Nestled along the pristine Ligurian Coast lies the enchanting bay of Portofino, a glittering jewel in the crown of the Italian Riviera. For over a century, connoisseurs have flocked to its tranquil allure, captivated by the mesmerizing sea breezes and breathtaking vistas. The vibrant seaside piazzetta, along with the unspoiled harbor, make this locale an enticing destination, often touted as the Mediterranean’s most beautiful port.
The best views, undoubtedly, come from the hills rising from its rocky shores.
Perched on these scenic hills lies the Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, a revered sanctuary cocooned within a verdant, protected forest. This luxurious retreat is set on the remains of a far older Benedictine monastery standing guard with its timeless opulence that has long ensured it remains an intimate and much coveted retreat. 70 elegantly appointed rooms. Its secluded setting, offering an intimate haven, has been cherished by guests for decades. Splendido Mare, its sister hotel, is closer to the port. However, the original Splendido’s private location provides ample space for indulgences like a heated seawater pool or an outdoor massage within the hotel’s secluded garden gazebo. The pool is an essential here, as piccolo Portofino has no beach of its own. The Benedictine monks who eventually abandoned their monastery due to constant marauding by Saracen pirates certainly underestimated the value of this exquisite location. Thankfully, Belmond is acutely aware and has been preserving and improving on Splendido’s heritage since it first acquired the property back in 1986 when the brand was known as Orient Express.
Historical Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
Following quickly on the heels of the announcement of the hotel’s new managing director, Alberto Pirozzini, who arrived in August 2022, this “Sleeping Beauty” underwent a series of extensive renovations and introduced a new executive chef during its seasonal closure. These are key moves that have only strengthened this iconic hotel’s appeal. When Splendido opens for the summer season on June 8th, these renovations unveil a refreshed pool area designed by landscape architect Marco Bay. The revamped pool features deep green-blue tones of the Ligurian sea below the hotel, while the surrounding terrace showcases a mosaic of sea creatures set against contrasting tones of pink, red, and white stone. The pool still provides splendid views of your superyacht – and others -- in the harbor.
The interior refurbishment, spearheaded by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the firm long known for skillfully infusing sophisticated contemporary flair into hotel and restaurant projects. The refurbishment was done with a conscious respect for the hotel’s illustrious history and their contemporary design sensibilities seamlessly blend with the traditional architecture, enhancing the overall ambiance at the Splendido Grill Restaurant, the casual all-day dining venue which boasts the same extraordinary views as the pool. The Grill features charming hand-painted green and white tilework reminiscent of Albissola ceramics, which also are found in the guestrooms. A retractable sunroof with stripes of terracotta and green against white protects against glare and Murano glass pendants illuminate the terrace at night.
The elegant Baronessa Suite has also been meticulously restored, its frescoes and curated antique furnishings paired with state-of-the-art amenities such as enhanced soundproofing, and lighting which automatically adjusts to the time of day. Both features demonstrate the combined commitment of Brudnizki Design and Belmond towards a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance designed to deliver guest experiences that combine the best of the past, present, and future. Throughout the resort, a sense of timeless elegance permeates the premises, a stately sanctuary where tradition and innovation come together harmoniously.
Culinary Excellence
The transformation over the winter also extended to the epicurean experiences on offer with new Executive Chef, Simone Tognetti, at Splendido Grill. A native of Lombardy, Tognetti is an impassioned world traveler and food stylist who will be making a return to his Italian roots with a fresh perspective on balancing modern techniques and traditional cuisine infused with local flavors. He will also be overseeing the new vegetable garden created in conjunction with La Portofinese Ecofarm.
Enchantment Re-Awakened
Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, a timeless emblem of luxury and elegance, has thus reaffirmed its position among the world’s finest hotels with these thoughtful renovations and the introduction of latest culinary maestro. Each improvement blends seamlessly to ensure that this splendid beauty remains a treasured, intimate oasis.
Photos: Tyson Sadlo | Words: Janine Devine
