Set against the cinematic backdrop of the Italian Riviera, the 14-room Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, reopened on May 1, 2021 following a complete renovation overseen by Festen Architecture. Embraced within a charming guesthouse in the heart of the harbor, the opening of ‘The Mare’ will revive the timeless allure of Portofino with a refreshed design, a new restaurant, and curated experiences. Every detail has been carefully crafted to reflect the heritage of the fishing village, the natural beauty of the Ligurian Coast and the glamour of La Dolce Vitae. Rooms start at $665 plus taxes per night.
While marking a new era for Splendido Mare, references to the harbor’s nautical history can be found throughout with mid-century modern furnishings, celebrating the iconic 1950s era that defined Portofino’s glamorous past. With all materials locally sourced and handcrafted, each of the 14 rooms are individually designed with colors inspired by traditional Ligurian buildings—a palette of amber, terracotta, and sea green—and furnishings are layered with soft Italian fabrics by Loro Piana and Rubelli.
The art collection features 100 pieces curated by art consultancy ARTIQ, including specially commissioned items by Italian painter Gabriele Cappelli as well as cinematic photography and abstract pieces by local artists. Passionate about crafting timeless pieces that pay homage to the destination, emerging fashion designer Arthur Arbesser was also tapped to design the uniforms, featuring nautical detailing and botanical references from the Portofino National Park.
Combining Belmond’s hospitality excellence with the Cerea family’s culinary expertise, the new restaurant, DaV Mare, brings a new level of gastronomic excellence to the Ligurian coast, focused on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Signature items from Da Vittorio’s restaurants, including the Paccheri alla Vittorio, a classic pasta dish with a tomato sauce that was created by founder Vittorio Cerea, will be available alongside new recipes such as a Risotto with Pesto and Santa Margherita Ligure shrimps. DaV Mare is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as 24-hour room service. Aperitivos are also available to enjoy on the open-air terrace as the sun goes down over the Portofino harbor, and make sure to stop by for a scoop at the property’s gelateria.
One of the new experiences is a trip along the Italian Riviera aboard a gozzo, a traditional Ligurian fishing boat, sailing along the coastline up to San Fruttuoso Bay. Stop for a swim to view the submerged bronze statue of Christ the Abyss, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Punta Chiappa, a remote promontory that inspired Lord Byron’s poetry in the early 1800s. Guests can opt for a picnic lunch prepared by DaV Mare or to stop for fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.
Guests can also set off on foot along the 7.5-mile ‘Path of the Kiss’ that stretches from San Rocco, passes through Camogli and out to San Fruttuoso. Featuring steep paths with uninterrupted views over the region, it is named after a fabled Italian romance where two young lovers who were separated by their families took their last embrace. Half-day excursions to the countless hiking trails of Monte di Portofino are also available, led by a botanist guide who can share insider tips on the mountain’s flora and fauna.
“Our teams have been working tirelessly to create a new standard in Italian relaxed sophistication – and now, the true Belmond magic begins. Together with our guests, we can look ahead to the return of La Dolce Vita by the sea with friends and family enjoying days out on the water, slow afternoons on the beach, and joyful evenings on the terrace at the new restaurant, DaV Mare,” says Roeland Vos, CEO and president of Belmond.
In addition to Splendido Mare, Belmond’s entire Italian collection will reopen for the season throughout May.
- Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino: May 1
- Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino: May 1
- Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice: May 13
- Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Sicily: May 13
- Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence: May 13
- Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany: May 27
- Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Sicily: May 27
- Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello: May 27
To book or for more information, visit belmond.com.