Now Open: Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino, Rewrites the Riviera Legend

Hospitality Net

12-06-2025

On 7 June 2025, 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 internationally renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS). The 16th century Benedictine monastery turned glamorous sanctuary reveals 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. On 29 June, 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.
THE RADIANT STAGE OF PORTOFINO
A haven of glamour and natural beauty, the hotel commands a peerless position perched on a verdant hillside offering spectacular panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Bay of Portofino. A historic hotspot for the discerning traveller and the international jet-set, Splendido's iconic pastel-hued facade has long stood as a symbol of the Dolce Vita, capturing the essence of Portofino's enduring allure since its 1950s heyday.
THE LEGEND, REVIVED
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.
INTRODUCING: BARATTA SEDICI
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.
Baratta Sedici's curated menu is a true celebration of place, showcasing an inspired selection of exceptional cocktails. Highlights include La Vela, a refined blend of Portofino Gin, Campari, Amaro Camatti, and Pineo, and U Chef, a bold creation featuring Portofino Gin, tomato centrifuge, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and Seven Pod Indian pepper. Complementing these artisanal cocktails is a distinguished collection of vintage spirits and fine wines, rounding out a truly sophisticated offering. Culinary excellence is at the heart of every Splendido experience, epitomised by the renowned La Terrazza fine dining restaurant and the elegant Splendido Grill. Both venues have flourished under the expert direction of Executive Chef Corrado Corti for over two decades, with menus that honour the region's rich culinary heritage and celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients.
NEW SUITES: DOLCE VITA SPLENDOUR
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.
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.
AN OASIS OF WELL-BEING: 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.
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.
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. Ideal for families and intimate gatherings, Villa Beatrice offers unparalleled privacy and the freedom to craft a unique Riviera escape - with the signature service, style, and spirit of Belmond. Villa Beatrice will be unveiled on 29 June 2025.
Hotel website