Ava’s suite retreat
It’s one of the world’s hippest hotels, frequented by superstars and celebrities – and the spot chosen by model Georgia Salpa to marry her husband Joe Penna last year, SARAH TURNER visits the Hotel Splendido in Portofino for oldschool Italian style. STAR QUALITY: Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Ava Gardner, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Madonna, Rihanna.
VITAL STATISTICS: Perched on the Italian coast, two hotels in one, both boasting roof gardens, geranium-filled terraces and a languid way of life. Carved from a 16th Century Benedictine monastery high above the village, the original Hotel Splendido opened in 1902 and has 65 rooms surrounded by terrace gardens with a swimming pool. In 1998, a satellite branch on the harbour – the Splendido al Mare – opened with 16 rooms and suites. Gadgets in both are kept to a minimum, although the Splendido does have its own yacht. There is also a shuttle to spare guests the 15-minute walk between the two. Food takes centre stage – this is Italy, after all. Elizabeth Taylor, who honeymooned here, has a spaghetti dish named after her (Ava Gardner did better – there’s a suite that references her). La Terrazza is the Splendido’s most iconic restaurant: romantic and relaxed. Down in the harbour, Chuflay is more formal, but a favourite of Madonna and Rihanna – who see it as the
perfect place to hang out
LOCATION REPORT: On the Ligurian Sea, Portofino’s harbour is one of Europe’s most beautiful, with pastel-coloured villas hugging the coastline.
Once a fishing village, now the waters are frequented by the yachts of the super rich.
Yes, there’s nothing much to do – but that’s the point of Portofino, you stroll, indulge in some light shopping at Ferragamo, and then indulge some more at a restaurant or bar.
KEY ATTRACTION: Italy the way it was – for Hollywood stars at least – around 50 years ago, when celebrities could wander through Portofino’s cobbled streets without being pestered for selfies.
It’s still – relatively speaking – a celebrity safe-zone,.
IN THE NEWS: Regular guests Steven Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw holidayed at the hotel with their family last year. Georgia Salpa and Joe Penna held their fairytale wedding there last June. Kylie Minogue, another regular visitor, was in Portofino to perform at a Dolce & Gabbana show last summer. Good enough for the rest of us? Undeniably expensive – expect to drop at least €65 on a round of aperitifs.
GETTING THERE: A fournight B&B break in May starts at £1,236pp (€1,609) with Kirker Holidays (kirkerholidays.com, including flights from London to Genoa, and private transfers.