First glimpse of Belmond’s Portofino restoration
Belmond has revealed some of the new-look spaces that will greet guests of its historic Splendido hotel when it reopens in Portofino, Italy this summer.
A multi-phase renovation, being led by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, will honour the history of the 16th-century building, which was once a Benedictine monastery, while also adding “contemporary relevance”.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino will welcome back guests from 8 June, when the first restoration phase is complete. This will have transformed the pool area, which overlooks Ligurian Bay, renovated the Baronessa Suite and added the new Splendido Grill restaurant.
Further new spaces will be unveiled at subsequent summer season reopenings until the project’s completion, scheduled for 2026.
Splendido’s 1970s pool has been enjoyed by film directors, actors, artists and royalty. Newly updated by the Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, it now has reflects the deep green-blue tones of the sea below, while the surrounding sun terrace now features pink, red, and white stone embedded with sea creature mosaic.
Adjoining the swimming pool terrace, the new Splendido Grill restaurant will feature a retractable sunroof and traditional hand-painted green-and-white tile frontages inspired by Albissola ceramics.
At night, Murano glass pendant lights will illuminate the restaurant’s terrace.
In the newly designed Baronessa Suite, frescoes and mid-century handcrafted decorations have been complemented with curios, antiques and richly layered furniture inspired by the Palazzos of the region.
Martin Brudnizki said: “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”.
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