Latest news with #Portofino
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Feeling Splendido: The Hotel That Serves Elizabeth Taylor's Favourite Spaghetti
She's had a meticulously planned face-lift. But though the Splendido's appearance may have been refreshed, her celebrated spirit – that has attracted a slew of celebrities since 1901 – remains preserved Those in the know don't say they re going to Portofino, they say they're going to the Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. This isn't just an indication of how intrinsically linked this starry, storied property is to it: location on the Italian Riviera – it's what it says about you. It's a stamp of belonging to a rarified world. An indication of taste, refinement. And yes, we will be so crass to point out, sheer spending power. The 'Homage to Elizabeth Taylor' tomato spaghetti starter – named after and created for the icon that adored it, and spent four of her honeymoons here – is 40 Euros. And when you order it, accompanied by a chilled spritz on the jasmine-scented, wisteria-clad La Terrazza, youll come to the realisation that money surely can buy happiness. This pink 16″-century Benedictine monastery anything but austere, as stars like Jennifer Aniston and Madonna would attest to. And it's reemerged this summer season with added aplomb, having undergone a meticulous facelift courtesy of designer Martin Brudnizki, to celebrate its 40 anniversary under the stewardship of Belmond. Drawing inspiration from its setting – at the summit of a cliff overlooking the glistening superyacht-filled harbour (and the homes of designers Giorgio Armani and Dolce and Gabbana in the distance) – motifs of painted flora and fauna, bespoke Medea furniture and local artisanal techniques, are married with requisite upgrades when it comes to tech and modern amenities. You definitely won't hear your neighbours, keen athletes on the tennis court, or the seagulls that swoop in the sunshine outside. The vibe? Staying at your art collector friend's villa. Luxurious, but understated. Comfortable yet elevated. Somewhere it wouldn't seem out of place to see Jeff Goldblum and his jazz band take to the piano for an impromptu performance (true story, this actually happened in June). Opt for one of the suites – 103 offers excellent views and two balconies, plus a stand-alone sunken tub complete with Acqua di Parma toiletries – while La Baronessa is sure to become the ultimate bolt-hole for regulars looking for sprawling space. And while it's tempting to order breakfast in bed, venture downstairs to fully indulge in a generous array of dainty patisserie, juicy sun-kissed fruit, fresh mascarpone and burrata coupled with the region's famous pesto, plus Lombardian chef Corrado Cortis signature Portofino eggs. Even A-listers can't resist the temptation of taking a snap of the bay as the sun rises. You'll be tempted to take all your meals at La Terraza – a hotspot for visitors willing to make the trek up the steep hill to get a taste of the property, and excellent for people-watching – but the poolside Splendido Grill is another option. Don't miss the trofie pesto – rightly recommended by all the staff as a must-try – though the scent of wood-fired pizzas is hard to resist. Those taking in the sun on the tangerine-hued loungers with their distinctive striped parasols, can also take advantage of this menu as they dip n the (temperature-controlled) saltwater pool and sip. If there's an unexpected drizzle? Head to the indoor bar that dispenses excellent Negronis and Ava Gardner (another fan) cocktails. This season also sees the opening of a Dior spa. Distinctive Toile de Jouy wicker furnishings immediately set the scene, with a menu of face and body treatments that can be enjoyed in the comfort of dedicated rooms, or outside in specially created cabanas hidden on the cliffside. Many enjoy the brisk walk down to Portofino's designer boutique-lined pizzetta, where ferries still usher locals to nearby Towns like Santa Margherita (where Silvio Berlusconi has his summer house) and fishermen share space with big boats in this once-sleepy village, but the Splendido also puts on a regular shuttle for guests. A hotspot? The hotel's sister property, the 14-bedroom Splendido de Mare that has captured a prime location at the centre of the main square, flanked by Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cuccinelli and two Louis Vuittons, overlooking the port. Grab a pistachio cone at Gelateria Bar San Giorgio – a contender for the best ice-cream in the country. Splendido is set amidst a protected, forested park – hence its lush surroundings – and in keeping with this ethos, it has a special relationship with an eco-farm La Portofinese. They'll dispatch a tiny van to take you up what seems to be a footpath, but is actually a winding road, further into the greenery, where you can have private cooking lessons or dine amid organic