Splendido Reopens in Portofino After Extensive Belmond Redesign
The iconic hillside hideaway returns with redesigned suites, a new Dior Spa, and the debut of Villa Beatrice, Belmond’s most exclusive Riviera retreat.
Photo: Belmond
After a years-long transformation, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, has reopened its doors, ushering in a new era for one of the Riviera’s most storied properties. Originally a 16th-century Benedictine monastery turned celebrity hideaway, the hotel has been reimagined by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio into a timeless sanctuary that pays homage to its past while embracing a modern Riviera spirit.
Set on the Bay of Portofino with sweeping views of the Ligurian coastline, Splendido now offers 61 redesigned rooms and suites that blend ornate Italian craftsmanship with a distinctly residential sensibility. Traditional Midollino weaves, restored antiques, and handcrafted Albissola ceramics add layers of local charm, while the new Baronessa Suite—a showpiece with a private garden and panoramic terrace—channels the glamour of an Italian aristocrat’s seaside retreat.
Among the standout additions is Baratta Sedici, a new social hub for guests and locals alike. With botanical murals, hand-crafted furnishings, and a cocktail menu spotlighting Ligurian ingredients and Portofino Gin, the space feels rooted in place yet forward in spirit. Culinary offerings remain a stronghold, with Executive Chef Corrado Corti continuing his decades-long tenure at La Terrazza and Splendido Grill, ensuring that regional flavors shine in elevated fashion.
Wellbeing is another pillar of the relaunch. Splendido is now home to Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa, a nature-inspired wellness retreat with indoor-outdoor treatment spaces set against the Portofino Natural Park. The spa joins the hotel’s saltwater pool (reimagined by landscape designer Marco Bay), a fitness center, tennis court, and curated outdoor excursions.
Rounding out the renaissance is the debut of Villa Beatrice, a private palazzo just a short stroll from the hotel. Once the site of glamorous summer soirées, the villa has been painstakingly restored with original frescoes and Gothic Revival detailing. Available from June 29, the three-floor residence offers total privacy with access to Belmond’s full suite of services, ideal for high-end clients seeking bespoke, family-friendly stays.
