Discover the dazzling rebirth of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel in Portofino—complete with Martin Brudnizki interiors, Italy’s first Dior Spa, and the ultra-exclusive Villa Beatrice. A must for luxury hotel lovers in 2025
Perched like a pastel dream above Portofino’s harbor, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel has long been the darling of Riviera glamour. Think Clark Gable sipping Negronis, Elizabeth Taylor in oversized shades, and secret rendezvous under citrus trees. But in 2025, the icon has had a most magnificent glow-up—elegant, irreverent, and utterly irresistible.
After a meticulous multi-year renovation, Splendido reopened on June 7, 2025, not with a bang but with a beautifully orchestrated whisper—one that spoke of artisan tiles, golden-hour terraces, and the kind of quietly extravagant hospitality only Belmond can deliver.
A Design Renaissance by Martin Brudnizki
Let’s talk interiors. Or rather, interior seduction. Entrusted with the refresh was Martin Brudnizki, the Swedish-born, London-based maestro known for layering heritage with hedonism (Annabel’s and The Ivy, anyone?). At Splendido, he’s captured a sense of Riviera romance so rich you can practically smell the bougainvillea.
Gone are the overly polished tropes of “Italian luxury.” In their place? A palette inspired by Ligurian sunsets—corals, celadons, and lemon gelato yellow. Hand-painted frescos, antique mirrors, Murano chandeliers, and custom fabrics nod to mid-century Mediterranean chic. Every corner feels like a Slim Aarons tableau waiting to happen.
Rooms That Whisper La Dolce Vita
The new Splendido is less about quantity, more about curated indulgence. The room count was reduced from 70 to just 50, each one reimagined with Ligurian tiles, romantic four-posters, and terraces that dare you not to Instagram your morning espresso.
Top of the wish list? The La Dolce Vita Suite, a pastel paradise with ironwork balconies and sweeping sea views. This is not just a place to sleep—it’s a place to sigh, swoon, and surrender to the art of slow living.
Introducing the Dior Spa—A First in Italy
Making its Italian debut, the Dior Spa at Splendido is a feat of wellness-meets-haute couture. Forget your average facial: this is where treatments come with names like Granita Glow and Citrus Silhouette Sculpt, delivered in chic cabana-style suites or alfresco among olive groves.
Post-spa, take a cooling dip in the new saltwater infinity pool, book a tennis lesson on the cliffside courts, or indulge in a spritz at La Terrazza Restaurant, where Chef Corrado Corti has created a menu that balances local Ligurian flavors with culinary showmanship.
Villa Beatrice: For Those Who Prefer to Rent the Dream
New for 2025 is Villa Beatrice, a private six-bedroom villa tucked behind Splendido’s main estate. It’s the Riviera fantasy turned real: a dedicated butler, Gio Ponti furnishings, private gardens, and a marble bar begging for a round of negronis at dusk. Perfect for families, celebrities, or that friend who thinks Amalfi is so last summer.
Portofino, Reimagined by Belmond
But Splendido doesn’t stop at beds and spa menus. Belmond has infused the experience with carefully curated local flair. Guests can:
Charter a vintage 1961 Riva Aquarama for a sunset cruise to San Fruttuoso.
Forage wild herbs with the chef before a pesto masterclass (because why not learn from a Ligurian?)
Hike the Portofino promontory at dawn, ending with breakfast atop Castello Brown.
And if you’re wondering who was at the grand reopening soirée? Just a few familiar names: Baz Luhrmann, Kelly Rutherford, and Jeff Goldblum, who provided the jazz. Casual.
Why Splendido Should Be Your Next Luxe Escape
In a time when luxury often means sameness, Splendido offers something rare: character. It’s a masterclass in elegant restraint and Riviera exuberance—a love letter to Italian hospitality, with just the right dose of irreverence.
So whether you’re plotting a honeymoon, a solo escape, or simply want to know where everyone stylish is heading in 2025—the answer, my dear reader, is Splendido.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Splendido reopen?
June 7, 2025, following a multi-year renovation.
Who designed the new interiors?
Martin Brudnizki Design Studio led the redesign, blending Riviera heritage with contemporary flair.
Is there a spa at Splendido?
Yes—the Dior Spa, the brand’s first permanent location in Italy, offering couture-inspired wellness treatments.
Can I rent a private villa at Splendido?
Absolutely. The all-new Villa Beatrice is available for exclusive stays and offers private butler service and sweeping views.
Editor’s Tip:
Planning an Italian Grand Tour? Pair your Splendido stay with sister Belmond properties like Villa San Michele in Florence or Cipriani in Venice for a seamless swoon-worthy itinerary.
Ready to feel Splendido?
Check availability on Belmond’s official site, then circle back to TheHotelTrotter.com for your next dose of design-driven wanderlust.
More Interiors by Martin Brudnizki:
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Soho’s Newest Gem: Inside the Elegant World of Broadwick Soho
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
