Splendido Mare
Relaxed Italian glamour meets mid-century coastal chic. Think golden-age Portofino: linen, sea breeze, afternoon aperitivi at tables spilling onto the square. Not stiff — very much a place to kick off your sandals, but in an extremely stylish way.
Book the DaV Mare terrace well in advance — it fills up fast, especially for dinner
Why It Matters
One of very few hotels actually on Portofino's iconic piazzetta. The 2021 renovation by Studio Festen and the DaV Mare dining partnership with the Cerea family (of three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio) repositioned it as the most desirable address in the village. The Ava Gardner Suite occupies the entire penthouse level and is named for a genuine past guest who filmed nearby in 1954.
Splendido Mare sits right on Portofino's main piazzetta — the harbour-front square where the whole village converges to see and be seen. It's an intimate 14-room property, fully redesigned in 2021 by Studio Festen's Hugo Sauzay and Charlotte de Tonnac, with rope-detailed bedframes, terracotta tiles, and Carrara marble bathrooms pulling inspiration from the fishing harbour outside. No pool on-site, but guests get full run of the hillside Splendido Hotel up the road, so you get the boutique intimacy of the piazzetta with the pool and wellness facilities of a larger property.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Ava Gardner Suite
The headline act. Named for the Hollywood actress who visited while filming 'The Barefoot Contessa' in Portofino in 1954, this suite occupies the entire top floor. A 35sqm private landscaped terrace with a dramatic lemon tree commands views of the harbour, the promontory, and Castello Brown. The bathroom has an Italian marble soaking tub. Décor includes Murano glass lamps, Loro Piana and Rubelli fabrics, vintage furniture by Gio Ponti and Paolo Buffa, and an artwork by London-based Italian artist Gabriele Cappelli concealing the TV. Books and photographs featuring Ava Gardner throughout. Can be connected to an adjacent junior suite and the terrace extended with a sliding fence — perfect for private dinners or cocktail parties.
King · 35 sqm
Junior Suite
Cosy sitting area plus king or twin bedroom. Several Junior Suite sub-categories exist, including sea-view balcony options with direct views of the harbour and marina. Antique pieces and Carrara marble bathrooms with striped tile detailing. Some units have oversized terraces with sun loungers.
King or Twin
Sea View and Balcony Suite
Private balcony with direct views of Castello Brown across the harbour. Stylish interiors with a glamorous marble en-suite bathroom. Choice of king or twin beds. Michelin Guide notes these suites come with private balconies facing the marina.
King or Twin
Superior Village View Room
A step up from the standard village view room, with a private terrace or balcony overlooking the piazzetta. King or twin beds and a large walk-in shower. One room in this category can be connected to an adjacent Junior Suite for families travelling together.
King or Twin
Village View Room
The entry-level room at Splendido Mare. Views look out over the sherbet-hued harbourside houses and the piazza rather than the water. Choice of king or twin beds, Carrara marble bathroom with walk-in shower. Snug but handsomely designed with rope-detailed bedframes and terracotta tile details from the 2021 Studio Festen redesign.
King or TwinThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guests of Splendido Mare have full access to the facilities at the sister Splendido Hotel on the hilltop, including the glamorous heated saltwater pool, Pool Grill restaurant, wellness centre (seasonal), and tennis court. Complimentary shuttle connects the two properties.
A complimentary sail along the Italian Riviera in a traditional wooden gozzo — the classic Ligurian fishing boat that defined Portofino's golden age. Guests can explore the coves and bays of the coast. Reservation required. Available mid-May to mid-October.
A luxurious private motorboat accommodating up to eight guests. Available for half or full day excursions around the Gulf of Tigullio and further along the Ligurian coast. Not complimentary — available to hire at additional cost.
Small gym located a few steps from the piazzetta along the Umberto I pier, with views of the harbour and hills. Guests receive complimentary one-on-one 45-minute sessions with a qualified personal trainer (subject to availability). Virtual coach via Technogym's MyWellness App also included. Opens 1 May, hours 8am–9pm.
Annual sailing regatta organised in partnership with Yacht Club Italiano, typically held in May. A signature seasonal event celebrating the nautical heritage of Portofino.
Complimentary access to the secluded Bay of Paraggi, about 2km from the hotel. A private lounger on the golden sand waits for each guest, included in the stay. Courtesy shuttle transfers guests to and from the beach. Available during summer months.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Breakfast served at DaV Mare or in-room. Continental, à la carte and buffet styles available. Included in certain packages, otherwise an additional charge.
Babysitting services available on request. Children's menus at DaV Mare.
Private parking at a nearby location, €44 per day. Reservation required. Valet parking also available. EV charging station available.
Pets allowed on request, no extra charge.
All soft drinks in the in-room minibar are complimentary throughout the stay.
DaV Mare provides 24-hour room service for guests, including the option to enjoy casual fine dining from a private terrace.
Full concierge service including boat hire, activity booking, and restaurant reservations.
On-site boutique offering clothing, accessories, jewellery, and souvenirs.
Transfers from Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, Rapallo Railway Station, and Santa Margherita Railway Station available on request at additional charge.
Complimentary shuttle running between Splendido Mare and sister property Belmond Hotel Splendido on the hillside, and to Bagni Fiore beach in Paraggi.
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