Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Italy / Portofino / Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
Portofino, Italy · Belmond · Apex Luxury
The site above Portofino began as a 16th-century Benedictine monastery, ransacked by Saracen pirates and left abandoned until Baron Baratta converted the ruin into a summer villa in the 19th century. Ruggero Valentini opened it as a hotel in 1902, and Orient-Express Hotels acquired it in 1986. Perched in terraced gardens above the harbor, the hotel underwent a renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio between 2022 and 2025, unveiling redesigned rooms and Italy's first permanent Dior Spa. A shuttle links the hillside property to the piazzetta below and to sister hotel Splendido Mare.
- 53 rooms
- Opened 1902
- Rooms from 237 sq ft (22 m²)
- Architect: Originally a 16th-century Benedictine monastery; Baron Baratta conversion (19th c.); Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
- Interiors: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
About Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
- The site was a 16th-century Benedictine monastery abandoned after Saracen pirates ransacked it.
- Baron Baratta converted the crumbling monastery into a summer villa in the 19th century; Ruggero Valentini opened it as a hotel in 1902.
- Ranked No. 83 on the World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 (51-100 list).
- Entry-level rooms start at 237 sq ft (22 m²).
History
The site was a Benedictine monastery ransacked by Saracen pirates and abandoned in the 16th century. In the 19th century Baron Baratta converted the crumbling monastery into a summer villa. In 1901 Ruggero Valentini purchased it and opened it as a hotel in 1902. Orient-Express Hotels acquired the property in 1986 and it became a defining address of Italian Riviera glamour. A major multi-year renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio began in 2022 and concluded in 2025, unveiling a new Dior Spa — the first permanent Dior Spa in Italy — and redesigned rooms, restaurants and public spaces.
The setting
Perched high in terraced gardens above the bay of Portofino on the Ligurian Riviera, with sweeping views over the harbor and Ligurian Sea. The hillside position provides seclusion while a shuttle links guests to the piazzetta below and to sister property Splendido Mare. 10-minute walk to museum at the 16th-century Castello Brown.
Restaurants and bars
- Splendido Grill — Restaurant · Italian
- La Terrazza — Restaurant
- Baratta Sedici — Restaurant
Experiences
- Dior Spa Splendido — Dior spa with an indulgent spa philosophy, set within verdant gardens; also Le Jardin des Rêves Dior.
- Romantic private dinner — Private intimate dinner for two in a secluded garden spot, on a private terrace, or at a set table in La Terrazza.
- Boat trips and excursions — Private or group excursions from coastal cruises to nearby coves, San Fruttuoso or Cinque Terre, arranged by the concierge.
- Tennis court — Tennis court on the property.
- Downhill walk to Portofino centre — A 10 to 15-minute downhill walk along a scenic pathway to the village centre.
- Special occasion arrangements — Champagne, flower bouquets and celebration cakes from the patisserie, arranged on request.
Amenities
- Saltwater swimming pool overlooking Portofino bay
- Dior Spa (first permanent Dior Spa in Italy; 2025)
- Tennis court
- Shuttle to Portofino piazzetta
- Villa Beatrice (private 4-suite villa; separate)
- Private cinema
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- MICHELIN Three Keys (2026)
- Condé Nast Traveler Gold List (2025)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2025)
- World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 (51–100 list) (2025)
- World's 50 Best Hotels 51-100 (2025)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star
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