If you find yourself wandering up the hills above Portofino this summer, you’ll notice something’s changed—quietly, elegantly, unmistakably. After almost two years of slumber, Belmond Splendido reopens. Not with a bang, but with that very specific type of Riviera confidence that doesn’t need to shout. The grande dame of the Ligurian coast is back, fully refreshed, and better than ever.
The Renovation
Splendido remained open during this major top-to-toe renovation, closing only seasonally to accommodate the construction. And it was not the kind with disruptive scaffolding and awkward workarounds—Splendido remained a full-on retreat, while the restoration took its time and didn’t cut corners. And in June 2025, doors have quietly swung open again, revealing a brighter, more refined version of the classic retreat everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Elton John once adored. Belmond, who has been stewarding this hillside icon for years, brought in Martin Brudnizki Design Studio to breathe new life into the interiors. The idea wasn’t to rewrite history, but to let it stretch out a little. Lighter, softer, and more Mediterranean, without losing any of the building’s timeworn grace.
Accommodation
The rooms—64 in total, fewer than before—feel like a gentle nod to the past, rather than an overhaul. You’ll see pastel wall panels, antique-style mirrors, breezy fabrics, and hand-painted ceilings that seem to borrow their hues from the hillside below. Several suites now open directly onto expansive terraces that look down onto Portofino’s harbor. Also, a separate private villa named Villa Beatrice joined the lineup, tucked into the landscape with its own pool, garden, and all the hotel perks baked in.
Wellness
The spa, perched just above the main building, now carries the Dior name. That’s right: Dior. What was once a pop-up on the terrace has now turned into a permanent space for facials, massages, and curated rituals with views over the bay. There are four treatment rooms, a sun deck for post-treatment lounging, and an atmosphere that’s discreet but cinematic. The hotel also kept the tennis court—thankfully—as well as the fitness space, which now feels more like a private studio than a generic gym.
Food + Drink
As for food, much of what guests already loved has returned with a bit more polish. La Terrazza, the open-air restaurant that’s been the hotel’s heart for decades, still serves Ligurian dishes. The setting, with its lemon trees and coastal breeze, is unchanged—but the finishes are new, and somehow the entire space feels like it exhaled. And, of course, that view remains as it was: breathtaking. Chef Corrado Corti continues to run the show, sending out beautifully refined plates of trofie, grilled fish, and herb-laced everything.
Down by the pool, a new restaurant has emerged: Splendido Grill. It’s a mosaic-tiled, retractable-roof, wood-fired kind of place, with fresh seafood on the grill and cocktails that lean heavily on local ingredients, including a signature one with Portofino gin and Ligurian pine nut vermouth. You’ll also notice smaller touches throughout the public spaces—a reimagined bar, a refreshed breakfast salon, even a new coffee bar tucked just inside the lobby. Everything feels more curated now, like someone edited a very good book and managed to make it better. If you knew the hotel before, you’ll still recognize its bones. But if you’re seeing it for the first time, it’ll feel as if this version always existed.
As always with Splendido, the real treat remains the pace. Nothing rushed, nothing fussy. You can spend the morning walking the shaded trails above the property, stop for a dip, get a Dior facial in the afternoon, and sip something bright as the harbor lights start to glow. It’s not about making a statement—it’s about feeling completely at ease. And now that Splendido has quietly stepped back into the spotlight, there’s really no reason to stay anywhere else.
Other Articles You’ll Like
La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel Mallorca
Top 10 Amalfi Coast Hotels
Belmond Coquelicot
FAQs
Q: When did Belmond Splendido reopen after its renovation?
A: Splendido reopened in June 2025 following an extensive two-year restoration.
Q: What new spa facilities are available at Splendido?
A: Splendido now features a permanent Dior Spa with four treatment rooms and a bay-view sun deck.
Q: How many rooms and suites does Splendido currently offer?
A: Splendido offers 64 rooms and suites, including the private Villa Beatrice with its own pool and garden.
