Belmond Hotel Splendido

We were quite literally the first guests to walk through the door on the first day of the new season. We were greeted by beaming smiles and a keeness to make our stay as fantastic as possible. Every member of staff went out their way to go the extra mile, from helping sort out laundry in a short space of time after we were caught by unexpected rainfall, to pre-booking a table in the Cinque Terre to ensure we had the best seat when the crowds arrived. The scenery is outstanding and the hotel well maintained. We had such an amazing short break and will most certainly go back!

Along the Italian Riviera, many establishments promise an enchanted spot with jaw-dropping water views, attentive service, and a mouth-watering meal. However, few locations deliver on any one attribute. La Terrazza Restaurant at the Belmond Hotel Splendio in Portofino, however, easily delivers on all counts. From the moment you motor onto the gated property, you know you are not in Kansas anymore. As I drove our rented car past the attendant, he waived for me to park in front of the hotel???s entrance and next to a 10-cylinder sports sedan that might have belonged to 007. Unquestionably, we knew we had arrived. As we reached the restaurant???s ma??tre d??? to confirm our reservation, she quickly checked my name off the guest list and whisked us to our table on the terrace. As requested in my reservation, our table was front and center of the gorgeous vista. The veranda views speak for themselves. I have been lucky enough to see great panoramas in my time but this setting has to be one of the mot fetching vistas anywhere in the world. The restaurant menu offered fresh local seafood and all dishes purvey local produce, artisanal cheeses, and regional specialties. The wine menu offered a variety of wines from around the world. My belief is that if one visits an attentive Italian resort like this, one might as well trust their well-chosen wine selections from Liguria, Lombardi, Veneto and Toscana. We started with two glasses of Franciacorta sparkling wine to accompany our three appetizers. One of the appetizers was an assortment of hand battered and fried sardines and smelts. Some gentle readers might turn up their nose at this spread because some readers do not like strong tasting fish. Well folks, these beauties were fresh, light on the batter, and yet full-flavored enough to give you a delightful finish on the palate. The second appetizer was a white seafood casserole bursting with shrimp, tuna, and lobster meat in a sherry, garlic, and butter sauce. The third dish was a gorgeously arranged scallop crudo salad. It had pine nuts, shaved fennel, carrot shavings, edible flowers, blueberries and raspberries, and thin slices of crisp radishes. To say the least, this beautiful, Instagram-ready dish was insanely delicious. Our main course selections were outstanding as well. One dish was a perfectly grilled Branzino (fish) loin served over butter poached skinless tomatoes, baby potatoes and porcini mushrooms. The other main dish was the seafood mixed grilled platter. It was a simple pleasure yet it was cooked to perfection. Nothing was overcooked or overdone. Each morsel was prepared to its right consistency and each ingredient gave each plate its best. As a side dish, we ordered the vegetable platter of grilled red peppers, zucchini and eggplant. The unmistakable aroma of truffle oil and tangy coarse sea salt was a revelation in each bite. We were almost full but wanted to end this exhilarating meal with something sweet. Lucky for us, the French-trained pastry chef loves creating intricate masterworks. Our selection was a labyrinth design of molded chocolate, vanilla cream, and a frozen fruit concoction like no other. Each spoonful was a juggernaut of textures and flavors. We paired this delightful dish with two glasses of Sciacchetra. If you visit anywhere from Portofino to the Cinque Terre, you must try this local and artisanal sweet wine. It is heaven in a glass. At meal???s end, we roamed the manicured grounds and took in the vista from all directions. We knew we had chosen the right spot, and with enough planning, so can you.

Hotel Splendido is one of a kind .Hopefully it will never change .Rare in its ability to deliver a 5 Star experience but not take itself too seriously .Apart from the Stunning situation,with beautiful romantic views ,it is the lovely staff who make this hotel a real gem I won???t name them all but Antonio is a true treasure , keeping a warm watchful eye over all his customers making sure their needs are met and enjoyed .The Terrazzo Restaurant is gorgeous in the evening ,make sure you get a frontline table getting the best of the spectacular views over looking Portofino . And don???t forget to dine down in the town at the sister hotel Splendido Mare ..