The most striking thing about the San Pietro is its invisibility. No magic rings here: It's just that the hotel seems to merge with the vertiginous cliffs to which it clings. From the sea, this engineering feat is further disguised by the verdant screen of bougainvillea, hibiscus, and grapevines that seem to cascade from terrace to terrace. The 1971 creation of one man, the late Carlo Cinque, the 62-room tumble is now run by his niece, Virginia Attanasio Cinque, and her two sons. About a mile outside Positano on the Amalfi Drive, the hotel is so secluded that it's easy to drive straight past. The only clue that it's there is a discreet sign by an ancient chapel, which turns out to conceal the elevator that whisks guests down to the lobby. A second elevator continues down to the stone sundeck, small private beach, tennis court, and the hotel's new excursion boat. Back "upstairs," there's a new spa and a small semicircular pool lined with Bisazza mosaic tiles, as well as a much-lauded restaurant where Belgian chef Alois Vanlangenaeker works his mojo. Book one of the "special" rooms if you can: They all have features that set them apart, whether it be the largest windows, the most sumptuous decor, or the most expansive bathroom.

From the readers of Condé Nast Traveler:

"Chiseled into a cliff overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean"—a perfect-scoring location—this "crown jewel" has flower gardens and a private beach accessible via "an elevator inside the cliff." Rooms have unique decor and "an atmosphere of home, with roomy balconies and amazing views." Il San Pietro serves dishes that "live up to the virtuoso level you'd expect."

2010 Gold List

OVERALL SCORE: 97.0

DESIGN: 98.9

ROOMS: 95.7

SERVICE: 93.5

FOOD: 96.7

LOCATION: 100.0