Starwood, Costa Esmeralda Hotels

Playground for the rich, the waters of the Emerald Coast sparkle like the precious jewel, matched only by the diamonds of those who flock here. In the 1960s, the Aga Khan discovered this idyllic 35-mile coastal strip of sandy beaches, studded with 80 bays and idyllic coves, and made it an exclusive private resort. Low-rise buildings blending harmoniously with the landscape and beautiful (free) beaches ensure the coast’s enduring popularity.