Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino

Safe to say this one lives up to its name. Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino is a Ligurian classic, and a longtime favorite among Italian grand hotels — Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor was the first person to sign the guest book in 1901. Today it’s as fine as it ever was, subtly modernized and continually updated, but always true to the historical spirit of the original Splendido. The foundations were laid by Benedictine monks in the 16th century; the most recent renovation, in 2025, saw its rooms and suites re-decorated by the master hospitality designer Martin Brudnizki. Just about all of them face out to sea, and the style is, well, splendid — the precise mixture of mid-century and antique elements varies from room to suite, but all of them are memorably atmospheric. Among the hotel’s other attractions are the first Dior Spa in Italy and the famous heated salt-water pool, perched vertiginously above the bay. A shuttle connects the Splendido with its sister, the Splendido Mare, down at sea level in the Portofino town center; here on the hillside, guests dine at La Terrazza and sip cocktails in the elegant Baratta Sedici. Just think — it was only five hundred years ago that the monks abandoned this place and fled to the hills. They’re probably kicking themselves in heaven today. Please note: The hotel is open annually from April through October. How to get there: Genoa International Airport is a 45-minute drive (37 kms) from the Hotel Splendido.