vineyards and plantations endemic to the area. A must-do activity, even though you'll be loath to leave the comforting confines of the hotel, or cut into the exploration of the Cinque Terre (ideally via a sleek Riva boat that the hotel can arrange). There's also been another simultaneous unveiling this season: the spectacular Villa Beatrice. This five-room villa (four suites in the main house, and a stand-alone cottage) with its own private pool and gardens offers the ultimate in privacy. Butler? Check. Private chef? Check. And complete access to the hotel next door if you're looking for company during aperitivo. What To Pack: It would be remiss to head to Portofino without a sprinkling of raffia and some enormous shades. This season, Chloe does the trick. For those who pride themselves on knowing the best, and staying at the best, it's a rite of passage to stay at the Splendido. It says you've not only arrived, but that you've kind of always been there, always belonged. And it takes a magical place to have this allure. For people, from billionaires to celebrities, to wear their patronage as a badge of pride. Once thing is for certain, the hype is justified. It's a privilege to be part of this club.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: The flight figures that prove Portofino really is busier than ever - as tourists claim it's TOO crowded
Tourist flights going into Portofino will rise dramatically again this year - despite British visitors this week reporting that it's already 'too crowded' this summer and the Italian resort's mayor recently introducing tough new rules on tourist behaviour. Like much of the Med this summer, the resort, which sits on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, has also been the subject of anti-tourism protests - but figures exclusively gained by MailOnline suggest that this year far more tourists descending than in previous years. The pretty coastal village announced on July 15th it was taking a hard line on tourists deemed to be misbehaving - introducing fines of up to 500 euros for those caught drinking alcohol in the street, wearing swimwear in its historic piazza and picnic-ing outdoors. The temporary rules, which expire on September 30th, are part of a bid to ensure the elegant Italian resort remains civilised this summer, says its mayor, Matteo Viacava. One tourist in the glamorous destination this week shared images of holidaymakers jostling for space on a crowded beach, saying: 'You travelled to a "secret beach" in Portofino, except it definitely isn't secret anymore.' The caption read: 'Expectation vs Reality in Portofino! Literally took one look at the crowds and left.' Another TikToker posted a clip of a busy street in Portofino and simply wrote, 'Watching Portofino get flooded with tourists'. According to data collected by aviation analysts Cirium, the gateway airport to Portofino, Genoa, will see nearly 142,000 more visitors jet in to the region this year than last. The figures revealed that in 2024, there were 5,038 flights and 800,100 seats arriving into Genoa from global airports. For 2025, however, the predicted number of global flights arriving into the Italian hub is 5,650 - with 941,600 seats. From the UK, there's also been a significant bump in the number of Brits booking flights that will land them close to Portofino - the airport of Genoa is less than an hour west by car. Last year saw 350 flights from the UK, with the vast majority leaving from London Stansted, with around 50 flights departing out of Manchester, with a total number of around 66,300 seats. This year, that figure is scheduled to rise to 367 flights, equivalent to 69,600 seats. It's just days since the village announced it was introducing tough new rules to protect itself from the perils of overtourism. Consuming alcohol on public streets in Portofino has been prohibited, with drinkers confined to restaurants, bars, and designated areas. Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks has also been banned along with having picnics. Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between £22 and £433. The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400. When it comes to madding summer crowds, much of Europe's most popular tourist destinations paint a similar picture. In the Italian village of Varenna - famed for its tiny streets and colourful facades of houses - Brits have complained of crowds so dense they were barely able to reach down to take their phones out of their pockets. Meanwhile, footage from the Greek island of Santorini - adored by influencers for its breathtaking sunsets and views across the Mediterranean - show thousands of people inching along narrow streets with barely enough room to pass each other. Disappointed sunseekers have taken to social media to share how their dream holiday didn't quite match reality. A holidaymaker in Lake Como, Italy, posted a video warning others what to expect, showing packed coastal pathways and an hour long line for the ferry. The clip is captioned: 'Lake Como in June is so amazing, the views are stunning, but so many people and waiting times.' Another visitor likened the experience to 'the tourist hunger games' alongside a seemingly endless line of people. A woman visiting Positano, on Italy's Amalfi Coast, was also left disappointed by her experience. She said: 'Social media lied. I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years. 