Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, will emerge in June as a revived jewel on the Italian Riviera, and one joined by the sumptuous new Villa Beatrice
Portofino, the jewel of the Italian Riviera will enter a new era of splendour next June, as the town’s original Grand Dame, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino reveals a new, major phase of its multi-year renovation, by internationally renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
An emblem of Portofino’s allure since the 1950s, the hotel will reveal an entirely renovated main building, capturing the spirit of Ligurian craftsmanship and design, including a redesigned cocktail bar and new Dior Spa. Notably, this third phase of Splendido’s renovation coincides with the launch of Villa Beatrice in Portofino – a first-of-its-kind, exclusive private villa for the Belmond portfolio, launching in July.
Nestled in the tranquil hillside above Portofino, Splendido has been the epitome of la Dolce Vita since the 1950s. Set in a terraced former 16th-century Benedictine monastery overlooking the bay, the hotel is both a timeless retreat and a glamorous destination, welcoming acclaimed guests from renowned actors to artists and film directors, and even royalty.
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The meticulous restoration of Splendido honours the history of the building while delicately injecting contemporary relevance. Over the course of each two summers, the hotel has unveiled new spaces: 2024 welcomed new rooms and a new lobby, whilst in 2023 the hotel revealed the transformation of the celebrated pool area, famously overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Bay, as well as the new Splendido Grill restaurant and the renovated Baronessa Suite, one of the hotel’s signature suites, inspired by the noble Palazzos of the region.
For the 2025 season, Splendido, a legendary haven of glamour and natural beauty, will continue its evolution revealing a renovated main building, with a focus on new rooms and communal areas, including a restyled cocktail bar; coffee bar; lounge bar; breakfast area; retail space; champagne display and Dior Spa. This new wellness space includes four treatment cabins and a dedicated relaxation space on an exclusive roof terrace. The new rooms and suites are adorned with contemporary Italian artworks and local botanical prints, whilst the corridors feature exclusive sketches of Portofino and heritage photos of the iconic property and its guests, over the years.
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Inspired by the natural beauty and legacy of the Ligurian Riviera, Splendido’s landscaping offers versatile spaces capable of hosting both grand events and smaller, more intimate gatherings. The planting scheme incorporates indigenous flora and minerals, reflecting the distinctive beauty of Portofino. The colour palette draws inspiration from the blues and turquoises of the Mediterranean Sea, while the unique “Puddinga” rock formations of Portofino’s cliffs and the fragrant subtropical and Ligurian herbs further enhance the botanical ambience.
Just a short walk down the tranquil hillside lies Villa Beatrice, which is set to become one of the most scenic, exclusive private villas on the Italian Riviera – and a first for the Belmond portfolio. Perched on a private spit above Punta Caiega, on the Gulf of Portofino, between the Ligurian coastal hamlets of Paraggi and Portofino, this masterfully restored family palazzo offers an outstanding panoramic viewpoint over the Riviera.
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Belmond’s new private villa offering brings guests seclusion and intimacy with private sea access, whilst benefitting from all of Splendido’s hotel services. Located within the gardens of a national park and set across three main floors, with an additional ‘Torretta’ (little tower) attic floor and rooftop terrace, the villa summer residence sleeps up to ten guests across five keys, including La Casetta – a secluded one-bedroom cottage amidst citrus groves. Originally known as Villa Odero and built by renowned Ligurian mogul Attilio Odero, Villa Beatrice was crafted by Tuscan architect Gino Coppedè, blending Gothic Revival with Art Nouveau innovation.
Belmond acquired the villa in 2021 and has since overseen its meticulous restoration under Martin Brudnizki’s interior design vision and Marco Bay’s landscape architecture expertise. Design highlights include the renovation of original Coppedè external frescoes and internal ceilings, marble bathrooms and a collection of heritage antiques and contemporary artwork from the region.
Guests will enjoy a subtropical secret sea garden, plunge pool with sun deck, butler service, a fully equipped kitchen with personal chef upon request, gym, summer pavilion for yoga or treatments and an expansive shaded terrace for al fresco dining and family gatherings.
Villa Beatrice enjoys a majestic position on the Gulf of Tigullio, with views over Paraggi and the Cinque Terre to the East, and Portofino to the West, and the lower terraces of the Villa offer a much closer view of Portofino Bay.
