SPLENDIDO, A BELMOND HOTEL, PORTOFINO REVEALS FIRST LOOK AT NEWLY REDESIGNED POOL, RESTAURANT & BARONESSA SUITE BY MARTIN BRUDNIZKI (Italy)
“Splendido’s multi-phase renovation is undoubtedly an extraordinary project that brings this historical hotel into the future, keeping the spirit that made it the legend that it is, completely intact” says Alberto Pirozzini, Managing Director.
SPLENDIDO, A BELMOND HOTEL, PORTOFINO REVEALS FIRST LOOK AT NEWLY REDESIGNED POOL, RESTAURANT & BARONESSA SUITE BY MARTIN BRUDNIZKI (Italy)
“Splendido’s multi-phase renovation is undoubtedly an extraordinary project that brings this historical hotel into the future, keeping the spirit that made it the legend that it is, completely intact” says Alberto Pirozzini, Managing Director.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, continues its legacy as an icon of style and elegance with the much-anticipated unveiling of the newly redesigned pool, pool restaurant and Baronessa Suite on 8 June 2023, as the property welcomes guests for the summer season.
Led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the hotel will reveal the transformation of the celebrated pool area, famously overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Bay; as well as introducing the new Splendido Grill restaurant and the renovated Baronessa Suite.
Each seasonal reopening promises new, elevated spaces that capture the spirit of Ligurian craftsmanship and design.
A celebration of Ligurian craft by Martin Brudnizki
One of the leading restaurant and hotel designers of his generation, Martin Brudnizki reinvigorates spaces with his unique and contemporary point of view, seamlessly blending tradition with design, synonymous with Belmond's own vision.
Through the use of local materials and traditional craft, Brudnizki layers different colours, fabrics, textures and styles, with an inspiring and emboldened outcome.
The result is a warming space combining family heirloom antiques with a modern elevated perspective. Inspired by Ligurian coastal villa living, delicate touches from the region are observed throughout the hotel’s design, from black and white Carrara and Lavagna stone flooring, to the local Albissola ceramics through to the original Margerin frescos.
“Splendido is an icon and so our approach to the project was similar to that of a portrait painter, creating a design centred on the building and one that is as much a restoration as a rejuvenation. We looked to the local flora and fauna and architecture for influences while also championing Ligurian craft to ensure the rooms felt luxurious as well as contextual. It was important the design situates guests in Portofino, creating that comforting feeling of being at a friend’s holiday home while allowing them to experience the beauty, art and life of this magical place”. says Martin Brudnizki.
“Within this historically sensitive design there is a layer of amenities to make Splendido the most comfortable in the world. Technology like the lighting control that changes smoothly according to the time of the day, energy saving features and enhanced sound insulation help make the guest experience seamless.”
A new chapter for Splendido’s iconic pool
Splendido’s cinematographic swimming pool is legendary in its own right; a glamorous destination where guests including renowned film directors, actors, artists and even royalty have soaked up the Portofino Bay panorama.
Newly redesigned by the talented Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, the iconic 1970s pool has been updated to reflect the deep green-blue tones of the sea below, while the surrounding sun terrace now features contrasting hues of pink, red, and white stone, embedded with mosaic sea creatures.
Adjoining the swimming pool terrace, the Splendido Grill restaurant will feature traditional hand-painted green and white tile frontages inspired by Albissola ceramics, also found in the hotel guestrooms.
The restaurant's lush green surroundings blend seamlessly with the interior detailing, furniture and greenery, whilst the retractable sunroof in tones of acorn green and terracotta against a bright white background, provides a striking contrast against the red-flecked composite stone floor.
At night, vibrant striped Murano glass pendant lights illuminate the terrace, furnished with Bonacina chairs, dressed with piped cushions in coral and green tones and tables adorned with custom-designed fine bone china inspired by the local flora and fauna.
The Baronessa Suite, reimagined
The newly designed Baronessa Suite combines the design details and language of the guest suites with enchanting frescoes, artistic elements and handcrafted decorations dating back to mid 20th century, evoking all the splendour of the Ligurian Riviera - with the addition of curios, antiques and richly layered furniture. Inspired by the noble Palazzos of the region, a particular emphasis has been placed on striking the balance between comfort and elegance.
Rich fabric wall coverings contrast beautifully with the Graniglia alla Genovese flooring, with a mosaic border finish. Antique furniture, thoughtfully curated from local auction houses and estate sales, has been reupholstered in bespoke fabrics, including a statement chaise longue and carved timber side table, as well as a petite vanity table with contrasting footstool.
A grandiose carved timber headboard depicting unfurling agapanthus leaves contrasts against the soft fabric of the upholstered insert whilst painted Genovese antique bedside tables are topped by Albissola table lamps.
The suite’s magnificence extends outdoors to the expansive terrace, furnished with rattan seating and a dining area, where guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast whilst basking in the warm morning sun. The Baronessa Suite is a true testament to tradition and cultural heritage, offering guests unparalleled style and comfort.
“Splendido’s multi-phase renovation is undoubtedly an extraordinary project that brings this historical hotel into the future, keeping the spirit that made it the legend that it is, completely intact” says Alberto Pirozzini, Managing Director of Splendido.
“Considering the novelties that await our guests, a stay at the Splendido will continue to be not only a memorable experience, but an unforgettable journey both exclusive and unique”.
About Belmond
Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for 46 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travellers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 50 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian hideaways such as Splendido in Portofino, or unrivalled gateways to world natural wonders such as Hotel das Cataratas inside Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. From trains to river barges, safari lodges to hotels, each unique property offers an incomparable experience with its own story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
About Martin Brudnizki & Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
Martin Brudnizki is the founder and principal of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS). Born in Stockholm, Martin’s love for design started from a young age. His mother was a stylist and his father a structural engineer; the combination of these elements embedded a deep understanding of aesthetics alongside a grounding in functionality. Having gained a degree in Economics at the University of Stockholm, Martin enrolled at The American University in London to study Interior Architecture where he was deeply inspired by architects and designers Carlo Scarpa, Paul Dupré-Lafon and Dorothy Draper. Following a number of successful positions at renowned interior design firms, Martin established his eponymous Studio in London in 2000 and a New York Studio in 2012. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is an internationally acclaimed interior architecture and design studio based in London and New York. The practice has realised innovative projects across the world for clients such as Harrods, The Royal Academy of Arts and Daniel Boulud. The Studio has acquired a high level of expertise in the design and realisation of high-profile and luxury schemes, always reducing the complexity of any project to simple design solutions.
