^TM

THE MAGIC OF SEA, SAILS AND THE INCOMPARABLE CHARM OF ITALY

by Madelyn Miller

Blue sky, bluer sea, sailboats skimming the waters, lovers walking hand in hand, these are the moments that lifetime memories are made of. And even if you are not a great photographer, your honeymoon pictures from Hotel Splendido on the Italian Riviera will be breathtakingly beautiful. How can they miss in a spot like this.

The hotel is perched majestically on the hillside, overlooking the port of Portofino and the azure blue bay filled with a flotilla of yachts. The nearby harbor is a colorful medley of bars, shops, and restaurants. The surrounding countryside, from sea level to skyline is covered in lush vegetation--sea pines, silver olive groves and yews.

This magnificent , luxury villa which opened as a hotel in 1901 is an extraordinary example of the "Belle Époque" with the grandeur of that era still fully maintained. Originally two private villas, Hotel Splendido has 65 rooms and 12 suites and stands in beautifully maintained gardens featuring a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, enchanting walks, and relaxing saunas.

This is a haven for pleasure-seekers. The hotel has been the haunt of many famous movie stars, actors, and well-known personalities, such as Sir Winston Churchill, Ingrid Bergman, Clark Gable, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Peter Gabriel, Greta Garbo, and Groucho Marx. The renowned British actor Rex Harrison has had a villa adjoining the hotel grounds for many years, and his former wife Elizabeth believes that the Splendido has "a magic all of its own." And this is the magic that you will experience on your honeymoon, as you add your names to the impressive guest list.

The chefs at the Splendido specialize in traditional Ligurian cuisine, famous for the use of a wide variety of fresh herbs which gives it a superb aroma, as well as being exceptionally savory. Pasta with basil and locally caught fish are house specialties. The local wines are also excellent.

Portofino enjoys the Mediterranean climate at its finest, so you can swim in the hotel's spectacular open-air heated pool, play tennis on its all-weather court, relax in the sauna or solarium, or simply wander in its beautiful grounds.

The fishing Village of Portofino is reached by a pleasant footpath from the hotel Another day, you might want to play golf at Rapallo, or enjoy water sports on nearby Santa Margherita beach.  You may also hire the Splendido's own private speed boat with chauffeur for trips to the nearby villages or for water skiing.

Whatever you decide to do, the magic hour in Portofino is sunset, when guests realize how "splendid" the location of Splendido truly is. While enjoying an aperitif on the terrace they have a spectacular panoramic view of the harbor.

Tip: Be sure to bring enough film.

FOR MORE INFORMATION; ORIENT-EXPRESS HOTELS 800-237-1236

Back to TravelLady Magazine