Portofino
We particularly love working on the transformation of classic spaces by in-depth analyzing the historical past for conceptualize its future. We were greatly inspired by the origins of the Splendido Mare, a fishermen’s hostelry, and the natural scenery of Portofino. Our project recalls the style of a private and cozy home, where contemporary and vintage furnishings live together, resulting in a atmosphere of great personality. In designing the hotel, we have always tried not to spoil the harmony with the surrounding environment – we wanted to make guests feel at home but also to make her/him feel the history of the place” – explains Charlotte de Tonnac of Festen Architecture. Newly opened and fully refurbished, Splendido Mare has 14 rooms and suites finished with locally sourced and hand painted woods, the same traditionally used in the fishing boats lined up in the harbor. We also find rope patterns woven into the inlay of the bed headboards, handcrafted by the well-known textile designer Veronique de Soultrait. The 7,000 terracotta tiles, hand- crafted by a Ligurian artisan, used in the flooring of the restaurant, evoke the wave movement of the sea, giving the illusion of walking on the water. The wooden flooring of the rooms are inspired by the floors of the church of San Giorgio di Portofino, which can be seen from the inn itself. The modern furnishings, in the style of the 50s, celebrate the most worldy times in the history of Portofino and at the same time pay homage to an important period of Italian design. One of the suites is a tribute to Ava Gardner, emblem of 1950s glamor, who was a frequent guest of the inn during the shooting of the movie The Barefoot Contessa from 1957, with Humphrey Bogart. Each detail reflects the local spirit, with Italian-origin materials, such as Carrara marble in the floors and bathrooms or the ardesia cladding on the terraces. Arthur Arbesser is the fashion designer who created the staff clothing. Recognized by Vogue and LVMH as an emerging talent in fashion, Arthur has passionately faced the challenge of working on a style of chilledout elegance that expresses the spirit of Portofino in an original way, giving a new interpretation of the concept of workwear and developing a real collection. Strictly Italian fabrics, shaped by fluid and simple lines, harmonize with the interior design. Geometric patters recall the sea world and flowers reflect the botanical spaces of the Portofino’s Parco del Monte. In the refined collection of contemporary art spread over the hotel spaces we can find works of the Italian artist Gabriele Cappelli, recognized for his modernist simplicity and a particular research on colors which convey a sense of unchanged elegance typical of Portofino. A selection of designer photographs and abstract artworks by Ligurian artists represent the spirit of the place, its iconic history and the beautiful landscape, thus enhancing the homy atmosphere of the Splendido Mare. belmond.com
The bathrooms, inspired by the cabins of the bathhouses of nearby Santa Margherita, have geometric tiles that alternate white with yellow, red coral or green, and form striking stripes contrasting with the white marble floors.
The décor of each room includes original pieces such as the armchairs with walnut structure by Giò Ponti and Paolo Buffa, featuring a simple and iconic style, which create a sense of nostalgic intimacy especially for Italian guests who grew up with similar furnishings in their homes. The fabrics of the furnishings are by Loro Piana and Rubelli and the wall lamps are in Murano glass.
