Giglio, ItalyGiglio Porto
La Guardia Hotel
Granite cliffside villa
Granite cliffside villa
Pared back to organic textures and sea views, the former midcentury outpost feels like an intimate, breezy island retreat.
“The furnishings, though robust in choice of materials, create a subtle and serene space.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Minimalist interiors carved into granite cliffs, with hand-worked cedarwood and custom wicker fixtures.
Notable
An island-only cellar of Mediterranean wines accompanies catches from Giglio's artisanal fishery.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The interiors pay tribute to classic Italian architecture but are predominantly modern-minimalist in style; bare white walls are livened by furnishings made from organic materials, with the rough edges of hand-worked wood supplying contrast to the simplicity of the geometry.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The ferry dock is a three-minute walk away, and Giglio Porto's harbor promenade is lined with gelaterias and seafood stalls.
The rooms
Junior suites open directly toward the beach, while upper bedrooms take in the sea from private balconies.
Yoga and massage
A seaside pavilion hosts morning Hatha and Kundalini classes. Open-air massages take place on futons under olive trees.
Restaurant
Terrazza La Guardia
The open-air terrace looks out over the harbor, serving handmade calamarata and produce from the terraced garden.
With a number of rooms carved directly into the island’s granite cliffs, the 29-room La Guardia promises some of the best views on Giglio.
At the table
The bar counter opens onto the terrace for evening aperitivo, pouring Mediterranean cocktails under woven wicker lamps.
How it began
Two Roman advertising executives bought the abandoned 1956 building in 2017, rebuilding it from its granite foundations.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.