Portofino’s Crown Jewel Returns: Inside the Reimagined Splendido, A Belmond Hotel
Perched high above the Portofino harbour, where terracotta rooftops tumble into the Ligurian Sea and the sunlight dances like prosecco bubbles across the water, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, has officially reopened its fabled doors — and it’s nothing short of majestic.
Once a 16th-century Benedictine monastery, later a magnet for Hollywood royalty and European aristocracy, Splendido is not just a hotel. It’s a legend with sea views. Now, thanks to a meticulous, multi-year restoration by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, it has returned to the world stage — not reinvented, but reawakened.
A Return to Glamour, A Masterclass in Restraint
Let’s be clear: the new Splendido does not shout. It seduces. Brudnizki’s design honors the building’s deep-rooted history with hand-painted botanical frescoes, bespoke Italian furnishings, antique mirrors, Carrara marble, and the kind of lighting that makes every guest look like they’ve slept eight hours and just said something clever.
This is where retro Riviera elegance meets modern Riviera ease. Every detail is curated but not contrived — a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and ambience that feels both cinematic and sincere.
And speaking of cinema…
A Reopening Worthy of the Silver Screen
The grand reawakening was, naturally, a three-day fête. Baz Luhrmann sipped cocktails beside Kelly Rutherford. Jeff Goldblum played live jazz. Models, movie stars, moguls and Milanese It-girls descended for what might be the chicest reopening of the season.
But this wasn’t just a party. It was a passing of the torch — proof that Splendido remains the heart of Portofino’s glamour, updated with a fresh heartbeat.
Introducing Villa Beatrice: Your Private Palazzo Awaits
If Splendido is the crown, then Villa Beatrice is the hidden gem within it. This newly unveiled private residence, nestled quietly on the hillside, feels like the setting of a secret Italian love affair (the good kind). With Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau detailing, panoramic terraces, and a private pool, it’s designed for those who want to disappear — in the most stylish way possible.
It’s also where Portofino’s storied past flirts with barefoot luxury. In other words: it’s less influencer, more icon.
Dine, Sip, Repeat: A Culinary Love Letter to Liguria
Food at Splendido has always been a performance, and the new cast doesn’t disappoint. Under Executive Chef Corrado Corti, menus at La Terrazza and Splendido Grill pay homage to regional ingredients — basil that bites, seafood so fresh it might swim away, and pastas that rival any Roman holiday.
Then there’s Baratta Sedici, the new cocktail bar named after the hotel’s founding year. Think expertly shaken negronis, artful garnishes, and custom-designed murals that frame the moment like a scene from La Dolce Vita.
Dior Spa Splendido: The Wellness Renaissance
For the first time in Italy, Dior Spa has landed — and it’s nestled in Splendido’s terraced gardens. Here, guests can indulge in LED light therapy facials, Lympho-Energy massages, and haute couture skincare in what feels like a sacred garden.
It’s wellness, but elevated. A pause button for life, dressed in Dior.
For Lovers, Dreamers, and the Newly Betrothed
If you’re planning a honeymoon, proposal, or destination wedding, allow us to save you some Googling: Splendido is the answer.
Imagine a day that starts with espresso on your private balcony, moves to a boat ride along the Italian coast, and ends in a candlelit corner of the terrace as a jazz trio plays just for you. That’s not an itinerary — that’s Thursday.
Villa Beatrice offers couples next-level privacy for post-wedding bliss or pre-ceremony prep. Planning to say “I do” here? The hotel’s transformed chapel and lush gardens provide the most spectacular backdrop, without feeling overdone. Even the air feels like it’s been tailored.
Then there’s the Dior Spa — the perfect retreat for a bride, groom, or guest of honour needing a moment of calm amidst the sparkle.
This isn’t just a stay. It’s a setting for your story.
A Riviera Renaissance
The beauty of the reimagined Splendido is that it hasn’t lost its soul. It’s still that sun-drenched, olive-tree-framed icon that once wooed Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. But now, it whispers to a new generation — one that values heritage, heart, and a touch of quiet extravagance.
Portofino has always been about escapism. With Splendido’s return, it’s also about arrival. And what an arrival it is.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino is now open.
To reserve your stay, visit www.belmond.com/splendidoWellness Redefined: The Dior Spa Splendido
In a first for Italy, Splendido now houses the Dior Spa Splendido, a haven of relaxation offering treatments like the Dior Skin Light LED therapy and Lympho-Energy massage. Nestled within the hotel’s terraced gardens, the spa provides a tranquil escape, embodying the essence of holistic well-being .
A Celebrated Reopening
The hotel’s grand reopening on June 7, 2025, was marked by a three-day celebration attended by notable figures from the worlds of film, fashion, and sports, including Baz Luhrmann, Kelly Rutherford, and Jeff Goldblum . The event underscored Splendido’s enduring status as a beacon of elegance and cultural significance.
With its thoughtful restoration and enhanced offerings, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, reaffirms its position as a quintessential Riviera retreat, inviting guests to experience the timeless charm and contemporary luxury that define Portofino’s most illustrious address.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit Belmond’s official website.
