. An international clientele as design-led as the hotel itself began to flock here from day one. WHEN TO GO June to September, when the contrast with the hotel's surroundings is at its most acute WHICH ROOM TO BOOK One of the 11 suites in the older, sea-facing wing. Doubles from L240,000; suites from L450,000 CONTACT Carducci 76, viale Carducci 76, 47841 Cattolica, Italy (00 39 0541 954677; fax: 831557; email:info@carducci76.it; www.carducci76.it)