Just when we thought a charming seaside abode couldn't get any sweeter, Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel ups the ante
Dreaming about summer in Italy? Yeah, us too. Especially since hearing that the famed Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino has undergone a complete redesign, with re-opening set for April 16.
Belmond, which is now part of LVMH, turned to Paris-based designers, Festen Architecture, to reimagine the charming seaside property - a converted townhouse on the Italian Riviera featuring 14 guestrooms, including four suites, with views over Portofino Harbour.
“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," says Charlotte de Tonnac, co-founder of Festen Architecture. "The redesign will evoke a stylish home where contemporary and vintage pieces co-exist to provide a timeless feel.”
Drawing inspiration from the locale's humble heritage as a fisherman's haven, the hotel's new mid-century modern Italian design features nods to nautical traditions. Each guestroom features elements taken from traditional Italian fishing boats, such as natural wood, rope and brass. The custom-made headboards, for example, were crafted by textile designer Véronique de Soultrait, who used braided ropes to form geometric patterns.
The bespoke wooden latticed flooring is a Portofino signature. Meanwhile, archways and ceilings are accented by Ligurian colours of amber, sea green and terracotta. The bathrooms are inspired by the neighbouring ‘Santa Margherita’ beach cabins, with white and yellow geometric tiles forming bold striped walls against a pristine white marble floor.
Authentic antiques are found in every guestroom, including fruitwood armchairs by Paolo Buffa and fabric by Italian producers Loro Piana and Rubelli.
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