Latest news with #ABelmondHotel
Courier-Mail
18 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Curtis Stone shares his top travel hacks and tips for cheap eats
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. When he travels, chef Curtis Stone loves to seek out where the locals eat and discover regional dishes. I travel… For work and leisure. I come back to Australia at least six times a year, and always love filming MasterChef, which I've been lucky enough to be part of since its inception. We recently went on a family trip to Mexico because I have a restaurant, Woodend, on the Riviera Maya. Next we're going to Italy for the European summer. Curtis Stone's restaurant Woodend at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel on the Rivera Maya in Mexico. I plan the trip myself and use a travel agent… For business trips generally I lean into the experts as my schedule is often all over the place and requires more intricate planning. If it's a holiday with the family, we love to do the planning ourselves. We like the challenge of finding off-the-beaten-track hidden gems whether they be restaurants, eateries, shops, or interesting local hangouts. We often have a loose plan and then piece it all together once we arrive after speaking with locals. I can't say it doesn't stress my wife out a little. Inside my carry-on is always… My Cargo Crew chef jacket – it's one of my essential tools of the trade. I pack my suitcase… Quickly. I travel so often I've got it down to a fine art, taking only carry-on so I can get through the airport with pace. My trick is to have everything laundered and pressed as I go. It's kind of genius for business travel. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone visiting a dim sum restaurant in Hong Kong. I save money when travelling by... Eating where the locals eat. I love to get off the beaten track, immerse myself in the culture, and really understand where and what everyone eats. I did this recently in Hong Kong. I can't help but get sucked in to check out the different cooking techniques, interesting ingredients and watch the local signature dishes being created. It's just so special. I'm not going to lie – I normally ask if I can get in and check out their kitchens too. My favourite type of travel companion is… My family. As I'm constantly travelling for work, I love it whenever they can come with me. We try to have one special family holiday a year so we can truly connect by spending time together. I like to get to the airport… With seconds to spare. I see it as a challenge to be going through security as they're announcing the final call. Needless to say, I'm not everyone's favourite travel companion. Curtis Stone appears on MasterChef Australia this week. As soon as I check in… I go straight to the gate as I rarely leave enough time for lounges. On the plane I dress… For comfort. I'm a jeans and jumper kind of guy. My tip for getting the best meal possible on a flight is… Eat early, then sleep. I am all about maximising my time on the ground at the other end so on a long-haul flight my priority is landing feeling as refreshed as possible. My favourite airport is… Melbourne because it means it won't be long until I can see my parents and brother. But as far as wow factor, Singapore's Changi Airport is pretty special. St Ali is Curtis Stone's go-to coffee spot in Melbourne. Picture: Visit Victoria The one restaurant I will always visit when I'm in Australia is… St Ali in South Melbourne for my coffee fix and a snack. I'm such a sticky beak, so I usually try to check out the newest restaurants and eating spots, which means I'm rarely at the same place twice. The one thing I will always take back to the US from Australia is… Vegemite. I can't live without it nor can my kids. The one song that is always on my travel playlist… My son's band, The Rookies. He's only 13 years old but is cooler than I'll ever be. He plays lead guitar and sings. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY The destination I think is best bang for buck is... Mexico. To be honest it has the best of both worlds. Mexico is a destination that you can do on a budget or be a little more fancy. Visiting some of the smaller beach towns in Mexico you can find hidden gems and it can be really budget-friendly. The travel app I swear by is... I've always used Waze. It will sometimes take you on the tourist route, but will guarantee to avoid the traffic, mostly. Curtis Stone returns as guest chef on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win this week. The showscreens Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10 Play. Originally published as Curtis Stone shares his top travel hacks and tips for cheap eats
Vogue
6 days ago
- Vogue
This Classic Dolce Vita Hotel in Portofino Has Reopened With a Very 'Splendido' Makeover
No matter where you're coming from, Portofino isn't the easiest spot to reach. This crown jewel of the Italian Riviera—and corner of the world long beloved by the international jet set—sits the furthest tip of a small peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean, requiring a drive along hair-raising roads, winding their way along the dramatic cliffs and bays that run from Genoa in one direction, or the north of Tuscany in the other. But once you arrive, you quickly understand why people make the effort. Portofino is Italy at its breeziest and most beautiful: a picture-postcard jumble of colorful buildings clustered around an impossibly picturesque harbor, with church spires and lush forests above and the shimmering Ligurian Sea beyond. You'll need to head up one of the nearby hills, however, to discover the Italian Riviera's real crown jewel: Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. Once an abandoned Benedictine monastery, the property was completely overhauled in the 19th century to become the eye-poppingly lavish summer home of an Italian baron; in 1902, it opened its doors as a hotel for the first time, quickly becoming a hot spot for some of the world's most glittering stars. And when I say glittering, I mean glittering: The list of former guests includes everyone from the Duke of Windsor to Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly to Madonna; the hotel was even one of the few constants in Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's turbulent romance, with Burton proposing with an enormous Bulgari rock on one of its famous wisteria-clad terraces. (And if you needed further proof the hotel has lost none of its shine, more recent overnighters include the likes of Dua Lipa—that's a woman who knows how to holiday.)
