In Portofino, luxury is layered. High above the jewel-toned harbor, where cypress trees frame the sea and time slows to an elegant pace, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino returns, renewed, radiant, and unmistakably Italian. Below, in the heart of the Piazzetta, its sister property, Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, offers a more intimate, village-chic counterpoint. Distinct in spirit yet united by Belmond’s impeccable service, the two hotels form a single, seamless Riviera experience, connected by a complimentary shuttle that allows guests to move effortlessly between hilltop serenity and harbor-front vitality.
Last summer, Splendido reopened following an extraordinary renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, honoring its storied past while ushering in a luminous new chapter of Riviera grandeur. Once a 16th-century Benedictine monastery and later a retreat for artists, aristocrats, and the international jet set, Splendido has long embodied la dolce vita. Today, it emerges more luminous than ever, steeped in heritage, elevated by design, and effortlessly modern.
Liguria's Timeless Beauty
From its pastel-hued façade to panoramic terraces, Splendido commands one of the most coveted views on the Ligurian coast. Here, amid rolling hills and sea breezes scented with citrus and salt, glamor has always felt natural, never forced.

Inside, botanical frescoes, bespoke Carrara marble details, Graniglia alla Genovese flooring, and locally sourced Lavagna stone anchor the interiors in authenticity. Custom furnishings and artisanal finishes create a quietly palatial air, a hotel that feels deeply rooted yet refreshingly current, a home where history and modernity coexist in effortless harmony.
A Taste of Portofino
At Splendido, dining unfolds at a leisurely pace. La Terrazza, the iconic fine-dining destination, celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with subtle creativity. Beneath cascading wisteria, Executive Chef Corrado Corti reinterprets classic Ligurian flavors, from pristine seafood to signature dishes, while regional wines flow freely as the sun melts into the harbor below.
For a more relaxed pace, Splendido Grill channels the convivial spirit of Italian dining, offering comforting classics and seafood specialties paired with vibrant cocktails, ideal for long lunches and leisurely evenings that drift with the Riviera’s unhurried rhythm.
Splendido Mare & DaV Mare
Down by the water, Splendido Mare places guests at the center of the Piazzetta’s daily theatre, offering townhouse intimacy and access to Splendido’s hilltop amenities. At its heart lies DaV Mare, a collaboration with the Cerea family, culinary masters behind three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio.

Menus celebrate the Ligurian Sea: a gluten-free spaghetti with Monterosso anchovies and bagnacauda opens the experience, followed by risotto with homemade pesto, Santa Margherita Ligure king prawns, and a silky DaV tomato emulsion. From the sea, turbot is paired with three caviars, coconut milk, and wasabi arugula, while the catch of the day evolves with the morning’s haul. For two, the Antipasto Portofino offers seven selections of fish, crustaceans, and seasonal vegetables, a celebration of abundance meant for sharing. Select dishes are finished tableside, adding theater to the convivial experience. Adjacent, the DaV Mare Bar offers aperitivo and evening cocktails crafted from local ingredients, as the Piazzetta lights shimmer.
Baratta Sedici, Portofino’s New Social Heart
Back at Splendido, Baratta Sedici blends hand-painted botanical murals, terracotta tones, and a luminous white onyx bar into an intimate yet cinematic gathering space. Signature cocktails, such as La Vela and U Chef, reflect the flavors of the Riviera as conversation flows into twilight.
Suites and Wellness
Throughout Splendido, rooms and suites feel intimate and lived-in, layered with Midollino weave inspired by Chiavari craftsmanship, hand-painted Albissola ceramics, and restored local furnishings. The Baronessa Suite stands as the crown jewel, with private garden access, sweeping terrace, and unforgettable views of the Gulf of Portofino.
Wellbeing at Splendido is anchored by the Dior Spa Splendido, perched within the Portofino Natural Park. Guests of both Splendido and Splendido Mare enjoy full access to this serene indoor-outdoor sanctuary, where garden-inspired interiors and sweeping sea views create a sense of calm and indulgence. Treatments draw from Dior Haute Wellness, offering deeply restorative rituals designed to tone, sculpt, and rebalance.
Signature experiences include New Look, a lymphatic drainage treatment that refines the silhouette and energizes the body; Constellation, a multi-sensory journey of slow, enveloping movements that release tension and restore inner peace; and D-Tissue, a deep, high-performance massage focused on muscle recovery, oxygenation, and detoxification. Each experience is thoughtfully tailored, blending precision, luxury, and the serene rhythm of the Riviera. While Splendido Mare offers select spa services, the heart of the wellness journey lies just moments away at Splendido…an elevated retreat where la dolce vita finds its most restorative expression.

Completing this transformation is Villa Beatrice, Belmond’s most exclusive private residence in Portofino. Overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio and just minutes from the hotel, the restored seaside palazzo revives the tradition of villeggiatura, offering privacy, direct sea access, and Belmond’s signature service for families and intimate gatherings.
With its reopening, Splendido does more than reclaim its place; it redefines it. Together with Splendido Mare, it offers elevated retreat and harbor-front immersion, grandeur, and intimacy. Rooted in history, elevated by design, and guided by the enduring allure of the Riviera, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino once again stands as a living legend, beautifully reimagined.
Stories
Gallery
Splendido, Reborn: A Riviera Legend Enters a New Era

Gerri Melchionne

Photos courtesy of Belmond
19 January 2026
8 min

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