On 8th June 2023 Splendido will welcome its summer guests into the property, revealing the transformation of the stunning pool area, which overlooks the sparkling Ligurian Bay. This will be the first opportunity to dine in the Splendido Grill restaurant and experience the renovated Baronessa Suite. These elevated spaces, imagined by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, will capture the spirit of Ligurian craftsmanship.
Inspired by Ligurian coastal villa living
As one of the leading restaurant and hotel designers of his generation, Martin Brudnizki reinvigorates spaces with a blend of heritage and contemporary aesthetics; it’s an approach that’s very much in line with the Belmond brand’s vision. Local materials and traditional crafts play heavily in the decor, layering contrasting colours, fabrics, textures and styles, with an inspiring and emboldened outcome. This helps to create a warming ambience, that’s peppered with family heirloom antiques. Regional touches, like black and white Carrara and Lavagna stone flooring, Albissola ceramics and original Margerin frescos add to this sense of authenticity.
“Splendido is an icon and so our approach to the project was similar to that of a portrait painter, creating a design centred on the building and one that is as much a restoration as a rejuvenation. We looked to the local flora and fauna and architecture for influences while also championing Ligurian craft to ensure the rooms felt luxurious as well as contextual. It was important the design situates guests in Portofino, creating that comforting feeling of being at a friend’s holiday home while allowing them to experience the beauty, art and life of this magical place”. says Martin Brudnizki. “Within this historically sensitive design, there is a layer of amenities to make Splendido the most comfortable in the world. Technology like the lighting control that changes smoothly according to the time of the day, energy saving features and enhanced sound insulation help make the guest experience seamless.”
A destination pool
The hotel’s bayside pool has long been a hang-out for the famous and the glamorous; film directors, actors, artists and royalty have all lounged and taken a dip here. Now it’s receiving a new lease of life, courtesy of the Italian landscape designer Marco Bay. The iconic 1970s pool has been updated to reflect the deep green-blue tones of the sea below, while the surrounding sun terrace now is swathed in shades of pink, red, and white stone, and accented with mosaic sea creatures.
The Splendido Grill restaurant
Beside the pool terrace is the all-new Grill. Here, are the motifs of traditional hand-painted green and white tiles (inspired by Albissola ceramics) also seen in the bedrooms. Lush green planting blends seamlessly with the interior detailing, furniture and greenery. And a retractable sunroof in tones of acorn green and terracotta contrasts strikingly with a bright white background and a red-flecked composite stone floor. After dark, striped Murano glass pendant lights illuminate the terrace. Guests will take a seat on Bonacina chairs, upholstered with piped cushions in coral and green tones, at tables adorned with custom-designed fine bone china inspired by the local flora and fauna.
The Baronessa Suite
Following the details and language of the guest suites, this will feature enchanting frescoes, artistic elements and handcrafted decorations dating back to the mid-20th century. The Baronessa Suite seeks to represent the splendour of the Ligurian Riviera – with the addition of artefacts, antiques and richly layered furniture curated from regional auction houses and estate sales. Other notable elements include Graniglia alla Genovese flooring with a mosaic border finish, a statement chaise longue and carved timber side table, a petite vanity table with a contrasting footstool, a carved timber headboard depicting unfurling agapanthus leaves and painted Genovese antique bedside tables are topped by Albissola table lamps.
The suite also benefits from an expansive private terrace, furnished with rattan seating and a dining area for sunny breakfasts and convivial evening meals. The Baronessa Suite pays homage to Portofino’s cultural heritage, offering guests the kind of style and comfort that’s evocative of the area’s noble Palazzos.
“Splendido’s multi-phase renovation is undoubtedly an extraordinary project that brings this historical hotel into the future, keeping the spirit that made it the legend that it is, completely intact ” says Alberto Pirozzini, Managing Director of Splendido. “Considering the novelties that await our guests, a stay at the Splendido will continue to be not only a memorable experience but an unforgettable journey both exclusive and unique”.
This property is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Portofino
A Garden View Room starts from 2.3K EUR per night on a B&B basis, based on two people sharing. The Baronessa Suite at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, starts from 11K EUR per night on a B&B basis, based on two people sharing, inclusive of butler, laundry service, minibar, and roundtrip transfer from Genoa airport.
