International capital of the jet set since the splendid 1950s, Portofino was the obligatory destination for Hollywood stars, and is still the favorite destination of the international high society. Just at the beginning of June, all the spotlights on the planet illuminated the little square - armored and privatized for the pre-wedding party between Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, children of two Indian billionaire dynasties, with over a thousand guests and a concert by Andrea Bocelli.
But Portofino is much more than its famous little square. The village is immersed in a natural park with lush and untamed flora, pristine sea and breathtaking views, whose wild charm is sometimes softened by the profile of sumptuous homes.
Villa Beatrice, formerly Castello Odero, is an Art Nouveau jewel designed by Gino Coppedè, the brilliant architect who also donated other masterpieces to Liguria, such as the Mackenzie castle in Genoa, defined as a "King's whim". The villa was purchased by Belmond, but it seems that Arnault himself fell in love with it to the point of designating it as his “good retreat”. The villa stands regal above Punta Caiega, a protected area of the Park since 1935. To reach it, take the “Kisses promenade”, a romantic 8 kilometers journey that connects Rapallo to Portofino.
This "red carpet" (due to the particular red flooring that distinguishes it) was the scene of Humphrey Bogart's declaration of love to Ava Gardner.
Also owned by the same owner is Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino, considered the chicest hotel in Portofino. Here, renowned photographer Chris Rhodes captures the exquisite Ligurian glow and natural elegance, showcasing the enigmatic nonchalance of this ancient monastic retreat transformed into a glamorous sanctuary.
Grace Kelly, Maria Callas and Charlie Chaplin are some of the illustrious guests who have discovered its magic.
THE SEDUCTIVE HOSPITALITY OF PORTOFINO, BETWEEN ELITE CUISINE AND SUBLIME COCKTAILS
In the curve of the port of Portofino there are the elegant Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino, a seductive refuge, with a chic design and playful nature, the DaV Mare Restaurant, where the legendary hospitality of Belmond is combined with the extraordinary culinary experience of the Cerea family, and the DaV Bar, which, thanks to the skillful use of seasonal Ligurian ingredients and products – such as Levantello liqueur and Savona’s chinotto – offers sublime cocktails, with distinct flavors and aromas and a strong personality.
The undisputed protagonist of mixology is Portofino Dry Gin, which was born from the friendship of the three founders Ruggero Raymo, Christopher Egger and Alessandro Briola, and from the shared passion for the charming village of Portofino. The company wants to be a tribute to Ruggero’s grandfather Klaus Pudel, who contributed to saving the symbolic place of the Eastern Riviera from destruction during World War II and is still remembered today as one of the most representative faces of the Italian “Dolce Vita”. Produced in an ancient Italian distillery, Portofino Dry Gin is composed of different berries and botanicals, carefully selected by virtue of their aromatic properties and harvested in the Portofino area.
The brand’s mission is to share with the rest of the world the beauty and typical features of this lovely town: with every sip, the magical sensation of finding yourself in the iconic Piazzetta of Portofino increases, admiring the blue shades of the sea and sky.
Our Proposals
Olympia Waters has created some exclusive experiences for its customers to fully experience the elite and dreamy atmosphere of Portofino, giving them access to locations of incomparable charm, living a day at the seaside, between the depths and the lighthouse, or going in search of the legend of the Sirens.
AMONG THE STARS IN PORTOFINO
In Portofino there is a location with the charm and mystery of everlasting time, where in an enchanting Italian garden with a breathtaking view of Portofno Bay, you can admire the dance of the stars, an aerial and dreamlike performance that opens incredible sights. As a guest of Olympia Waters, you can enjoy the privilege of having exclusive use of the location!
FROM PORTOFINO TO THE ABYSS
A few miles from Portofno, a small miracle takes place, one that has fascinated bubbly enthusiasts around the world for decades. Spumante degli Abissi, created in the 1990s by Piero Lugano, the first in the world to devise an innovative method of ageing at sea. Enjoy this personalized and "deep" bubbles experiences, aperitif with a view and private dinner in Castello Brown, which will be closed to the public exclusively for Olympia Waters!
THE MYTH OF THE MERMAID
Since the past, the cliffs of Liguria have been the scene of ancient legends dating back to an early era of humanity, when the forces of nature were still perceived as spirits with a will of their own. Choose OLympia Waters to live a fairytale experience, in a place whose majestic beauty bewitches travellers, just like the song of the Sirens!