Hospitality Net
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Now Open: Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino, Rewrites the Riviera Legend
On 7 June 2025, Portofino's most storied hideaway, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel made its much-anticipated grand reopening, entering a new era of splendour following an extraordinary renovation by internationally renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS). The 16th century Benedictine monastery turned glamorous sanctuary reveals a magnificent reimagination that takes the hotel to new heights. Paying tribute to the building's heritage and reviving the spirit of La Dolce Vita, the hotel showcases the finest Ligurian craftsmanship with a contemporary twist — reaffirming Splendido's status as the legendary Grand Dame of the Italian Riviera. This summer, alongside the beautifully redesigned rooms, suites, pool, and restaurants, Splendido introduces a vibrant new bar, Baratta Sedici, that captures the glamorous spirit of Portofino, as well as the first permanent Dior Spa in Italy. On 29 June, Belmond will also debut Villa Beatrice, a one-of-a-kind, majestic private summer residence overlooking the sea, further strengthening its legacy in Portofino's enchanting enclave. THE RADIANT STAGE OF PORTOFINO A haven of glamour and natural beauty, the hotel commands a peerless position perched on a verdant hillside offering spectacular panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Bay of Portofino. A historic hotspot for the discerning traveller and the international jet-set, Splendido's iconic pastel-hued facade has long stood as a symbol of the Dolce Vita, capturing the essence of Portofino's enduring allure since its 1950s heyday. THE LEGEND, REVIVED From the moment guests step into Splendido's newly reimagined lobby, they are enveloped in a timeless sense of place, welcoming them to their home in the hills. A masterful interplay of Ligurian heritage and contemporary elegance is revealed through a wealth of local artisanal pieces - from botanical frescoes to bespoke design elements made in Carrara marble, Graniglia alla Genovese, and locally sourced Lavagna stone. Traditional materials root the renovation in authenticity while elevating the guest experience with a sense of palatial grandeur. INTRODUCING: BARATTA SEDICI At the heart of this new chapter lies Baratta Sedici. A destination in its own right, the new bar will become Splendido's new vibrant social epicentre. Here, a refined expression of Ligurian tradition, craftsmanship and nature come together to create an elegant yet characterful space. Whitewashed walls provide a fresh canvas for an intricate, hand-painted botanical mural, where delicate vines and cascading plants bring the outdoors in, taking inspiration from Splendido's lush surrounding gardens. A palette of warm terracotta, rich greens and blond oak lend depth and warmth, complementing the back-lit white onyx bar. The space comprises bespoke, hand-crafted furniture pieces from artisans across Italy, from Genova to Venice, from Florence to Milan. Baratta Sedici's curated menu is a true celebration of place, showcasing an inspired selection of exceptional cocktails. Highlights include La Vela, a refined blend of Portofino Gin, Campari, Amaro Camatti, and Pineo, and U Chef, a bold creation featuring Portofino Gin, tomato centrifuge, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and Seven Pod Indian pepper. Complementing these artisanal cocktails is a distinguished collection of vintage spirits and fine wines, rounding out a truly sophisticated offering. Culinary excellence is at the heart of every Splendido experience, epitomised by the renowned La Terrazza fine dining restaurant and the elegant Splendido Grill. Both venues have flourished under the expert direction of Executive Chef Corrado Corti for over two decades, with menus that honour the region's rich culinary heritage and celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients. NEW SUITES: DOLCE VITA SPLENDOUR Throughout the newly redesigned rooms and suites, the spirit of Italian elegance, craftsmanship and comfort go hand in hand. Refined interiors and ornate design touches draw on the region's rich design traditions and elevate each room to a serene and sumptuous retreat. Traditional Midollino Weave, inspired by the Chiavari rattan tradition, lends a tactile warmth to headboards and bedside tables, while Albissola ceramics punctuate the