Villa Beatrice

A Renaissance in Portofino: The Evolution of Splendido and the Birth of Villa Beatrice

The Italian Riviera’s iconic harbor town is entering a new era of elegance as Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino unveils the next major phase of its multi-year renovation in June 2025. Overseen by the internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, this transformation will further elevate the Grand Dame’s timeless charm, revealing a fully reimagined main building that artfully blends Ligurian craftsmanship with refined modernity. Adding to this landmark moment is the highly anticipated debut of Villa Beatrice in July 2025—a first-of-its-kind private villa for the Belmond portfolio.

A Renaissance for Portofino’s Grande Dame

Once a 16th-century Benedictine monastery, Splendido has long been a sanctuary of glamour, perched on the hills above Portofino with sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea. Since the 1950s, it has welcomed royalty, artists, and Hollywood stars seeking la Dolce Vita. With each summer season, Belmond has unveiled new layers of its vision. The 2023 enhancements included a revitalized pool area overlooking the bay, the newly opened Splendido Grill, and the redesign of the Baronessa Suite, inspired by regional palazzi. In 2024, a refreshed lobby and new guest rooms were introduced.

The refreshed interiors blend traditional Ligurian aesthetics with modern sophistication. Rooms are adorned with Italian contemporary artworks and botanical motifs, while hallways will showcase archival sketches of Portofino and vintage photographs of the hotel’s storied past.

Surrounding the hotel, the redesigned gardens reflect the Riviera’s natural majesty, with landscaping by Marco Bay that incorporates local flora, native minerals, and inspiration drawn from the turquoise Mediterranean and the region’s distinctive “Puddinga” rock formations. These lush spaces are designed to accommodate everything from lavish celebrations to intimate gatherings.

Villa Beatrice: A Private Riviera Estate Reimagined

Just a short stroll down the verdant hillside lies Villa Beatrice, opening July 2025. This secluded private residence—set within a protected national park above Punta Caiega—offers panoramic views across the Gulf of Tigullio, stretching from Portofino and Paraggi to the distant Cinque Terre.

Formerly known as Villa Odero and built by Ligurian industrialist Attilio Odero, the residence was originally designed by Tuscan architect Gino Coppedè, who fused Gothic Revival flourishes with Art Nouveau sensibilities. Now reimagined for modern luxury living, Villa Beatrice has been meticulously restored under the creative direction of Martin Brudnizki, with landscape design by Marco Bay.

Spread across three principal floors, plus a charming attic Torretta and rooftop terrace, the villa accommodates up to ten guests across five distinct spaces—including La Casetta, a one-bedroom cottage nestled among citrus groves. Guests enjoy complete privacy along with privileged access to Splendido’s full suite of hotel services.

Design highlights include restored Coppedè frescoes, intricately decorated ceilings, bespoke marble bathrooms, and curated collections of antiques and regional contemporary art. Amenities abound: a private sea garden, plunge pool with sun deck, butler service, a chef-ready kitchen, gym, shaded dining terraces, and a summer pavilion perfect for yoga or spa treatments.

Villa Beatrice is more than a luxurious retreat—it’s a living expression of Portofino’s cultural soul. “Our vision was to create a residence that feels like a cherished family villa, lovingly preserved through generations,” explains Martin Brudnizki. “Each design detail was chosen for its authenticity—much of the furniture is vintage, sourced from local estates, and all materials are native to Italy and crafted by regional artisans.”