Portofino: Italy’s Picture-Perfect Jewel
Italy is always a good idea and there’s nowhere better to start than Portofino, the crown jewel of the Italian Riviera with its cinematic coastline, hidden coves, and a pastel palette of façades clinging to the cliffs. Originally a small fishing village, Portofino’s fortunes began to change in the 1950s when artists, aristocrats and film stars discovered its charm.
The village’s popularity surged as its spectacular scenery and understated luxury attracted the likes of Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot, and Elizabeth Taylor. And today, it retains an air of glamour that is both inviting and elusive as if time itself has decided to slow down in this little corner of paradise.
Portofino’s Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta is the beating heart of the village, surrounded by cafés and restaurants offering views of the sparkling harbour. This picturesque setting is still a magnet for celebrities. Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted strolling the cobblestone streets, taking in the views from the harbour and fashion icons like Donatella Versace and Roberto Cavalli can often be seen shopping in the village’s luxury boutiques.
While Portofino is no stranger to celebrities, it manages to retain a relaxed, intimate feel. Despite the occasional paparazzi, there’s a genuine sense of tranquillity. Walking through its cypress tree dotted streets, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from a classic Italian movie.
The iconic Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, the heart of the village, is surrounded by ancient palazzos draped in bougainvillea-covered balconies. Portofino’s small size doesn’t limit its luxury shopping scene. The village’s Piazzetta is home to a carefully curated selection of both international designer boutiques including Gucci, Prada, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and style stalwarts, Dolce & Gabbana. Artisan shops offer visitors a chance to indulge in Italian flair and craftsmanship with handcrafted regional treasures and locally produced Ligurian wine.
Stop off at the aforementioned Dolce & Gabanna café for a cappuccino (pre-noon of course) or a flute of ice-cold champagne to further weaken your will power from the seductive string of designer shops.
For lunch, Portofino serves up a delightful mix of classic Italian cuisine and fresh, local ingredients. Seafood takes centre stage here, with a daily catch from the Ligurian Sea providing many of the region’s specialties. Restaurant, Da I Gemelli sits front row at the stunning harbour. Try their legendary Spaghetti Alle Vongole and a light and tasty Fritto Misto.
A post-lunch, yacht-spotting Aperol Spritz over looking the bay is must. For the more adventurous, Castello Brown is a short hike. The historic fortress is perched above the harbour with sprawling views of the rugged coastline, and the Mediterranean Sea. This 16th-century castle is now a museum where you can explore both the history of the area and the stunning vistas.
Another highlight is the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino, a vast nature reserve that covers much of the surrounding hills and coastline. The trail to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a serene spot accessible only by foot or boat, is particularly enchanting. This ancient abbey, nestled in a secluded bay, is a testament to the region’s long religious history and offers a peaceful respite.
To truly experience Portofino, one must take to the water. Whether you choose to rent a private boat or join a group tour, there is no better way to see this stunning coastline. Take a dip in the coves and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphins playing in the waves.
The Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa is the perfect Portofino pied-a-tierre for a bit of luxe on the Ligurian coastline. The hotel itself is an opulent Art Nouveau masterpiece, perched cliffside, sitting in a seaside enclave overlooking the Ligurian coast, with interiors that could have been plucked from the pages of a history book, complemented with a sprinkle with of modern touches for just the right amount of contemporary sheen. Inside vaulted ceilings, sprawling chandeliers, and antique velvet lounges invite you to stay for hours.
The rooms at the Grand Hotel Bristol are grand yet cosy with a discreetly decadent charm with most rooms boasting balconies ideal for Prosecco sipping. The infinity pool, hovers over the cliffs with a view that would move even the most seasoned Instagram influencer to tears.
The Bristol’s spa offer massages with oils infused with local herbs. The treatment menu will have you spoilt for choice with olive oil scrubs, rosemary-infused baths, and facials leaving your skin luminous.
The rooftop restaurant, Le Cupole, hosts panoramic Portofino views. Here, scallops arrive in a saffron-infused sauce. Their seafood risotto melts on the tongue and a dessert of pistachio gelato drizzled with honey will have you planning your return immediately.
For those seeking the ultimate escape, a blend of luxury, history, and natural beauty, Portofino is waiting. This timeless, charming village, with its perfect mix of old-world elegance and modern chic, promises to capture your heart and leave you dreaming of its sparkling shores long after you’ve left.
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Lake Como: Elevated Elegance
With that being said it would be criminal to visit Portofino without making the very scenic journey to Lake Como. Nestled in the foothills of Italy’s northern Alps, Lake Como’s natural beauty, rich history, and A-list appeal is a must-see. As one of the deepest lakes in Europe, its crystal-clear waters are framed by steep, lush mountains and charming villages rising from the shoreline.
Get your sightseeing fix via the stunning Como Cathedral and Bellagio’s beautiful gardens and enjoy the romance of Varenna’s lakeside walkways and scenic vistas. The boat tour takes you to Villa del Balbianello, famous for its cameo in James Bond’s Casino Royale. For those who enjoy a little more action, the lake is also a great spot for water sports, including sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The nearby mountains offer hiking or skiing during the winter months.
Of course, Lake Como’s allure isn’t just due to its stunning scenery, it’s also the choice of many celebrities. Hollywood luminaries Madonna, Brad Pitt, and Robert De Niro are famous fans and are often spotted alongside Italy’s elite against a backdrop of calm waters and rolling hillsides with Como’s sleepy village of Laglio playing holiday home to George Clooney. But, if George isn’t willing to put you up in his spare room during your stay, The Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa is an undeniably chic alternative.
The Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa sits comfortably in the lap of Lake Como’s luxury. Tucked within the exquisite little town of Menaggio this hotel is where Belle Époque architecture meets interiors modern minimalism.
Step inside, and you’re swept into a world that strikes the perfect balance between extravagant and intimate. Rooms are styled in soothing neutrals with accents of marble and gold.Floor to ceiling windows make the perfect picture frame for your sea view and chandeliers create crystal constellations above a bed so comfy, you won’t want to leave.
However if you do manage tear yourself away, the buffet breakfast is fit for a king! Grand Hotel Victoria’s Ristorante Lago hosts some of the finest dining experiences Italy has to offer. The Restaurant is a culinary wonder where each plate is a tiny work of art. The slow-cooked risotto, with black truffle and a hint of citrus, is nothing short of poetry. Every dish is presented like a love letter to its Italian heritage. You can even sign up for their famous cookery classes and wine tasting.
The hotel’s Erre Spa provides sanctuary as the perfect five star luxury retreat with a menu, including relaxing massages, facials treatments and chromotherapy. Their Himalayan Salt Room, Fire Room and Ice Room will take your body on a journey of the senses. Lake Como’s unique combination of tranquillity and sophistication makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
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