Splendido Reimagined: A New Era Begins in Portofino

Over the past few years, few hospitality transformations have sparked as much industry curiosity as the renovation of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel.

Set high above the Bay of Portofino, this much-loved Italian icon has long been a benchmark of Riviera glamour. Now, following an ambitious restoration led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, Splendido has returned—renewed, refined, and more captivating than ever.

A Thoughtful Restoration of Place

The doors reopened in June 2025, marking not just the completion of a design project, but the start of a new chapter for one of Italy’s most iconic addresses. Originally a 16th-century monastery, the property has always balanced grandeur with warmth—something that the redesign has only amplified. What’s been achieved is less a reinvention and more a considered revival. The materials feel grounded in place—Carrara marble, local stone, Genoese grit underfoot—while each space quietly celebrates Ligurian craftsmanship through subtle detailing, layered textures, and artisanal touches.

The rooms and suites now speak to a modern kind of luxury—residential rather than formal, elegant without being ornate. Some furnishings were sourced from regional estate sales and antique markets; others made bespoke by local makers. The result is a softened kind of opulence, rooted in heritage but entirely current.

La Baronessa: A Suite of Story and Soul

Alike the layered drawing room of a well-travelled Italian aristocrat, La Baronessa is brought to life through a curation of curios, antiques and objects. The suite features a private-entrance garden with direct access to the hotel’s panoramic pool, along with a generous terrace that opens onto sweeping views of the Gulf of Portofino. Feminine in feel, with floral motifs, lace details, and shell-shaped wall lights, it blends whimsy with elegance—offering a Riviera stay that feels both personal and grand.

Introducing Baratta Sedici

One of the most striking additions to the property is Baratta Sedici—a new bar imagined as a gathering point for guests and locals alike. Bright and botanical, it draws from the surrounding gardens and coastal palette: sun-warmed terracotta, lush greens, natural oak. The hand-painted murals, soft lighting, and custom Italian pieces give it a relaxed atmosphere, but the drinks menu is anything but casual.

Crafted with care, the cocktails highlight local ingredients and classic Ligurian flavours. Standouts include La Vela, a nuanced twist on the Negroni, and U Chef, which takes tomato and horseradish into unexpected territory. The energy here is lively, yet grounded—elegant but with personality.

A Culinary Thread Remains

While much has changed, Splendido’s culinary foundations remain familiar. Executive Chef Corrado Corti continues to lead with quiet confidence, honouring regional traditions at La Terrazza and Splendido Grill. Both menus evolve with the seasons, spotlighting produce from the Ligurian hills and coast. The cuisine doesn’t chase trends—it’s anchored in place and delivered with assurance.

Wellbeing with a Riviera Rhythm

In a notable first, Splendido now hosts Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa—a natural extension of the hotel’s discreet luxury. Set among the greenery of the Portofino Natural Park, it offers both indoor and open-air treatments, with a design that blends into the landscape rather than competing with it. Whether unwinding on the rooftop terrace or walking straight into a treatment after a morning hike, the experience feels fluid, seamless, and rooted in nature.

Elsewhere on the property, the saltwater pool has been reimagined by landscape designer Marco Bay, while the wellness offering now includes guided hikes, sea kayaking, personal training and slower rituals like sound baths or forest bathing. It’s wellness without the labels—just an easy, natural part of life here.

Villa Beatrice: A Private World of Its Own

The jewel in this relaunch is Villa Beatrice, a 20th-century clifftop residence now open for exclusive stays. Just a short walk from the main hotel, the villa feels quietly removed—its own private world perched above the sea. Originally built in 1913 for a Ligurian industrialist, its distinctive Gothic Revival silhouette is well known among locals, but this is the first time it’s being made available to guests.

Across three floors, five suites, and gardens that tumble down to the sea, the villa offers something rare: absolute privacy without sacrificing the signature Belmond style. Interiors blend vintage finds with custom pieces, with every material—from scagliola finishes to handwoven Chiavari straw—chosen for tactility and soul. From the turret’s 360° view of the Gulf of Tigullio to the vine-covered pergola by the second plunge pool, Villa Beatrice manages to feel storied, effortless, and intimate.

Portofino, Rediscovered

Together, Splendido, Splendido Mare, and now Villa Beatrice offer something few destinations can: an interconnected way to experience Portofino through multiple lenses, each one steeped in character. For those returning, the sense of familiarity remains. For those discovering it for the first time, this is a destination that never needed reinvention—only the right kind of renewal.

To experience Splendido’s newest chapter with tailored service and exclusive access, book your stay through us.