Looking Around

A New Chapter of Riviera Elegance in Portofino

The iconic Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, reopens for the 2025 season with a masterful renovation led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. A celebration of Ligurian craftsmanship and timeless Italian charm, the renewed hotel introduces new suites, reimagined public spaces, and the debut of Bar Baratta Sedici, all set against the cinematic backdrop of Portofino.

High above the Portofino harbor, where bougainvillea tumbles down sun-drenched terraces and the scent of sea air mingles with jasmine, a beloved icon has been reborn. On June 7, 2025, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel opened its doors for a new season, unveiling the most significant chapter yet in its multi-year transformation.

Originally a 16th-century Benedictine monastery, Splendido has long held court as a beacon of Riviera glamour. Now, under the thoughtful direction of the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the property enters a new era, one that seamlessly bridges heritage and modernity, with a deep reverence for Ligurian craftsmanship and the soul of la Dolce Vita.

Each summer since the project’s inception has revealed new layers: in 2023, it was the transformation of the pool and debut of the Splendido Grill; in 2024, an updated lobby and select guest rooms. This year, the vision culminates with the full renovation of the main building, including a collection of new suites, the first permanent Dior Spa in Italy, and the unveiling of Bar Baratta Sedici, the new heart of the hotel.

Upon entering the redesigned lobby, guests are greeted by a sensorial tribute to Liguria’s natural beauty and layered history. Local artisanship takes center stage: hand-painted botanical frescoes, custom terrazzo flooring in the Genovese style, and carved details in Carrara marble and Lavagna stone. These are not mere decorative accents, but an intentional dialogue between the materials of the region and the timeless elegance of the Italian Riviera.

Anchored in authenticity, the renovation retains Splendido’s soul while elevating every touchpoint. The atmosphere is one of effortless beauty.

Taking its name from the hotel’s address, Bar Baratta Sedici is more than a bar: it’s a new social and aesthetic focal point for Splendido. The space captures the essence of indoor-outdoor living, with lime-washed walls, cascading greenery, and a dramatic hand-painted botanical mural that reflects the lush gardens just beyond its doors.

A palette of warm terracotta, soft olive green, and blond oak grounds the space, while a backlit onyx bar adds an element of luminous glamour. Furnishings throughout are entirely bespoke, handcrafted by artisans from Genoa to Venice, Florence to Milan.

With panoramic views over the Bay of Portofino, Splendido continues to captivate the world’s most discerning travelers. What has emerged from this renovation is not a reinvention, but a deepening: of history, of hospitality, and of a uniquely Ligurian sense of beauty.