Smooth dancing at dawn and the Flamingo in Gatteo a Mare

At Bagno Corrado in Gatteo a Mare one arrives with the right shoes very early, around 6.30 a.m., when the first ballroom dancing session begins practically on the beach, not far from where the Rubiconde flows into the Adriatic Sea and Julius Caesar is said to have uttered the mythical phrase Alea iacta est, the die is cast, he who was returning with his legions from the Gaul campaign. Here, this dance represents a secular, aesthetic and physical religion that has its priests in the most illustrious members of the Casadei family. Those who do not want to dance can still enjoy themselves by admiring the couples of all ages who perform just as the sun rises. Another extravagant summer experience is to cross the threshold of the Hotel Flamingo to take a leap back in time on the map: the atmosphere and déco furnishings are authentic and original with their ceramic jaguars, wooden panelling, reflecting marble and blown-glass wall sconces. It feels like we have stepped onto the set of a series set in Miami in the 1970s when the owners began collecting exotic objects that remain in place today. Even the reception, dining room and rooms wink at all things pink. And of course there is no shortage of flamingos, present almost everywhere, including the swimming pool.