Hotel Splendido Portofino

Hotel Splendido is situated in Portofino, perched on green hillside overlooking what is, arguably, Italy's most glamorous sea resort. A lush, untamed garden, overflowing with sweet scented lavender, wild herbs, and bougainvillea, cascades down the hillside beneath the hotel to the Mediterranean sea.

The building which now houses one of the Orient Express's superb hotels, originally served as a monastery. In the 16th century, the monks, victims of perpetual assaults by Saracen pirates, deserted the property which was left in a state of abandon for centuries.

The building remained derelict until the 19th century when Baron Baratta converted it in to his summer residence. Ruggero Valentini, pioneer of tourism in Portofino, acquired Villa Baratta in 1901 and transformed the edifice in the Grand Hotel Splendid. Over the ensuing decades the hotel rapidly became the much loved Italian hideaway of both European aristocrats and Hollywood film stars, all enticed by the appeal of the Splendido's unique bedrooms and suites overlooking the yacht filled harbour of Portofino and Tigullio bay.

The Hotel Splendido has 65 bedrooms and suites, most of which with balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. Built on an east-west axis, following the contour of the hill, the hotel enjoys maximum sunlight hours and stunning views of the sea from all its principal windows. The spectacular two bedroom Presidential Suite bedroom has a total of four spacious terraces overlooking the bay of Portofino and Tigullio.

The mild climate of the Italian Riviera means that guests are able to dine at the Hotel Splendido's open air "La Terrazza" restaurant throughout the season, enjoying the finest Italian cuisine with a particular emphasis on regional dishes featuring fish and seafood. A larger indoor restaurant seats up to 120 guests in sumptuous belle époque dining rooms. The poolside restaurant serves light luncheons and snacks in an informal environment. The Hotel Splendido has two private function rooms, perfect for wedding receptions, gala dinners and small scale meetings.

The hotel's Wellness Center offers clients a complete range of face and body treatments. A number of programs have been especially devised for the spring and autumn months for those wishing to be in perfect form for the summer and ready to face the rigours of winter with maximum energy. Yoga, pilates, ayurveda and aromatherapy, are just some of the disciplines practiced in the wellness center and in a secluded green area of the hotel grounds. A fitness room, tennis court and heated sea water swimming pool complete the hotel's on site leisure facilities.