INSIDE LOOK SPLENDIDO A BELMOND HOTEL

Splendido,
A Belmond Hotel

18 June 2025

High above the harbour where pastel houses tumble down to the sea, Splendido has long embodied the romance, glamour and leisurely spirit of the Italian Riviera. Wrapped in pine and cypress, this iconic retreat offers sweeping views over Portofino and the Ligurian coastline, exuding a quiet grandeur that has lured royalty, film stars, artists and style icons since the 1950s.

Now, following a meticulous multi-year restoration, Splendido has reemerged with renewed brilliance. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the refreshed interiors bring Riviera nostalgia into the present, blending antique charm with sun-washed hues, handcrafted details and a sense of timeless ease.

LOCATION

Set in the lush hills above Portofino, Splendido offers a serene escape just minutes from the heart of the village. The Ligurian coastline is famed for its cinematic cliffs, olive groves, and clear turquoise waters, with scenic trails weaving through Portofino Natural Park. Cultural landmarks nearby include the 16th-century Castello Brown, offering sweeping views of the coastline, and the Church of San Giorgio, which stands proudly above the harbour. The nearby Abbey of San Fruttuoso, accessible only by boat or footpath, adds a sense of hidden history to the area.

The hotel is a short shuttle or 10-minute walk from Portofino’s main square, where you’ll find designer boutiques, cosy gelaterias and the picturesque marina lined with traditional fishing boats and sleek yachts. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is around 45 minutes away by car, making Splendido easily accessible for a long weekend or an extended Riviera retreat.

 

THE ROOMS

The hotel offers 70 rooms and suites, each thoughtfully redesigned with a Riviera-inspired palette of soft pastels, antique mirrors, and artisanal Italian furnishings. Carefully curated by Martin Brudnizki, the interiors reflect a sense of Ligurian nostalgia—featuring scalloped headboards, hand-painted tiles, rattan accents and floral textiles that echo the hues of surrounding gardens. Interiors feel fresh yet familiar, balancing elegant comfort with subtle nods to coastal tradition, and inviting long, leisurely stays above the sea.

The crowning jewel is the Dolce Vita Suite, complete with a grand sea-view terrace, vintage-inspired decor, and a marble bathroom that channels classic Italian glamour. For those seeking total seclusion, Villa Beatrice—a private four-bedroom residence with its own pool, butler and panoramic views—offers a standalone retreat within the estate.

 

EXPERIENCES

At Splendido, experiences are crafted to connect guests with the beauty, culture, and charm of the Ligurian Riviera. Cruise the coastline aboard a traditional gozzo boat, dipping into secret coves and crystalline bays en route to the abbey of San Fruttuoso or the beach at Paraggi. For a touch of classic glamour, take the wheel of a vintage Italian convertible and wind through scenic coastal roads with tailored itineraries designed by the concierge.

The hotel offers a rich programme of culinary encounters, including pesto-making workshops with local experts, focaccia classes in Santa Margherita, and private wine tastings with renowned regional producers. Guests can even accompany the chef to the market before returning to the kitchen for a hands-on Ligurian cooking class.

Back on the grounds, art and nature come together in relaxed Riviera fashion. Painting classes in the terraced gardens, guided hikes through Portofino Natural Park, and golden-hour aperitivi on the panoramic terrace all reflect the gentle pace and layered pleasures of life on the Italian coast.

 

WELLNESS

Wellness at Splendido is rooted in nature, elegance and deep tranquillity—elevated by the presence of the Dior Spa, one of only a few in the world. Set within terraced gardens overlooking the Ligurian Sea, this serene sanctuary offers exclusive Dior treatments that blend high-performance skincare with the spirit of Italian relaxation.

Guests can indulge in signature rituals such as the Dior Prestige facial, rejuvenating body therapies, and bespoke massages using the house’s luxurious beauty line—all delivered in breezy open-air cabanas or elegant treatment rooms designed for calm.

The hotel also features a Technogym-equipped fitness studio, a wellness terrace for yoga or personal training, and a heated saltwater pool surrounded by pines and panoramic views—inviting guests to reconnect with themselves in one of Italy’s most picturesque settings.

 

DINING

 

La Terrazza
The hotel’s iconic cliffside restaurant, serving refined Ligurian dishes with sweeping views over Portofino Bay and a timeless, elegant crowd.

La Terrazza Bar
A breezy indoor-outdoor bar adjacent to the restaurant, ideal for coffee at sunrise or a classic spritz as the sun goes down.

Splendido Grill
A relaxed alfresco venue by the pool, offering wood-fired specialities, fresh seafood, and laid-back Riviera charm.

Baratta Sedici
A stylish new cocktail bar with vintage flair, perfect for sunset negronis, live music, and aperitivo beneath the pines.

 

A TIMELESS REVIVAL

Splendido is a timeless revival in every sense—an icon renewed with care, character and a deep sense of place. From the handcrafted interiors to the Riviera-scented gardens, everything here honours the past while embracing the present. It’s not just a return, but a reawakening of one of Italy’s most beloved hotels.

 

TOP PICKS

RoomDolce Vita Suite

RestaurantLa Terrazza

To doCooking classes

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Written by

Ainjhelicah de Mesa

Digital Journalist at Inside Lifestyle