Splendido: a cliffside monastery reborn above Portofino Bay

A historic jewel of pure elegance

Hotel Splendido, set high above Portofino in Liguria, is a true landmark of Italian luxury hospitality. Housed in a former 16th-century monastery, it is the very image of Italian elegance: resilient in the face of time yet resolutely up to date. Now part of the Belmond collection, this exclusive retreat is anything but a classic hotel. Clinging to the cliff like a jewel set in stone, the building opens out onto sweeping views of the azure Mediterranean. Over the years, this storied address has drawn an extraordinary guest list, from Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor to Madonna and, more recently, Beyoncé. A stay at Hotel Splendido is a chance to walk in the footsteps of icons while enjoying the full measure of contemporary luxury.

Every corner of the hotel showcases Italian style at its most assured. Vaulted walls and ceilings are a constant reminder of its monastic past, while mosaic floors, generous arrangements of fresh flowers and carefully chosen artworks speak of the understated opulence that defines the property. For all its grandeur, Splendido manages to feel intimate and warm, a place where guests quickly feel at home. Whether you are drawn to architecture, dramatic Mediterranean views or local history, Hotel Splendido makes every moment within its walls feel like a discovery.

A spectacular panorama over Portofino Bay

If one thing explains the irresistible appeal of Splendido, it is undoubtedly the view. Perched on a hillside overlooking Portofino, the hotel commands an exceptional panorama that stretches out to the open sea. From your private terrace, you can gaze over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and watch sleek yachts glide in and out of the harbour. Green hills dotted with cypress trees and colourful villas complete a picture-postcard scene where every element feels perfectly composed.

Whether you are by the infinity pool or at the hotel bar, every vantage point creates the impression that sea and sky merge into one. The play of the natural elements—the sun dipping into the water, the salt-tinged breeze on your skin—turns the setting into a complete sensory experience. The landscape shifts throughout the day, from the first light of dawn to the rich tones of dusk, ensuring that no two stays feel the same. The team is adept at making the most of this visual theatre, with terrace dining and quiet corners designed for contemplation, ideal for guests in search of calm. It is a privilege that few places manage to offer with such a sense of exclusivity.

Rooms where comfort meets prestige

Hotel Splendido excels in the art of updating tradition while delivering uncompromising comfort. Its 70 rooms and suites embody Mediterranean chic yet always preserve a feeling of privacy and peace. Every detail, from the choice of linens to the decorative objects, is designed to create an idyllic atmosphere where the natural beauty outside flows seamlessly into the interiors. Elegantly and simply furnished, the rooms blend classic Italian craftsmanship with carefully judged contemporary touches.

The rooms look directly out over the bay, with some offering private terraces or balconies where guests can enjoy a morning coffee or an evening glass of prosecco in style. Suites provide generous living spaces to meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers: king-size beds, marble bathrooms and state-of-the-art technology come together to shape a memorable stay. Minimalism has no place here, yet each room retains a clean, refined feel that highlights Italian artisanal skill and noble materials—marble, fine woodwork and luxurious fabrics. Whether you choose a standard room or a suite, one constant remains: discreet, harmonious luxury that invites deep relaxation and a true sense of escape.

Starred cuisine celebrating Italian flavours

At Hotel Splendido, dining captures the elegance and authenticity of Ligurian cuisine, from the sea and from the land. The restaurant La Terrazza takes guests on a culinary journey that honours local ingredients and time-honoured recipes while reimagining them with creativity and flair. Its talented chef, a specialist at bringing out the best in regional produce, showcases fresh fish, seafood and homemade pasta.

The setting is just as memorable. On an open-air terrace overlooking Portofino Bay, every meal becomes an immersive experience where flavour is enhanced by the softness of the sea air. Plates are beautifully presented, and the seamless service consistently delights discerning diners from all over the world. Sourcing from nearby markets and local fishermen ensures that every dish is fresh and true to place. Make time to try their signature “Trofie al pesto”, a classic regional dish perfected at Splendido.

For guests in search of lighter or more relaxed options, the hotel also offers menus by the pool and in its emblematic bar. Each bite, each sip, is a direct link to the long-standing culinary traditions of Ligurian Italy.

Exclusive experiences in the heart of the Riviera

For those looking for more than simply a stay, Hotel Splendido opens the door to a range of personalised, luxurious experiences. The hotel can arrange bespoke yacht charters, allowing you to sail along the dramatic coastline of the Côte d’Azur and discover secluded coves or charming neighbouring villages such as Camogli or Santa Margherita. For guests keen on culture, there are private tours of Riviera villages, where you can explore artisan boutiques and encounter singular local traditions.

On the wellness side, relaxation enthusiasts can retreat to the intimate spa set within the hotel gardens. Offering a wide range of body treatments and wellness therapies, it encourages complete relaxation while keeping you closely connected to the surrounding nature. Private yoga sessions on the terrace or meditation at sunset are also part of the programme. Here, each day is a carefully struck balance between exploration and unwinding, inspiring travellers to experience luxury in all its dimensions.