A Very Dior Villeggiatura

Belmond hotel Splendido teams up with Dior to create a pop-up spa experience that is truly magnifico

- Suffian Hakim

IN THE SOUTHEASTERN TIP of Portofino, nestled between the shimmering Mediterranean and the lush greenery of the Parco Regionale di Portofino, sits Splendido, the jewel of the Italian Riviera. Perched in the hills, overlooking the shimmering Portofino Bay and the rugged cliffs and turquoise coves of Tigullio, the hotel, part of luxury hospitality pioneer Belmond, has long attracted a galaxy of stars from royalty to Hollywood celebrities. No less than the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, and Grace Kelly have graced the rustic halls of the restored 16thcentury monastery.

But the iconic hotel is going even further in creature comfort offerings this summer. Splendido has teamed up with Dior to transform the hotel's marvellous tiered garden terraces into a pop-up spa, named Jardin des Rêves Dior, or the Dior Garden of Dreams. The garden is decked out in rattan furniture adorned with the eyecatching, iconic Dior floral motif, the Toile de Jouy - with a small twist. Artistic Director for Dior Women's collections Maria Grazia Chiuri reinterpreted the design by giving it a green hue to match the Splendido's natural environment.