Splendido, A Belmond Hotel Reimagined — A Grand Return to Portofino’s Crown Jewel

Friday, 08 August 2025 02:14

Splendido, A Belmond Hotel Reimagined — A Grand Return to Portofino’s Crown Jewel

Written by SULÉY ERA

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Splendido - a Belmond Hotel Images courtesy of © Belmond Management Limited

On June 7, 2025, Portofino’s crown jewel, Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, made a dazzling return with a visionary transformation by the internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS). Perched above the harbor in a former 16th-century Benedictine monastery, the iconic property has been exquisitely reimagined as more than a renovation—it’s a full sensory journey that pays elegant tribute to Ligurian heritage while embracing the spirit of modern La Dolce Vita.

A Storied Past, A Sensual Present

For decades, Splendido has captured the imaginations of royalty, artists, writers, and stars of the silver screen. Its romantic setting, winding gardens, and cinematic views of the Gulf of Tigullio made it a favorite of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and countless others. Now, under Belmond's careful stewardship, the hotel has been reborn — its legacy preserved, its soul renewed.

The redesign by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio embraces Ligurian heritage with a refined, contemporary sensibility. Traditional materials — Carrara marble, Graniglia alla Genovese, and locally sourced Lavagna stone — bring the textures of the region indoors. Hand-painted botanical frescoes add a natural elegance to walls, while furnishings sourced from Italian estate sales and auction houses sit beside bespoke, handcrafted pieces by artisans from Genoa to Milan. A soft palette of warm terracotta, rich greens, and blush tones reflects the surrounding gardens. The overall aesthetic evokes the private drawing room of a well-travelled Italian aristocrat — timeless, inviting, and unmistakably Splendido.

Lobby at Splendido

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Splendido Hotel Lobby, Bars, Restaurants. Photos courtesy of © Belmond Management Limited.

Where Elegance Meets Heritage

Upon entering the reimagined lobby, guests are enveloped in a timeless sense of place. Ligurian tradition is layered with contemporary elegance, creating an ambiance that feels both relaxed and refined. At the heart of this renewed spirit is Baratta Sedici, Splendido’s lively new social epicentre. Here, light pours in beside whitewashed walls, illuminating a glowing back-lit white onyx bar. The space pulses with Riviera charm — its walls adorned with hand-painted botanical murals, where delicate vines and cascading flora echo the hotel’s lush hillside gardens.

The cocktail menu is a tribute to Ligurian flavor and flair: La Vela blends Portofino Gin with Campari, Amaro Camatti, and Pineo, while U Chef adds bold character with tomato centrifuge, horseradish, lemon juice, and Seven Pod Indian pepper. With vintage spirits, fine wines, and inspired design, Baratta Sedici sets the scene for sun-drenched aperitivos and moonlit toasts overlooking Portofino’s storied coast.

Culinary Tradition, Artfully Refreshed

At Splendido, culinary excellence remains central to the experience, led by Executive Chef Corrado Corti, who has helmed the kitchens for over two decades. Guests dine al fresco at La Terrazza, where seasonal menus celebrate Ligurian flavors with locally sourced ingredients and sweeping views of the bay, while Splendido Grill offers lighter fare and fine wines in a relaxed, poolside setting.

Every dish is a reflection of place — thoughtfully prepared, deeply rooted in regional tradition, and elevated with timeless elegance.

Baronessa Suite

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Splendido Hotel Rooms and Suites. Photos courtesy of © Belmond Management Limited.

Dolce Vita, Room by Room

Each of Splendido’s newly redesigned rooms and suites reflects the romance of Italian craftsmanship, blending tactile textures with timeless elegance. Handcrafted Albissola ceramics, Chiavari-inspired woven details, and carefully restored antiques sourced from local estate sales bring depth and authenticity to every space. Plush comforts are paired with vintage charm, from bespoke furnishings to subtle color palettes drawn from the Riviera’s natural beauty.

At the heart of it all is the Baronessa Suite — a private sanctuary styled like the drawing room of an Italian aristocrat, complete with whimsical touches, a vast sea-facing terrace, and garden access that blurs the boundary between refined interiors and the lush hillside outside.

