Until the 1940s a holiday home of the Italian royal family, this rectangular pink 19th-century villa retains a 'charming air of gently fading elegance', says its nominator. 'It stands proudly apart from the bustling town on a promontory that juts into the Mediterranean.' In its large park are a big swimming pool with 'breathtaking' views of rocky coastline, and it has a mooring area for small boats. 'The public rooms are rather grand and furnished with antiques, but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, rather than intimidating.' Some bedrooms have a terrace. 'Our corner room, tastefully restored, had wide views of town and Mediterranean. Dinner in the softly lit dining room was unforgettable: the immaculately dressed waiters were friendly, and the cuisine was exceptional. A grand finale to our stay in Sardinia.' Alghero's international airport is 30 minutes' drive away.