rooms with a handcrafted, time-honoured elegance. Furnishings sourced from local estate sales and auction houses tell a story of heritage, with some pieces delicately restored and painted in the Genoese style. This layered, residential approach ensures that Splendido retains an intimate, evocative, and undeniably Italian sense of place. The Baronessa Suite is the crown jewel, designed to mimic the drawing room of a well travelled Italian aristocrat. La Baronessa is brought to life through a curation of curios, antiques and objects – featuring a private-entrance garden with direct access to the hotel's panoramic pool and a vast terrace with astonishing views of the Gulf of Portofino. It has a distinctly feminine feel, with pink touches, floral motifs and traditional lace with playful touches such as the shell-shaped wall lights. AN OASIS OF WELL-BEING: ITALY'S FIRST PERMANENT DIOR SPA Further enriching the hotel's wellness offering, Splendido proudly unveils Italy's first permanent Dior Spa - an exclusive collaboration between two icons of elegance. Set against the verdant backdrop of the Portofino Natural Park, the spa invites guests to embrace holistic rejuvenation inspired by the rhythms and beauty of the Ligurian coastline. Situated on the second floor of the hotel, the indoor-outdoor sanctuary offers a nature-inspired wellness experience with four treatment cabins and a dedicated relaxation space on a quiet roof terrace. The Dior Spa Splendido offers a menu of transformative treatments, each thoughtfully tailored to the surroundings and imbued with the spirit of Riviera serenity. This new chapter in wellbeing expands on the Jardin des Rêves, an al fresco treatment space nestled within the hotel's beautiful gardens. Completing the holistic wellbeing experience are Splendido's cinematic saltwater swimming pool reimagined by celebrated Italian landscape designer Marco Bay, a state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal training on request, a hillside tennis court overlooking the sea, and bespoke wellness excursions - from meditative nature walks to invigorating kayaking adventures along the Ligurian coast. VILLA BEATRICE: A SEASIDE PALAZZO IN PORTOFINO The culmination of Splendido's transformation is marked by the debut of Villa Beatrice - Belmond's newest and most exclusive private villa in Portofino. Just a five-minute stroll from the hotel, this extraordinary private palazzo is perched on a private spot overlooking the mesmerizing Gulf of Tigullo, offering panoramic views and private access to the sea. Once the theatre of lavish summer soirees, this historic family residence reconnects with its quintessentially Italian summer allure of Villeggiatura. Spread across three floors, Villa Beatrice embodies a captivating blend of Gothic Revival elegance and Art Nouveau flourishes, making it a true architectural treasure. A masterpiece of meticulous restoration, the exterior murals, grand arched windows, and original frescoes were preserved to honour the villa's architectural legacy. Ideal for families and intimate gatherings, Villa Beatrice offers unparalleled privacy and the freedom to craft a unique Riviera escape - with the signature service, style, and spirit of Belmond. Villa Beatrice will be unveiled on 29 June 2025. Hotel website
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
‘Lifestyle Palace' Designer Tara Bernerd On What's Next For Luxury Hotels
Bernerd's designs effortlessly pair comfort and sophistication. You never know where you will find Tara Bernerd. The in-demand designer splits her time among Switzerland, Milan and London (where her studio is based), though she says she's usually in an airport lounge waiting for a flight to her next project. Bernerd's itineraries have included West Palm Beach, where she infused natural colors and materials into Milos, a new outpost of the upscale Greek restaurant chain; Germany, where she gave the baroque Rosewood Munich a contemporary, residential makeover; and Mexico's Riviera Maya, where she transformed Maroma, A Belmond Hotel into a stylish ode to Mexican traditions. Back in Italy, Bernerd ventured beyond hotel and restaurant interiors and into homewares, collaborating with two enduring Italian brands: Frette on a line of graphic, luxurious throws and pillows, and Medea 1905 on a capsule bedroom furniture collection. After speaking at Forbes Travel Guide's recent Monaco Summit, Bernerd sat down with us and shared why hotels are 'lifestyle palaces,' what