A charming seaside village, Portofino has remained an enduring favorite among the jet set for over a century. Its secret? Splendido. Opened in 1902, this legendary hotel has welcomed icons such as Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Denzel Washington, Madonna, and Beyoncé, to name just a few. Despite its high-profile guest list, Portofino is the epitome of la dolce vita, a spirit mirrored in the hotel itself. Once a sixteenth-century Benedictine monastery, Splendido has been beautifully updated for the twenty-first century by Belmond. 

More recently, interior designer Martin Brudnizki and landscape designer Marco Bay renovated the hotel reviving its rich heritage. Whether it is the opening of the vibrant Bar Baratta Sedici or the addition of the first permanent Dior Spa in Italy, Belmond has ensured a new era of splendor at Splendido.

Splendido: The Radiant Stage of Portofino is organized in thematic chapters, the many facets of the property come to life through Matthew Bell’s informative prose and the sumptuous imagery by various photographers. Delve into the noble tale of an old woman who saved Portofino from ruin. Get lost in the bucolic charm of La Portofinese Eco-Farm. Discover the majestic Villa Beatrice, where no detail is overlooked. As part of a new series in collaboration with Belmond, this book offers an exclusive glimpse into one of the world’s most luxurious and storied properties—an invitation to explore the timeless allure of Splendido and the magic of Portofino.

Splendido: The Radiant Stage of Portofino is the first of Assouline’s new Legendary Destinations series as part of the Classics Collection, which celebrates the lifestyle and history of Belmond’s most iconic properties through the lens of contemporary travel. Striking imagery and thoughtful storytelling transport the reader to magical locales and one-of-a-kind experiences. The books offer richly colored covers complete with a compelling photo that acts as a window into this world. These timeless keepsakes are designed to capture the essence of each destination and become an enduring part of the guest experience.

Matthew Bell is a British journalist and editor living in Florence who specializes in writing about Italy and vintage cars. He is a correspondent for several newspapers, including The Times and Daily Telegraph, having previously been a staff writer at The Independent and The Evening Standard and an editor at Tatler, for which he remains contributing editor. He is married to the cookery writer Amber Guinness and they have one son.

Composition: Paper
Specification: Page count
228 pages

Number of illustrations
Over 100

Language
English

Released on
October 2025

Cover materials
Hardcover

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