'And while it is definitely a very beautiful town, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. 'I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups. 'Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything. 'Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy.' Meanwhile, in Greece, overcrowding is also frustrating sunseekers. One woman revealed how much the island of Santorini has changed since her last visit two years ago, before the tourism surge became so severe. She posted a picture of a packed street, writing, 'Santorini! When we stayed here in 2022, we scoffed at the people who came off the cruise ships. 'This time, we were those people! Santorini in summer is no joke. The heat, the crowds, the lines. No magic this time. Just sweat, nausea and swollen feet. 'Don't be deceived by the smiling faces.' Some areas have introduced special measures in an attempt to crack down on overcrowding. Portofino has banned walking barefoot, picnics and drinking booze on the streets among a swathe of other prohibitions. Tourists risk being fined for carrying out a variety of actions typically enjoyed abroad. From July 15, travellers in Portofino will no longer be able to walk through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless - or sit in the piazza in such attire. Consuming alcohol on public streets has also been prohibited, with only restaurants, bars and designated areas left to booze in. Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks has also been banned along with having picnics. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will take effect during the summer season and temporarily expire on September 30. Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between £22 and £433. The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400. The municipality had already attempted to combat troublesome tourists in 2023. During that period, stopping at particularly popular viewpoints across the picturesque town was prohibited. These include a tourist tax, restrictions on access and parking, and a proposed 'saturation law' limiting daily visitor numbers. @vickirutwind Social media lied 😳 🇮🇹 I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years. And while it is definitely a very very very beautiful town, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. ✈️ I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups. 📝 Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything. Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy. And while that might be your travel style, I really like having an opportunity to explore and be spontaneous. 💴 I also think if you want some of the magical experiences you are seeing on social media, you have to pay a major premium to stay at the super luxury hotels, and dine at the most expensive restaurants with reservations booked way in advance. 🌎 In the end, I did still have a nice time in Positano because it's a beautiful town, the main beach has a nice beach club, and we had some nice meals. But for now, it's not one of my favorite travel destinations. I'm on the fence about whether I'll return. Have you been to Positano? And if you have, what did you think about it? #positano #positanoitaly #amalficoast #travelitaly #instagramvsreality #italytravel ♬ original sound - william springfield One woman revealed how much the island of Santorini has changed since her last visit two years ago, before the tourism surge became so severe Meanwhile, Spain's Balearic Islands have stopped using influencers to promote holiday hotspots and warned that 'selfie tourism' is ruining the region's most beautiful beaches. The move comes a year after jeering Mallorcan protestors descended on an Instagram-famous beach and blocked visitors from entering in a bid to combat mass tourism. Local authorities had originally hoped social media stars would help relieve the strain on some locations frequented by tourists by encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites. But the strategy has seemingly backfired, as some of these remote locations have now become flooded with selfie-snapping visitors, causing even more overcrowding and sparking further fury from locals contesting 'over tourism.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE It's the Instagram-friendly Mediterranean gem beloved of the A-listers... but are hordes of half naked, badly behaved tourists now ruining the picture-perfect port?