she's working on next and how if you can't find her, she's likely in this charming Tuscan town. Bernerd helped Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya elevate its look. I've traveled since I was very young. Although I was born and raised in London, most of the time we were traveling somewhere. Part of my culture was being exposed to places in Hong Kong, traveling up the Yangtze River in China, going to New York, spending huge amounts of time in Europe, particularly in Italy and Switzerland. All those things led me to be somebody with an ingrained interest. I saw how places changed. I was very aware of design as a young person, and my fascination grew. I was exposed, because of my father's own work [in property development], to many architects — Norman Foster, who I saw recently, was and is a huge mentor; the late Richard Rogers; and later in life, I became friendly with Zaha Hadid — but as a younger person, I saw these architectural triumphs. And then deep down, I guess I'm an artist. I've always drawn — I still draw. I wake up with an inherent purpose to see color and to be around it. I would say it's a combination of things. Rosewood Munich was given a contemporary makeover. When you travel, you are so exposed to hotels, and one of the things that stuck with me was, in a sense, they were the 'lifestyle palaces' of today. When you look back throughout history, some of the great, especially English, homes or a series like Downton Abbey might touch you — the ceremony, the theater, the way a home wakes up in the morning and in the evening as you draw the curtains. In the old days, you dressed in black tie, and you were served a martini. Well, that's what the hotels are doing. The ceremony, the coming together of creating these places that just sweep you to another place. I think I have always been fascinated by that. And if I could play a part in that, that is what led me through travel, through those experiences and very much since I started this business, really working towards working with hotels and hospitality. Maybe it's my calling. It's the bigger picture. Some of the bigger hotels, in the past there may have been a gym or not. Nowadays it is a simple must. You've got to have an incredible workout facility, some kind of health benefit. And now, increasingly, there's an attachment to the spas, the actual services they offer. We have to be aware of it when we're space planning right at the beginning. Are we putting that in? Where is it going to go? What is our connection to that? I am thinking about [my upcoming hotel in] Mount Fuji, which is all about nature. We can't necessarily take everyone on walks, but that relationship to indoor and outdoor is tremendously important from our side. The vistas and how we feel in a space provoke a feeling of wellness, and then throughout that I think there are many other nuances that can come in, too. Bernerd is playing an important role with the upcoming Six Senses Milan. I think human nature seeks to explore. Human nature, on the whole, has a social kind of interest. Hotels are an incredible answer to allow people to travel, to socialize, and I think for many years we will see that people are drawn to that. The future of hotels is being aware of the human touch. I know we get cleverer and cleverer with AI, but I would never underestimate this as we grow the brands and our brilliance in what can be done quickly and efficiently, especially the very high high-end luxury hotel market that's even above premium luxury. It's the understanding of the guest needs. It is tremendously important there is a human element. Then that also can transcend into our designs so that we do something that is seductive but not overbearing, that has sensitivity in the materials that we choose. So there's texture and tonality. And designing with the locale in mind — the materials, the stones being more indigenous — might allow things to sit and last the test of time. There's a lot to be said for some of the family-owned hotel businesses because they're not building at such a rate. They're constantly revisiting like home in their hotels, checking if that art goes there, maybe adding something from that family's own travels. They're not 'home from home' as such, but it goes back to my lifestyle palaces. We must always consider them really important destinations to take care of and celebrate. A relationship with Frette has blossomed into a creative marriage. We've always designed furniture and