Elysium
Portofino, the shimmering jewel of the Italian Riviera, is set to usher in a new epoch of glamour and elegance. Next June, the town’s beloved Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, will reveal an eagerly anticipated phase of its extensive restoration, brought to life by the renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. This project marks yet another chapter in Splendido’s legendary journey, and with the unveiling of Villa Beatrice in July 2025, Belmond embarks on a bold new path in luxury.
A Landmark Restoration: Splendido’s Renaissance
Originally a 16th-century Benedictine monastery, Splendido has symbolized Portofino’s allure since the 1950s. Its location, perched gracefully above the Ligurian Bay, offers guests breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean’s turquoise expanse. The ongoing transformation, led by Martin Brudnizki, captures Liguria’s essence with carefully chosen materials, art, and an aesthetic reflecting Ligurian traditions and craftsmanship. This new phase introduces splendidly renovated rooms, a chic cocktail bar, an elegant lounge area, and a stunning Dior Spa—a wellness sanctuary amid the Riviera’s natural beauty.
For the 2025 season, visitors to Splendido will experience a completely renovated main building, with spaces designed to embody classic sophistication and contemporary luxury. These include reimagined communal areas, a refined coffee bar, an alluring champagne display, and a chic retail space inviting guests to revel in Splendido’s timeless allure. Hallways adorned with botanical prints and exclusive sketches of Portofino, alongside photographs capturing iconic moments in the hotel’s history, offer a narrative journey for those with a discerning eye.
A Masterpiece Reimagined: The Enchanting Villa Beatrice
In Portofino’s protected national park, Villa Beatrice, formerly Villa Odero, is set to redefine luxury on the Italian Riviera. This historic palazzo offers unparalleled seclusion on a private spit above Punta Caiega. Belmond is embracing this first private villa in its esteemed portfolio, representing a unique endeavor. Restored by Brudnizki and landscape architect Marco Bay, Villa Beatrice will open its doors in July 2025, promising an unmatched experience where contemporary elegance meets Portofino’s storied heritage.
Villa Beatrice is an exceptional haven, poised to captivate guests with its seamless blend of sophistication and history. A tribute to Ligurian luxury, it boasts panoramic views of the Gulf of Portofino. It offers a rare glimpse of the Cinque Terre to the east and the picturesque bays of Paraggi and Portofino to the west. With private access to the sea, guests can relish the tranquility of the secluded beach, coupled with the convenience of Splendido’s world-class services.
The Essence of Authenticity and Elegance
The design draws heavily on the Ligurian Riviera’s heritage, with an architectural style by Gino Coppedè that combines Gothic Revival with Art Nouveau influences. Inside, Martin Brudnizki’s thoughtful touches reveal the villa’s soul: vintage furniture sourced from local estates, meticulously restored frescoes, and artwork that connects the villa to its coastal setting. Each room is adorned with Italian artwork and decor that celebrates Liguria’s natural beauty, crafting a space where modern sophistication and historical resonance coexist harmoniously.
The three main floors host an opulent living experience, with the addition of the “Torretta”—a charming attic tower complete with a rooftop terrace for intimate gatherings. Marco Bay designed the villa’s landscaped gardens and secluded sea garden, which feature native flora, subtropical plants, and striking rock formations. Visitors will enjoy luxurious amenities, from a private plunge pool with a sun-drenched deck to a state-of-the-art gym and an al fresco dining terrace.
Timeless Luxury with Modern Comforts
Guests of the Villa will be privy to bespoke services, including access to a personal chef upon request, a dedicated butler, and a private summer pavilion designed for yoga or spa treatments. Villa Beatrice offers five elegantly appointed rooms, each exuding comfort and understated grandeur, with one nestled amid the villa’s citrus groves for extra seclusion. Thoughtfully curated, these amenities ensure that each stay is profoundly personalized and immersive, designed to offer every guest a sense of belonging.