It's just gone 9.30am and the first of dozens of ferries carrying hundreds of tourists has arrived in the picturesque port of Portofino. The tiny fishing village, described as one of Italy 's 'natural jewels', has a population in the winter of just 350 but in the summer, it can increase twenty-fold as day trippers, and influencers hit the tiny streets. It's a magnet for VIPs as well with NBA legend magic Johnson visiting earlier his month and rock legends Elton John and Rod Stewart being regulars. But it emerged this week that the town - famed for its pastel houses and pretty waterside square lined with cafes, restaurants and designer boutiques - is now such a must do stop off point for tourists that it's becoming overrun. And indeed when MailOnline visited this week, we found the tiny Instagram-famous town was heaving with visitors with its narrow streets frequently so crowded they were impassible. Now the huge daily influx of visitors has led to many complaining visitors don't know how to behave decently. So of earlier this week mayor Matteo Viacava has introduced a bylaw until September 30 warning travellers to behave respectfully and with a degree of decorum that befits a fashionable and wealthy town with the one of the highest prop capita salaries in Italy (£90,000). Wandering around bare chested or in a swimsuit is strictly forbidden, as is strolling barefoot, through the town. And if you are thinking of stretching out on one of the benches to catch a few rays or have a snooze don't even think about it as that's banned too, along with drinking alcohol in public and having a picnic. When MailOnline visited this week, we found the tiny Instagram-famous town was heaving with visitors with its narrow streets frequently so crowded they were impassible Sitting or lying on paths and in the park is also against the rules and mayor Viacava has said anyone who breaches the edict will face a fine of up to 500 Euro. (£433) The order, number 17 of the year, is on the council's website and in a lofty word heavy title called:' Measures to protect public safety and security and the tranquillity and rest of residents and guards and safeguard the territory and environment'. Totalling eight pages, the bylaw explains the motive for the rules as being the 'heavy influx of tourists into the area during the summer months' which has 'impacted on civility and decorum'. But the news doesn't appear to have reached everyone as when MailOnline visited Portofino several tourists were wandering around shirtless and in swimwear and oblivious of the law. Landscape architect Elias Halling, 35, from Gothenburg, Sweden, was strolling around the famous piazza topless, enjoying the scenery and was stunned when told by MailOnline he was breaking the law. 'Really ?!,' he gasped before adding:' To be honest I was wondering why people were looking at me in a weird way. I had no idea at all it was against the law. 'The place is beautiful, and so are a lot of the people, but I don't see what harm I'm doing by walking around bare chested. 'I suppose the mayor wants to keep standards high, you can tell this is quite an upmarket place by looking at all the designer shops and expensive restaurants. 'The fine seems a lot of money for something which is pretty trivial but if they want to have that kind of strange law then I suppose I had a better follow it even though its 35c and so hot.' A little further on and past the multimillion superyachts bobbing in the water and the jetty where yet more ferries are docking from nearby Genoa, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure, MailOnline spotted another pair of transgressors. Standing by the water edge was bare chested Pieter Van Dooren, 31, and his shoeless girlfriend Lieke Schins, 25, first time visitors to Portofino and both overwhelmed by its beauty but unaware of its bylaw. Recruitment entrepreneur Pieter, from Tilburg, Holland, said:'Oh my goodness, I don't want to get into trouble. Five hundred Euro is a lot of money to pay for just not wearing a shirt.' If you are thinking of stretching out on one of the benches to catch a few rays or have a snooze don't even think about it as that's banned too, along with drinking alcohol in public and having a picnic As we spoke worried student Lieke, hurriedly slipped into her sandals in case she was spotted by local police and said:' I don't want a fine either.' Pieter added: 'This place is like a fantasy world, it is so beautiful, a paradise and so elegant and romantic, so maybe that explains why the mayor has introduced this law. 'But you've got me worried as technically standing talking to you now I am illegal, although we had no idea of this law, I just wasn't aware until you told me so I'm lucky to have met you. 