A Charming Guest House Reimagined – Opening Summer 2020
27 November 2019 – Belmond announces a major renovation plan for the 14-room Belmond Splendido Mare in the heart of Portofino. Paris based designers FESTEN Architecture have been appointed to lead the design with re-opening set for June 2020. Set within the beating heart of the harbour town, down the hill from the iconic Belmond Hotel Splendido which overlooks the bay, the renovation of Splendido Mare and Chuflay restaurant will reinvigorate this hot spot on the Italian Riviera.
“We like to work on a transformation of classical space, delving into a storied past to conceptualise its future. Our work for Belmond Splendido Mare cherishes its humble beginning and a cinematic setting of Portofino. The redesign will evoke a stylish home where contemporary and vintage pieces co-exist to provide a timeless feel.”
Says Charlotte de Tonnac, Co-Founder of FESTEN Architecture.
“The new Splendido Mare will celebrate that timeless Italian sophistication by incorporating the highpoint of Italian mid-century modern design that corresponds to the incomparable spirit of Portofino. This new chapter will embrace the philosophy of simple pleasures, the art of good living, scooping the sauce of your pasta with the last bit of bread! Belmond Splendido Mare will maintain its distinctive and iconic character and charm, the Ligurian way!”
Comments Arnaud Champenois, SVP of Brand & Marketing.
A HUMBLE HERITAGE
Belmond Splendido Mare, is set within the beating heart of Portofino Harbour, benefiting from an unsurpassed location in the Piazza. This is where Portofinese life revolves around the pastel-painted villas and fishing village and is the place to enjoy an Aperitivo as the sun sets over the Ligurian sea.
Once a haven for fisherman, the converted townhouse features 14 guestrooms, including four suites, secluded behind characterful corridors, with views over Portofino Harbour, where from hidden terraces guests have a sense of being in their own private residence.
STYLISH ALLURE
The new design draws inspiration from nautical traditions and the hotel’s modest past. Each guestroom references interiors of a typical Italian fishing boat, drawing on aesthetics of natural wood, ropes and brass. Bespoke wooden latticed flooring in square patterns further reflect Portofino’s culture. Door archways and ceilings are accented by traditional Ligurian colours; amber, sea green and terracotta, complemented by the use of crisp black lines typically seen in the traditional painted doorframes. Finer décor details such as soft throws and chair covers highlight the elegant monotone aesthetic of the space.
The bathrooms are designed to create a calming sanctuary, inspired by the neighbouring ‘Santa Margherita’ beach cabins, white and yellow geometric tiles form bold striped walls enhanced against a pure white marble floor.
CRAFTED ELEGANCE
Individual pieces of furniture have been selected for their impeccable craftsmanship; carefully curated to showcase the best of mid-century modern Italian design, each guestroom features authentic antiques including fruitwood armchairs by Paolo Buffa, and fabric from Italian producers such as Loro Piana and Rubelli. These are complemented by wall lamps made from Murano Glass and original art sourced from Italian artists. Further craftsmanship is highlighted in the bespoke headboard. Hand crafted by renowned textile designer Véronique de Soultrait, each headboard is braided using ropes to form geometric patterns, in reference to Portofino’s maritime heritage.
CULTIVATED CASUAL
Chuflay restaurant has long been a hive of social activity; where local residents and international travellers converge and cultivate friendships. Just steps away from the harbour and the Piazzetta, hotel guests arrive to a bright open space that links Chuflay restaurant directly with the hotel; an open invitation to relax in a homely atmosphere.
Encapsulating the cheerful character of Portofino, the open lobby space reflects the vibrancy of traditional Ligurian colours with light colour furniture including antique pieces from Gio Ponti that are further accented by dark green and heritage yellow furnishings. Terracotta floor brings a more grounded and rustic appeal, setting the background for the striking blue sea that is the beating heart of Portofino.
Sister to Belmond Hotel Splendido, set above the harbour, guests staying at Belmond Splendido Mare will have full access to the refreshing saltwater infinity pool, the terraced gardens with panoramic sea views, and spa.
For more information, visit Belmond.com/splendidomare.