built it bespoke with the hotels and some private clients. So, designing furniture was not our first rodeo. And whilst building the Six Senses Milan, I met cousins Luigi and Andrea Tagliabue. They were very drawn to everything that I was designing. We ended up working together again when they were designing my furniture for a private client, and they were like, 'Tara, we want to build collections with you.' I said, 'Well, let's go slowly.' In Italian it's 'piano, piano.' Slowly, slowly, one step at a time. For that first step, we decided to launch with eight pieces of furniture, and we're thrilled. It's been just a total joy designing and creating this collection. Whilst I was doing that, I met Filippo Arnaboldi, the CEO of Frette. I personally shop at Frette. It's the pinnacle of all sheets and toweling. I was talking to him about my furniture collection and one thing led to another and he said, 'Why aren't you doing something with us?' It was Filippo's vision to invite me in, and my first port of call was to say again, 'Let's start slowly and build the collection.' To me, it was an opportunity to celebrate color. The collection is called 'Disrupting Architecture' because I look back at everything I've shared with you about my work, my journey, and took elements from the Chrysler Building, Port Lympne and Eltham Palace [in the U.K.], deco buildings around the world, modernism and messed up all the patterns and played with things, hence disrupting architecture. The graphics that came out felt so right. It was all about working with Frette, their legacy, the craftsmanship, the artisans who are helping produce this. The combination of all our efforts allowed us to bring the most colorful cashmeres and throws celebrating all the movement. There's a lot of energy in it. Frette is not dissimilar to Medea 1905, who, by their very own name, [have] been around 120 years. Again, you dive into working with the greatest craftsmanship and artisans. For me it was perhaps something that was always meant to be, but I've never engaged in a committed and full collaboration to these extents because you have to wait for the right marriage. And my work with Frette certainly feels like a very good marriage, and we're very excited about even the next collections that I'm designing now. Bernerd's styles will soon extend from the bedroom to homewares. We will add to our colorways now of the collection we already have, so that will come out as people get more and more used to modernism and deco. You don't have to buy it as a collection — you can integrate it with Frette's other things or even in your own home. We will launch later this year or early next year an extension of all of that — we will move in out of your bedroom and into your home with homewares. And the same with Medea, we will extend on the eight pieces. The Six Senses Milan, which will open early next year, is the most marvelous project. And I just feel so honored to be working in the heart of Italy, in Milan, the most designed savvy of cities. It's a responsibility and such a privilege, and we have really embraced the local feeling of Brera, which has got a very different vibe than other parts of Milan. It's going to be a wonderful project with a huge emphasis on wellness, some exceptional rooms and suites and a very unusual building because the windows and the views across that area are incredible and unexpected. We are starting on hotel near Mount Fuji. In the U.S., I'm really honored to be working on a project for the St. Regis in Fort Lauderdale, which frankly will be game changing. Later on, we've got Six Senses Lake Como coming and a Paris hotel. And I'm writing my second book. When she isn't working, Bernerd's dreaming about designs in Tuscany. It is about hotels. It's about experiences, living lifestyles and it's everything from what we might see in a beautiful suite that we can bring back into our own homes. It's about exploring new places, experiencing different materials. It is about the world of hotels, and it is about the world. It's traveling with me for a little bit from my eyes. There are many cities I like to visit. I really enjoy going to Stockholm, and if I go, I'll always stay at Ett Hem, which is a wonderful hotel. A friend of mine, Jeanette [Mix], designed that with a marvelous designer. I travel a lot around Italy, so one of my go-tos is a place called Forte dei Marmi [in Tuscany]. When you can't find me anywhere, you might see me there on an orange bicycle.
