Portofino’s most storied hideaway, Splendido, a Belmond Hotel made its much-anticipated grand reopening, entering a new era of splendour following an extraordinary renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio…
16th century Benedictine monastery turned glamorous sanctuary – Splendido has opened its doors to reveal a magnificent reimagination that takes the hotel to new heights. Paying tribute to the building’s heritage and reviving the spirit of La Dolce Vita, the hotel showcases the finest Ligurian craftsmanship with a contemporary twist, reaffirming Splendido’s status as the legendary Grand Dame of the Italian Riviera.
This summer, alongside the beautifully redesigned rooms, suites, pool, and restaurants, Splendido introduces a vibrant new bar, Baratta Sedici, that captures the glamorous spirit of Portofino, as well as the first permanent Dior Spa in Italy. In addition, Belmond will also debut Villa Beatrice, a one-of-a-kind, majestic private summer residence overlooking the sea, further strengthening its legacy in Portofino’s enchanting enclave.
Image credit: Belmond
From the moment guests step into Splendido’s newly reimagined lobby, they are enveloped in a timeless sense of place, welcoming them to their home in the hills. A masterful interplay of Ligurian heritage and contemporary elegance is revealed through a wealth of local artisanal pieces – from botanical frescoes to bespoke design elements made in Carrara marble, Graniglia alla Genovese, and locally sourced Lavagna stone. Traditional materials root the renovation in authenticity while elevating the guest experience with a sense of palatial grandeur.
Image credit: Belmond
At the heart of this new chapter lies Baratta Sedici. A destination in its own right, the new bar will become Splendido’s new vibrant social epicentre. Here, a refined expression of Ligurian tradition, craftsmanship and nature come together to create an elegant yet characterful space. Whitewashed walls provide a fresh canvas for an intricate, hand-painted botanical mural, where delicate vines and cascading plants bring the outdoors in, taking inspiration from Splendido’s lush surrounding gardens. A palette of warm terracotta, rich greens and blond oak lend depth and warmth, complementing the back-lit white onyx bar. The space comprises bespoke, hand-crafted furniture pieces from artisans across Italy, from Genova to Venice, from Florence to Milan.
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- Image credit: Belmond
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- Image credit: Belmond
Throughout the newly redesigned rooms and suites, the spirit of Italian elegance, craftsmanship and comfort go hand in hand. Refined interiors and ornate design touches draw on the region’s rich design traditions and elevate each room to a serene and sumptuous retreat. Traditional Midollino Weave, inspired by the Chiavari rattan tradition, lends a tactile warmth to headboards and bedside tables, while Albissola ceramics punctuate the rooms with a handcrafted, time-honoured elegance. Furnishings sourced from local estate sales and auction houses tell a story of heritage, with some pieces delicately restored and painted in the Genoese style. This layered, residential approach ensures that Splendido retains an intimate, evocative, and undeniably Italian sense of place.
Image credit: Belmond
The Baronessa Suite is the crown jewel, designed to mimic the drawing room of a well-travelled Italian aristocrat. La Baronessa is brought to life through a curation of curios, antiques and objects – featuring a private-entrance garden with direct access to the hotel’s panoramic pool and a vast terrace with astonishing views of the Gulf of Portofino. It has a distinctly feminine feel, with pink touches, floral motifs and traditional lace with playful touches such as the shell-shaped wall lights.
Image credit: Belmond
An oasis of wellbeing: Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa
Further enriching the hotel’s wellness offering, Splendido proudly unveils Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa – an exclusive collaboration between two icons of elegance. Set against the verdant backdrop of the Portofino Natural Park, the spa invites guests to embrace holistic rejuvenation inspired by the rhythms and beauty of the Ligurian coastline. Situated on the second floor of the hotel, the indoor-outdoor sanctuary offers a nature-inspired wellness experience with four treatment cabins and a dedicated relaxation space on a quiet roof terrace. The Dior Spa Splendido offers a menu of transformative treatments, each thoughtfully tailored to the surroundings and imbued with the spirit of Riviera serenity. This new chapter in wellbeing expands on the Jardin des Rêves, an al fresco treatment space nestled within the hotel’s beautiful gardens.
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Completing the holistic wellbeing experience are Splendido’s cinematic saltwater swimming pool reimagined by celebrated Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, a state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal training on request, a hillside tennis court overlooking the sea, and bespoke wellness excursions – from meditative nature walks to invigorating kayaking adventures along the Ligurian coast.
Image credit: Belmond
Villa Beatrice: a seaside Palazzo in Portofino
The culmination of Splendido’s transformation is marked by the debut of Villa Beatrice – Belmond’s newest and most exclusive private villa in Portofino. Just a five-minute stroll from the hotel, this extraordinary private palazzo is perched on a private spot overlooking the mesmerizing Gulf of Tigullo, offering panoramic views and private access to the sea. Once the theatre of lavish summer soirees, this historic family residence reconnects with its quintessentially Italian summer allure of Villeggiatura. Spread across three floors, Villa Beatrice embodies a captivating blend of Gothic Revival elegance and Art Nouveau flourishes, making it a true architectural treasure. A masterpiece of meticulous restoration, the exterior murals, grand arched windows, and original frescoes were preserved to honour the villa’s architectural legacy.
Main image credit: Belmond
