Saint Aymes Picks: Splendido Hotel & Dior Spa by Belmont Italian Escape in PortoFino

Tucked high above the Ligurian coastline with sweeping views over Portofino’s famed bay, Splendido by Belmond has long been a bastion of la dolce vita — a hideaway for film stars, poets, and summer dreamers since the 1950s. But its recent redesign brings a new layer of luxury: one that pays homage to its cinematic past while inviting a softer, more sensual present.

Under the creative direction of Martin Brudnizki, the hotel’s interiors have been lovingly reimagined — blending Italian heritage with Brudnizki’s signature theatricality. Expect whimsical wallpaper and floral upholstery, Murano chandeliers and terrazzo floors, all washed in a palette that feels lifted from an old Technicolor film. It’s Riviera nostalgia refracted through a modern lens: playful, plush, and unapologetically romantic.

But the true jewel in the crown? The debut of the Dior Spa — a serene, sea-facing sanctuary that combines French couture with Mediterranean soul. Here, guests can indulge in treatments designed exclusively for Splendido, using Dior’s skincare line in sun-drenched cabanas, draped in toile de Jouy and perched among olive trees with panoramic views of the Italian Riviera.

From the mirrored lounge to the alfresco bar tiled in delicate green majolica, every corner of the property invites you to slow down — and to savour. It’s not just a stay; it’s a storybook escape.

A Perfect Splendido Day

• Hike to Castello Brown at sunrise; descend via the church for that postcard view.

• Long, late breakfast on the terrace.

• Midday swim and a book by the pool.

• Dior Spa ritual at golden hour.

• Aperitivo overlooking the harbour; dinner under chandeliers, then a moonlit stroll.

Saint Aymes Take

For design lovers, Splendido is heaven — for worn-out minds, the Dior Spa offers couture-level care with Mediterranean softness. Come for the view; stay for the way the place makes you feel: unhurried, beautifully held, a little bit luminous.

Details

• Location: Hillside above Portofino harbour; shuttle or leisurely walk to the piazzetta.

• Vibe: Vintage Riviera meets modern whimsy; polished yet playful.

• Best for: Design-minded solo or group travellers, celebratory escapes, spa-centric long weekends.

• When to go: May–June and September for warm seas without the crush.