Splendido, a Belmond hotel, has officially reopened its doors in Portofino following a renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS).
The 16th-century Benedictine monastery, perched on a hillside offering panoramic vistas of the Bay of Portofino, has been reimagined to pay tribute to the building’s heritage, showcasing Ligurian craftsmanship with a contemporary twist across the redesigned rooms, suites, pool and restaurants.
In the lobby, an interplay of Ligurian heritage and contemporary elegance is revealed through a wealth of local artisanal pieces – from botanical frescoes to bespoke design elements made in Carrara marble, Graniglia alla Genovese and locally sourced Lavagna stone. Traditional materials root the renovation in authenticity while elevating the guest experience with a sense of palatial grandeur.
Splendido’s guestrooms further capture the spirit of Italian elegance, craftsmanship and comfort, with refined interiors and ornate touches that draw on the region’s rich design traditions. Traditional Midollino Weave, inspired by the Chiavari rattan tradition, lends a tactile warmth to headboards and bedside tables, while Albissola ceramics punctuate the rooms with a handcrafted, time-honoured elegance.
For a layered, residential approach, furnishings have been sourced from local estate sales and auction houses, telling a story of heritage, with some pieces delicately restored and painted in the Genoese style.
The Baronessa Suite has been designed to mimic the drawing room of a well-travelled Italian aristocrat. Brought to life through a curation of curios, antiques and objects, La Baronessa also features a private-entrance garden with direct access to the hotel’s panoramic pool and a vast terrace with views of the Gulf of Portofino. Pink touches, floral motifs and traditional lace, as well as playful touches such as shell-shaped wall lights, give the suite a feminine feel.
The hotel is also set to unveil its new bar, Baratta Sedici, where a refined expression of Ligurian tradition, craftsmanship and nature merge to evoke elegance and character. Whitewashed walls feature an intricate, hand-painted botanical mural that takes inspiration from Splendido’s surrounding gardens, bringing the outdoors in.
A palette of warm terracotta, rich greens and blond oak lend depth and warmth, complementing the back-lit white onyx bar. The space comprises bespoke, hand-crafted furniture pieces from artisans across Italy, from Genova to Venice, from Florence to Milan.
Further enriching the hotel’s wellness offering, Splendido will also unveil Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa in an exclusive collaboration. Situated on the second floor of the hotel, the indoor-outdoor sanctuary offers a nature-inspired wellness experience with four treatment cabins and a dedicated relaxation space on a quiet roof terrace.
Meanwhile, the Jardin des Rêves, an al fresco treatment space nestled within the hotel’s gardens, completes the holistic wellbeing experience with a saltwater swimming pool reimagined by Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre and hillside tennis court overlooking the sea.
Splendido’s transformation culminates in the debut of Villa Beatrice on 29 June – Belmond’s newest and most exclusive private villa in Portofino. Just a five-minute stroll from the hotel, this private palazzo is perched on a private spot overlooking the Gulf of Tigullo, offering panoramic views and private access to the sea.
Spread across three floors, the historic family residence blends Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau sensibilities, with the exterior murals, arched windows and original frescoes preserved to honour the villa’s architectural legacy.
