Perched high above Portofino, with cinematic views over the cerulean curve of the Ligurian coast, the legendary Splendido has officially emerged from its glamorous cocoon—and what a metamorphosis it is. After an extensive renovation by the design darlings at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, this former 16th-century Benedictine monastery has shed none of its Dolce Vita charm and instead has embraced a new chapter of Riviera reverie.

Gone is the faded grandeur of years past—though fret not, the pastel façade and seductive scent of bougainvillea remain. What greets you now is a masterclass in Italian elegance: think botanical frescoes, Genoese marble, and bespoke pieces sourced from artisan ateliers stretching from Venice to Florence. This is not your typical seaside redo. This is Splendido, reborn.



Evenings begin—and often end—at Baratta Sedici, the new social epicenter of the property. With its glowing white onyx bar, terracotta tones, and hand-painted vines trailing up whitewashed walls, it’s the kind of place where glamour floats effortlessly between cocktails. The La Vela is the star here—a sultry mix of Portofino Gin and Campari—and pairs delightfully with murmured gossip and golden sunsets. If you're feeling bold, try the U Chef, an herbal-meets-spice marvel that lets horseradish and tomato take a spirited twirl.

Culinary pleasures continue at La Terrazza and the Splendido Grill, where Executive Chef Corrado Corti has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of Ligurian dining. Tables spill out beneath draped wisteria, and the menus lean into seasonality and regional elegance. It’s the kind of place where time slows to the rhythm of hand-rolled pasta and well-poured Barolos.

And for those who believe beauty is a lifestyle, not just a look, Splendido now boasts Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa. Nestled discreetly in the lush Portofino Natural Park, this sanctuary blends haute skincare with the hush of nature. Four treatment rooms, a quiet rooftop retreat, and al fresco rituals in the Jardin des Rêves provide everything one needs to restore post-flight, post-party, or post-prosecco. Add in a saltwater pool with views straight out of a Fellini film, a hillside tennis court, and personal training on demand, and suddenly you're living your wellness fantasy—in Dior, no less.

The guest rooms are as romantic as a whispered secret. Each is layered with Ligurian charm: handcrafted ceramics, traditional Chiavari rattan, and antique furnishings sourced from estate sales and lovingly revived in Genoese style. But it’s the Baronessa Suite that captures hearts. Feminine and theatrical, with blush-pink touches, floral motifs, and a private garden entrance leading directly to the panoramic pool—it’s as if the spirit of a glamorous contessa had left her diary open for guests to read.

And then, just beyond the main hotel, comes the pièce de résistance: Villa Beatrice. This private palazzo rises like a dream over the Gulf of Tigullio. A former family residence, now exquisitely reimagined, it’s the sort of place where one hosts candlelit dinners barefoot, dances on tiled terraces, and wakes to the sound of the sea just beyond the arched Gothic windows. With frescoed ceilings, Art Nouveau flourishes, and Belmond’s signature touch, it’s not so much a villa as a siren song for summer.

In a world that rushes endlessly forward, Splendido invites us to slow down, sip something sublime, and remember the power of a place that has seen it all—and still manages to take our breath away. Portofino hasn’t just gotten its crown jewel back. It’s been polished, perfected, and put back on its rightful throne.

Vivant Approved: With elegant exuberance and a wink toward the past, Splendido is officially our Summer Escape of the Year.