Belmond Hotel Splendido, authentic glamour in Portofino

Set in the heart of Liguria

lies the enchanting harbor town of Portofino. Synonymous with luxury yachts, world-famous personalities, and understated glamour, Portofino offers a rare blend of exclusivity and authentic Italian charm. At its summit, the legendary Belmond Hotel Splendido stands as the crown jewel, offering panoramic vistas over the sparkling bay.

Portofino has masterfully preserved its architectural integrity. The iconic pastel façades—once humble fishermen’s dwellings—have been meticulously restored, echoing the region’s storied past and Mediterranean elegance.

Dining

along the waterfront is a refined affair: bistros and trattorias blend seamlessly into the scenery, eschewing flashy signage for an air of discreet sophistication. This subtle approach is a key reason Portofino captivates discerning travelers and the international elite: the town remains refreshingly authentic despite its celebrity allure.

Wandering the cobblestone streets, guests discover vibrant, lovingly maintained homes adorned with terracotta pots overflowing with geraniums—unchanged for generations. The original stone pathways, famously walked by icons like Elizabeth Taylor during her stays at Splendido in the 1950s, evoke an era of cinematic luxury. Here, tradition and opulence coexist in perfect harmony.

History of Belmond Hotel Splendido:

The Splendido is the soul of Portofino, a symbol of Italian hospitality and classic glamour. Once a 16th-century monastery abandoned amid pirate raids, the structure was transformed by Baron Baratta into a summer villa in the 19th century.

By 1901, Ruggero Valentini had reimagined the estate as the Grand Hotel Splendido. The property quickly became a summer retreat for European nobility, with a guestbook that reads like a who’s who of royalty and Hollywood legends. The Duke of Windsor was among its first illustrious guests, soon followed by a parade of stars—from Ava Gardner and Princess Grace of Monaco to George Clooney and Madonna. The hotel’s discreet ambiance and commitment to privacy continue to make it a haven for celebrities seeking true anonymity.

The Golden Era of La Dolce Vita

The 1950s and 1960s marked Splendido’s most iconic years, immortalized during the filming of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. The hotel was a favorite haunt for paparazzi and the backdrop for the legendary romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who returned again and again. Today, the hotel’s signature suite is aptly named the ‘La Dolce Vita Suite,’ and the restaurant still serves a dish in Taylor’s honor.

Belmond Hotel Splendido General Manager, Mr. Di Megni

The Arrival Experience

Ascending the winding hillside drive, anticipation builds as the lush gardens and azure sea come into view. Upon arrival, we were greeted by attentive staff, who offered a warm welcome and a guided tour of the property. The sweeping views of the Mediterranean and Portofino’s harbor are nothing short of breathtaking. The terraced gardens, lush with centuries-old olive trees and fragrant lavender, cascade down toward the sea, while the parade of luxury yachts below adds to the Riviera’s cinematic allure.

Inside, the reception area is a blend of antique furnishings and Persian rugs, a nod to the hotel’s rich heritage. Original monastery stone floors and historic columns line the corridors, yet the ambiance remains bright and inviting, with subtle maritime accents throughout.

The hotel features 64 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each painted in Liguria’s signature pastels. Many accommodations offer private balconies with sweeping bay views. Marble-clad bathrooms and intricate mosaics recall early 20th-century grandeur. During our stay in a junior suite, we were delighted by its generous proportions and refined comfort.

Our junior suite

Bathroom

Alfresco Indulgence

The suite’s balcony is ideal for private dining, easily transformed into an intimate open-air setting with crisp linens and attentive service upon request. Suites nestled in the olive groves offer exceptional seclusion—perfect for guests seeking utmost privacy. However, we found ourselves drawn to the hotel’s renowned open-air restaurant, La Terrazza, for both lunch and dinner.

Dining on the sun-drenched terrace, we savored the gentle breeze and panoramic views of the bay’s nautical ballet. The menu is elegantly simple, favoring the freshest local fish, artisanal pastas, and herbs harvested from the hotel’s own gardens. We sampled the celebrated ‘Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor,’ featuring a rich tomato sauce crafted from San Marzano, Sorrento, and Pachino tomatoes—a dish as memorable as its namesake.

Breakfast buffet

Lunch on the terrace overlooking Portofino Bay

A Source of Inspiration

Our stay at Splendido was a masterclass in understated luxury—an experience that lingers in memory long after departure. Here, sophistication is never ostentatious; rather, it is woven into every thoughtful detail. For us, Belmond Hotel Splendido truly embodies the spirit of La Dolce Vita.

• + Exceptional location and timeless sophistication. Every detail radiates authentic Italian glamour.
• - Travelers seeking ultra-modern design may prefer a more contemporary property.

Insider Tip 1:

Don’t miss the magical Bay of San Fruttuoso, accessible by boat from Portofino. This secluded cove features a partially submerged medieval abbey—an idyllic setting for a leisurely lunch and a glass of prosecco with sea views.

Insider Tip 2:

Consider visiting during the quieter months. Portofino’s beauty endures year-round, and off-season stays offer a more tranquil atmosphere—and more attractive rates.