A step inside La Dolce Vita

A splendid taste of the sweet life awaits

The grounds of Portofino’s iconic Belmond Hotel Splendido are imbued with a rich and lively history whose reverence is felt deep in the hearts of all those who enter. The first location was founded in the sixteenth century as a Benedictine monastery.

Housed high up on the Portofino cliff, heavenly views of the cascading greenery and devastatingly beautiful blue sea below arrest visitors with a physical and spiritual closeness to the divine. Its vibrant history includes its continuous marauding by Saracen pirates, eventually forcing the occupant monks to leave, and its falling into a state of dilapidation, before catching the eye of a local aristocrat who couldn’t bear to see the structure’s decay. 

In 1901, the Grand Hotel Splendid opened its doors, and over the following years forged a reputation tantamount to Hollywood glamour. As the favoured haunt of the rich and famous, guests included the Duke of Windsor, Winston Churchill, and Elizabeth Taylor.

After taking over in 1985, the Belmond group have forged onwards to surpass the expectations of the hotel’s impeccable reputation, continuing to enjoy the patronage of distinguished guests, and opening a second, waterfront, location known congruously as, Belmond Splendido Mare. Positioned on the Piazzetta di Portofino and overlooking the harbour, the second location was made for those who delight in a convenient proximity to the cosmopolitan heart of a city.

Housed across both sites of the exquisite Belmond Hotel Splendido are seventy luxurious rooms and suites. Many of the elegant interiors open up to a balcony or terrace, if not both, allowing guests to drink in the magnificent views, while dining on the exceptional gourmet delicacies offered by the hotel’s menu.

Suites at the premier hilltop location are regally decorated with charming adornments evocative of a classic bygone era, while seaside at the Mare, features are modernised for the utmost in relaxed coastal comfort.

Gazing from the hotel’s many terraced vantage points, guests are greeted with the pleasure of sprawling panoramic Portofino views. Wondering eyes are free to travel the sea of green that runs from the foot of the hotel to the adjacent hill inlet, surrounding the sixteenth century castle, Castello Brown, which is enchantingly lit in the evenings for an extra layer of ornamentation.

Breaking the greenery in this direction is only the cool blue of the water and the white yachts that speckle it. Outwards beyond the greater expanse of the deep lies the rugged landscapes of the northern coast of Italy, rising up from the magnificent blue Ligurian sea, and filling one with admiration and gratitude at the natural beauty of the world and all that lies upon it.

Those inspired by the lush, verdant nature and wish to immerse themselves in it, may opt to walk the trails of the thriving, untouched Italian Riviera’s ecosystem towards the neighbouring beaches and villages. Journeying in style is also made possible, with glamorous boat trips offered by the hotel’s friendly staff. 

It would be remiss not to mention the service at Splendido, which is, of course, second to none. Immaculately uniformed staff are ready to welcome you with a smile, and their zest for meeting the needs of their guests is unrivaled; each staff member a prized contributor towards the seamlessly choreographed dance of service.