Within Villa Beatrice, Belmond has cultivated an ambiance that celebrates the coastal charm of Portofino while providing contemporary luxuries. The villa’s restoration speaks to Belmond’s dedication to preserving the Ligurian Riviera’s history and beauty. This vision has been meticulously executed, from indigenous materials and heritage antiques to the villa’s distinct color palette inspired by the Mediterranean Sea.
Embracing the Riviera’s Glamour
Splendido and Villa Beatrice are twin pillars of Belmond’s Italian Riviera presence. As Splendido continues to welcome its renowned clientele—artists, film directors, and royalty—Villa Beatrice invites a new echelon of guests to savor the essence of la dolce vita. This latest offering is designed to meet the desires of those seeking both privacy and connection to the natural beauty of Portofino.
The seamless blend of artistry and luxury unfolds through each intricate detail as guests explore Splendido’s recently renovated spaces. From the stunning Dior Spa, which offers four treatment rooms and a rooftop relaxation area, to the coffee and champagne bars that evoke the charm of Italian cafés, the property serves as both a social hub and a tranquil retreat. The interior’s carefully chosen palette of Mediterranean blues and soft botanical greens pays homage to the Ligurian coastline, a tribute to Portofino’s distinct beauty.
A Vision of Italian Splendor
Villa Beatrice offers more than an extraordinary getaway; it immerses guests in Portofino’s cultural tapestry. Each corner of the villa tells a story woven with Portofino’s artistic legacy and breathtaking natural vistas. At its core, the Villa embodies a local approach to luxury, drawing on local artisans, materials, and design elements that evoke Italy’s artistic soul.
The villa’s secluded position within the protected national park amplifies the tranquility, inviting guests to disconnect and bask in the Riviera’s timeless beauty. The charm lies in its harmonious balance of privacy and luxury, where guests can explore the villa’s many enchanting spaces, from the shaded summer pavilion to the gym and expansive terrace designed for al fresco gatherings.
Honoring a Storied Legacy
The addition of Villa Beatrice marks a significant milestone for Belmond Hotel, setting a new standard for both luxury and privacy on the Italian Riviera. The property’s restoration showcases a commitment to Ligurian craftsmanship, celebrating local artisans and materials to create a truly authentic experience. With Splendido’s legacy as an iconic sanctuary, the evolution of the villa speaks to Belmond’s ongoing vision to preserve and enhance Portofino’s heritage.
As Martin Brudnizki remarks, “The guiding vision for Villa Beatrice was to create a space that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with the rich history of the Ligurian coast, where guests feel as though they’ve been welcomed into a cherished family villa, lovingly upheld and enriched by generations.” This sentiment is palpable in every aspect of Villa Beatrice’s design, where each element resonates with history and sophistication.
Elevating the Italian Riviera Experience
With the completion of Splendido’s restoration and the debut of the Villa, Belmond Hotel reaffirms its position as a custodian of the Italian Riviera’s splendor. Both properties embody the spirit of refined luxury, creating spaces that are elegant, welcoming, and distinctly Italian. In Villa Beatrice, guests discover a timeless retreat crafted to showcase the essence of true luxury—a place where history, nature, and sophistication converge.
Villa Beatrice’s allure lies in its opulent design, amenities, and dedication to preserving Liguria’s cultural heritage. Every detail of the villa, from the antique furnishings to the modern comforts, reflects the Riviera’s unique charm. The Villa offers a rare opportunity for guests to experience the Italian Riviera in its purest form—a harmonious blend of natural beauty, architectural splendor, and curated luxury.
Conclusion: The Epitome of Italian Elegance
Villa Beatrice and Splendido represent Belmond’s vision for the future of Italian luxury. With each restoration phase and the launch of Villa Beatrice, Belmond unveils a new chapter in Portofino’s legacy, creating a haven of elegance and refinement that will endure for generations. From its exclusive location to its thoughtful design, Villa Beatrice invites guests to a world where luxury is timeless and deeply connected to the Riviera’s enduring spirit.
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