Dior Spa Splendido: Nature’s Elegance

As part of Splendido’s revival, the hotel unveils Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa — an exclusive collaboration where the elegance of haute couture meets the serenity of the Ligurian landscape. Tucked into the hillside within Portofino’s Natural Park, the spa offers a seamless indoor-outdoor experience with four treatment cabins and a quiet rooftop terrace for open-air relaxation.

Guests are invited to unwind with rituals inspired by the rhythms of nature, complemented by a saltwater pool reimagined by Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a cliffside tennis court. From meditative hikes to revitalizing spa therapies, every element of wellbeing at Splendido is shaped by place, story, and exquisite design.

Click to enlarge image 01-Le-Jardin-des-Reves-Dior-Splendido.jpg

Le Jardin des Rêves Dior at Splendido

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Splendido Hotel Dior Spa. Photos courtesy of © Belmond Management Limited.

A New Chapter: Villa Beatrice

The crescendo of Splendido’s transformation arrives with the unveiling of Villa Beatrice on 29 June 2025 — a private, three-story palazzo just five minutes from the main hotel. Originally a 19th-century summer residence, the villa has been exquisitely restored, blending Gothic Revival architecture with Art Nouveau flourishes.

Inside, guests are welcomed by soaring ceilings, original frescoes, and arched windows framing sweeping views of the Gulf of Tigullio. With multiple terraces, manicured gardens, and private sea access, Villa Beatrice offers an unmatched sense of intimacy and grandeur — an ideal setting for family retreats, celebrations, or refined seclusion along the Riviera.

Cultural Legacy, Living Luxury

Splendido has never been just a hotel — it is a cultural icon that helped define the Riviera ideal: effortless sophistication, cinematic beauty, and sensory delight. In this new chapter, Belmond deepens that legacy by entrusting Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and Italy’s finest artisans to blend heritage with forward-looking elegance.

The result is seen in every detail — from botanical frescoes and bespoke furnishings to natural materials sourced from Liguria — inviting guests into a space where beauty is both intentional and immersive. Whether lounging in a garden-view suite or sipping cocktails beneath hand-painted vines, each guest becomes part of an unfolding story — rooted in tradition, alive with artistry.

The Return of Riviera Magic

With its visionary restoration, Splendido doesn’t simply reopen — it reclaims its place among the world’s great grand hotels. Every suite, every handcrafted cocktail, every garden stroll and Dior spa ritual invites guests to rediscover the pleasures of life through fresh eyes. Rooted in the hillside of Portofino and steeped in the spirit of La Dolce Vita, the hotel is at once a refuge and a revelation — where tradition meets transformation and beauty is curated with care. For longtime admirers, it feels like reuniting with an old friend in a luminous new light; for first-time visitors, it’s an unforgettable introduction.

Welcome to Splendido, reimagined — anchored in heritage, elevated by Belmond.

Splendido Hotel - facade

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About SPLENDIDO

Nestled in the tranquil hillside above Portofino, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, offers the epitome of La Dolce Vita; a place of panoramic peace and elevated perspectives. Set in a terraced former 16th Century Benedictine monastery overlooking the bay, the hotel is a glamorous destination, welcoming acclaimed guests including renowned actors, artists, film directors, and even royalty.

It is host to a salt-water swimming pool which acts as a radiant stage overlooking Portofino, the exclusive Baronessa Suite as designed by Martin Brudnizski Design Studio (MBDS), and the new Splendido Grill restaurant - all embodying the spirit of Ligurian craftmanship.

With 20 rooms and 41 suites, the hotel is known for its memorable dining spots – alfresco dining on the wisteria covered balcony of La Terrazza or Italian classics at the Splendido Grill. The iconic hotel also boasts an elevated wellness experience by Dior Spa, located in a secluded corner of the gardens offering al-fresco treatments, as well as a tennis court set on the hillside by Splendido.

Guests looking to discover the area can hop onto a complimentary shuttle service which stops at Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, located on the town’s buzzy Piazzetta.

SOURCE Belmond Management Limited

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About Belmond

Guests looking to discover the area can hop onto a complimentary shuttle service which stops at Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, located on the town’s buzzy Piazzetta.

SOURCE Belmond Management Limited