French luxury house Dior has collaborated with Belmond to craft a wonderful relaxing experience while celebrating the sweet life. For this collaboration, a perfect location has been selected: the picturesque Italian village of Portofino.
By: TravelAnne Staff Writers
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Portofino is the ultimate Dolce Vita destination. Tall pastel houses surround a harbour which is lined with chic bars and restaurants, all presided over by a pine-shaded castle. It truly is the stuff of dreams.
Among the famous Italians who have their holiday homes here are Armani, Dolce & Gabanna who, let’s face it, know a bit about design, and this place feels like it’s been designed by a great artist.
Portofino is almost shameless in its beauty. Nestled on the coast of Liguria, Italy's smallest region which stretches from the French border to La Spezia, this is simply one of the most chic places in the world.
And THE hotel is The Splendido, owned by the 5 star Belmond Group (who also own the legendary Cipriani in Venice and the Orient Express train).
Now there's a new twist to The Splendido!
French luxury house Dior has collaborated with Bermuda-based leisure company Belmond to craft a wonderful relaxing experience while celebrating the sweet life.
The celebration is held through the end of September, at two places, Splendido, and Bagni Fiore, one of the most exclusive beaches in Portofino. Previously functioning as a monastery in the 16th century, Splendido now presents the height of indulgence, offering sumptuous accommodations, celebrated Italian cuisine, and a breath-taking view of the Mediterranean Sea. Further pampering guests are opulent rooms adorned in mid-century style, as well as a heated infinity pool overlooking the coastline.
The hotel’s serene tiered gardens overlooking the shimmering Portofino bay will be the setting for two Dior spa gazebos, offering skincare treatments and especially-designed techniques. Dior will also transform two decks of the exclusive Bagni Fiore beach club with the House’s distinct Toile de Jouy pattern, as well as opening a one-of-a-kind concept store, and launching a limited edition of the Escale à Portofino perfume, entitled 'Splendido Edition'.
JARDIN DES RÊVES DIOR
Reflecting Splendido’s verdant flower gardens and outstanding natural beauty, perched on the rugged hillside of the Ligurian Coast, the pop-up spa is named ‘Jardin des Rêves Dior’ (Garden of Dreams). Taking inspiration from the foliage which envelopes the pop-up spa, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections, has reimagined the House’s iconic fabric decorating the gazebos, toile de Jouy, in a vibrant leaf-green, to blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings.
Guests are invited on a journey of wellbeing, with a treatment menu of signature face and body treatments which draw on the skills and expertise of Dior skincare. To honour the collaboration, Dior will launch a new Dior Bronze Signature Massage, inspired by the eponymous skincare line, which is centred around boosting radiance and glow while relaxing in the Italian sunshine.
Guests are invited to pause and reflect after their treatment in a relaxation area of rattan chairs, before being tempted back to Splendido’s swimming pool for a refreshing dip or a lazy lunch at the wisteria-laden terrace restaurant, La Terrazza. A PLACE IN PARADISE
For the summer season, Splendido residents are invited to relax at Bagni Fiore, one of the bay of Paraggi’s most beautiful and exclusive beaches, just a stone’s throw from Portofino. Part of the Natural Park of Portofino and the Protected Marine Area, with boats banned from the bay, Bagni Fiore is a peaceful paradise cherished for its crystal-clear, tranquil waters. This year will see a Dior pop-up spa cabin grace the beach, offering innovations in mind and body relaxation, as the cabins and furniture of the waterfront beach club including a lounge bar will be transformed by Dior with the vibrant nature-green Toile de Jouy print. A step away from Bagni Fiore, Langosteria Paraggi, with its pied-dans-l'eau restaurant, will welcome guests every day from lunch to dinner.
A Dior concept store showcasing women’s summer creations designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, including the Dioriviera capsule, as well as pieces from the men's wardrobe by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of Dior men’s collections, will open in Paraggi. Ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and seasonal accessories, such as sunglasses, will be presented in light-filled surroundings, with walls covered in textured monochrome toile de Jouy wallpaper and interior accents of wood, cane, sisal and brass – that celebrate Dior design fundamentals. Seating specially-designed by a local craftsman, celebrates Italy’s heritage and precious savoir-faire by evoking the design of the iconic traditional chiavarina chair created in 1807.
LA DOLCE VITA
A restored 16th-century former monastery, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, is the epitome of Italian glamour having attracted stars of stage and screen over the years, including the La Dolce Vita set. The glamorous pink façade welcomes guests to pure pleasures within; a heated saltwater infinity swimming pool with sensational views of the coastline, irresistible dishes of the freshest local seafood and traditional Ligurian cooking, and spacious pastel-hued guest rooms furnished in mid-century style.
In the heart of Portofino harbour, sister property Splendido Mare invites guests to the bustling piazzetta for relaxed sophistication. Sip an al-fresco Aperitivo and dine at DaV Mare, a restaurant by the Cerea family, before taking the complimentary shuttle back to the fabled grande dame on the hillside.
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