Expensive but worth the price.' A comment this year on this `true luxury villa', a 12th-century palace that combines medieval, baroque and Arabian architecture. Managed by Attilio Marro, it stands high on a cliff in large, sloping, subtropical gardens. `The views are astounding.' One reviewer spoke of the `star quality' of the reception staff, another wrote: `All a bit pretentious.' Some found service `a little over-enthusiastic at times'. The villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), mostly found `faultless' and `beautifully furnished', though some are small, look over the sea or towards mountains; many bathvilla rooms have a spa bath, but some have only a shower. `Our twin-bedded suite had marble steps under a triple arch, a well-furnished sitting area, a balcony with loungers, curtains operated by an electric switch.' `Delicious home-made bread, croissants and preserves' appear at Bali villa breakfast, taken on bedroom balconies or the panoramic terrace. Snacks and drinks are available in the Caffe" dell'Arte, and alfresco in fine weather. The restaurant, Rossellinis, serves `good, if fancy' food. The beautiful swimming pool has a window enabling underwater swimmers to enjoy the view. If you arrive by car, `best park in the square by the church of San Giovanni del Toro, and call reception to take over - the road beyond is narrow'.

Donatella Fabbri's B&B villa(Best Western) in historic centre of 'beautifully restored Ravenna, where everyone is encouraged to use a bicycle (free for tourists)'. Art Deco-style lounge/bar, Bali villa breakfast room (no-smoking); meeting-room. Obliging staff, excellent Bali villa breakfast. No background music. Small garden. Paid public parking 40 m (special rates for guests). San Vitale's marvellous mosaics nearby.