A charming seaside village, Portofino has remained an enduring favorite among the jet set for over a century. Its secret? Splendido. Opened in 1902, this legendary hotel has welcomed icons such as Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Denzel Washington, Madonna, and Beyoncé, to name just a few. Despite its high-profile guest list, Portofino is the epitome of la dolce vita, a spirit mirrored in the hotel itself. Once a sixteenth-century Benedictine monastery, Splendido has been beautifully updated for the twenty-first century by Belmond.More recently, interior designer Martin Brudnizki and landscape designer Marco Bay renovated the hotel reviving its rich heritage. Whether it is the opening of the vibrant Bar Baratta Sedici or the addition of the first permanent Dior Spa in Italy, Belmond has ensured a new era of splendor at Splendido.Splendido: The Radiant Stage of Portofino is organized in thematic chapters, the many facets of the property come to life through Matthew Bell’s informative prose and the sumptuous imagery by various photographers. Delve into the noble tale of an old woman who saved Portofino from ruin. Get lost in the bucolic charm of La Portofinese Eco-Farm. Discover the majestic Villa Beatrice, where no detail is overlooked. As part of a new series in collaboration with Belmond, this book offers an exclusive glimpse into one of the world’s most luxurious and storied properties—an invitation to explore the timeless allure of Splendido and the magic of Portofino.Splendido: The Radiant Stage of Portofino is the first of Assouline’s new Legendary Destinations series as part of the Classics Collection, which celebrates the lifestyle and history of Belmond’s most iconic properties through the lens of contemporary travel. Striking imagery and thoughtful storytelling transport the reader to magical locales and one-of-a-kind experiences. The books offer richly colored covers complete with a compelling photo that acts as a window into this world. These timeless keepsakes are designed to capture the essence of each destination and become an enduring part of the guest experience.
A WORD FROM THE FOUNDERSWe created this company to be the first luxury brand on culture. We wanted to supply everything for a contemporary library; we started working with top perfumers for scented candles, with Goyard for a book trunk, with Chanel on a quilted leather slipcase, and so on. Now we are expanding the Assouline lifestyle brand in stores in the most important cities of the world. We love and believe in books more than everything else, but we also want to extend our vision to create all that can be expected in a chic and personalized library, from beautiful books and special editions to luxury gift items, unique library accessories, and now a complete turnkey collection of stylish furniture. Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are the solid part of our past and present. They also are beauty. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion, of heritage and innovation. Because information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.-Prosper & Martine AssoulineTHE BRANDFounded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple's experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives.Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Throughout the last quarter of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations across the globe. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated library service, working closely with clients to visualize, design, and develop bespoke, one-of-a-kind libraries.With a distinguished team of creative talents—which includes the founders' son Alexandre—the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers and designers.Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir faire, which has globally redefined modern publishing.