“Heaven… I’m in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak…” Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s classic song ‘Cheek to Cheek’ could well have been written about Belmond Hotel Splendido. Such is its magical air of romance—from the twinkling stars above the moonlit ocean to the swaying palms around the hotel.

In fact, the hotel’s official serenade is the lilting 1958 ballad ‘Love in Portofino’ by Italian vocalist Fred Buscaglione. It was inspired by Belmond Hotel Splendido’s most celebrated lovers, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. When the pair escaped here on a break from filming Cleopatra in Rome, Burton proposed to Taylor on the wisteria-covered terrace of their suite. Taylor adored the hotel, and the couple subsequently returned, time and again, to stay in Bungalow Five.

Portofino village itself is irresistibly pretty, perched on the coast of Italy’s smallest region, Liguria. Surrounded by lush greenery, pastel-washed houses cluster like petit fours around an impossibly blue cove. You’ll find Belmond Hotel Splendido up on the verdant hillside, its location offering spectacular views of Portofino and the Gulf of Tigullio. Garlanded in dazzling wysteria, this 16th-century former monastery first opened its doors as a hotel in 1901. It offers relaxed luxury on an unparalleled level. For those feeling the call of the sea, Belmond Splendido Mare is a ten-minute stroll from the main hotel and set on the vibrant Piazzetta overlooking the harbor.

This truly is la dolce vita. Swim and sunbathe by our generous saltwater pool or don tennis whites for a match on the beautiful tennis courts. Stretch out at our acclaimed spa or head outside and unwind in the sauna, shaded by the flora.

Of course, eating well is part of the Italian experience, and Belmond Hotel Splendido offers exceptional cuisine. At our renowned open-air restaurant La Terraza, chef Corrado Corti works wonders with regional seafood and pasta specialties. At Belmond Splendido Mare, Chuflay restaurant offers an atmosphere of pure Golden Age glamour. We’ll admit, Spaghetti à la Elizabeth Taylor remains a favorite among diners.

Those wishing to explore this area of extraordinary beauty may like to take a nature walk, kayak around the bay, or even go scuba diving. Or perhaps you’d like to visit Genoa’s hidden boutiques and find a singular, stylish souvenir. Whichever way you choose to enjoy Portofino, let the hotel gather you in its embrace when you return. Our favorite way to start the evening? Sipping an aperitif in the cool, sophisticated cocktail bar. In a word: Heaven.

ACCOMMODATION

PRESIDENTIAL SUITES – Each one-bedroom suite boasts expansive balconies from which to enjoy the stunning views over the Bay of Portofino and total privacy for in-room breakfasts. Decorated in serene hues that complement the enchanting vistas, they offer a separate spacious living room and a master bedroom that can be configured with a king-size or twin beds. The lavish bathroom features marble flooring and a separate bathtub and shower cubicle. Each of the suites can be connected to a Junior Suite, creating an expansive two-bedroom suite.

DOLCE VITA SUITE – Located on the tranquil hillside away from the main hotel building, the Dolce Vita Suite offers total privacy. Nestling just above the main swimming pool, with sublime sea views, it includes a 45 sq m private garden with sun loungers. It offers a king-size or twin beds, a marble bathroom featuring a separate shower, bathtub, and double basins, and a second smaller bathroom. No connecting rooms.

DINING

LA TERRAZZA RESTAURANT – Choose to relax on the open-air terrace with breathtaking views over Portofino Bay and the Tigullian Gulf or enjoy a more formal atmosphere in the elegant dining room. Savor fine Italian and regional specialties.

POOL RESTAURANT – Linger over a leisurely lunch by the swimming pool, enjoying appetizers from the buffet, brick-oven pizza, silky pasta dishes, and a salad bar.

POOL BAR – Indulge in delicious cocktails and a wide selection of refreshing beverages served on the patio or by the pool.

COCKTAIL AND PIANO BAR – Join us in our stylish bar for an energizing morning expresso, pre-dinner cocktails or late-night digestifs. Be entertained by live piano music from 19.00 to midnight.

EXPERIENCES

PORTOFINESE ECO FARM – Reach one of the most beautiful spots in Portofino’s protected park, where an expert guide awaits you. Start your hike as you uncover Portofino’s history, then visit an eco-farm where you can enjoy a stretching lesson. Re-energize your body with a succulent breakfast before jumping on a guided tour through this sustainable farm. Visit its beehives, vineyards, olive groves, and butterfly’s garden. Available also at sunset time.

LIGURIAN COOKING CLASS – Learn how to bake delicious specialties at our cooking lesson by the pool. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into Ligurian culinary traditions: you’ll master the art of making the typical focaccia, farinata and castagnaccio. The experience includes the pairing and tasting of local wines and beers: Vermentino and Pigato for focaccia, basil beer for farinata and Sublime Sciacchetrà for castagnaccio.

OCEAN BLUES – Lose yourself in the wonderful world of colors with a funny and engaging outdoor watercolor lesson inspired by the hues of the sea, as well as the picturesque views of Portofino. This experience is ideal for little art lovers who want to improve their painting techniques and bring home a very personal memory of their moments on the Italian Riviera. All material provided.