'You can tell it is a high-class elegant place, so maybe that's why the law was brought in, there seems to be a lot of people here and he doesn't want people walking round drunk and half naked. Having said that, I had better put my shirt on now.' Lieke added: 'It is so pretty here but at the same time so expensive, we were charged 100 Euro for four Prosecco and a few pieces of melon and ham. 'We knew it wasn't cheap here but still 100 Euro is a lot of money, but the prices don't seem to put people off, it's so busy but I had no idea of this crazy law so I will put my sandals on.' Portofino is certainly not the place for those on a budget – glance at one menu revealed a breakfast of bacon, eggs and cappuccino was an eyewatering 25 Euro (£21), with service not included. Requests for an interview with the mayor and had of local police for MailOnline were politely declined, as were requests over how many fines have been issued since the law was introduced. Intriguingly at one-point MailOnline spotted another bare chested man and approached an officer to tell them of the infringement but was given a curt brush off:' I'm doing my job, I'm here on parking duty, you stick with your job.' Meanwhile in a further bid to control the crowds police have also set up a checkpoint a mile from Portofino, once the 160 official car park spaces in the multi storey are full no vehicles are allowed in. Instead, travellers have to use shuttle buses to get in and out of Portofino and it was only thanks to flashing a press card that MailOnline was allowed in, with the officer on duty saying:' It is rammed in there, so good luck finding a space and don't park illegally.' Portofino's beauty is quite clear to see but it's also evident many visitors are there on a tick boxing exercise merely to post on social media as one bizarre scene unfolded in front of MailOnline. Setting up a tripod, by the water's edge, one woman dressed all in white began doing a series of 'lives' to her followers, pointing out the sights and occasionally pulling the edge of her skirt back to reveal her thigh. One local waiter said: 'It's crazy, it just gets busier and busier every year and yes ok it's good for business, but the numbers are just too much and the class of visitor is also not what it used to be. 'People come and take selfies, and they walk around in swim wear or bare chested, some covered in tattoos and it's not very pleasant to look at, the locals are all in favour of this new law. 'On busy days we can get 5,000 people a day and then when a cruise ship turns up that can bring in another 2,000 so imagine all those people in a tiny place like this.' Cruise ships are the thorn in Portofino's side and anchor just off the coast as they are far too big to come any closer, ferrying travellers to and from in tenders that criss cross the crystal clear Ligurian Sea. A glance at cruise timetables reveals that between now and the end of the month six giant ships are due in – one every 48 hours carrying almost 8,000 travellers in total. A worker at one of the upmarket boutiques told MailOnline:' It's some of these people on cruise ships that have no idea how to behave. 'They come here dressed in hardly anything, lowering the tone of Portofino and just rush about taking selfies, we have a reputation for class and elegance and just want people to follow the rules.' Speaking to local media as the order was revealed, mayor Viacavo also revealed next year an app would be introduced 'controlling the number of visitors' to Portofino by locking onto the number of mobiles active in the area. Mr Viacavo declined to go into details of how exactly the app would work but added:' Portofino is a jewel, whatever time of day it is and wherever you are, there are always people here and we are working to improve visitor experience. 'I'm not talking about putting a limit on numbers, but what I am saying is we must be able to control these numbers to allow the quality of life of locals to continue and make the visitor experience comfortable, if not even better. 'What we hope to do with the app is show the best time to visit, when it is quieter, we are not going to close Portofino off, it is for everybody, and I can't say to someone 'You can't come in but you can'. But as yet another shirtless tourist strolled across the square unchallenged, you had to wonder whether the bylaw was a meaningful act of law or just a simple publicity stunt.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kourtney Kardashian Has the Perfect Response to Pregnancy Speculation
Originally appeared on E! Online Kourtney Kardashian is keeping up with these rumors—and shutting them down. The Kardashians star clapped back at speculations she may be pregnant after sharing a selfie in a swimsuit while vacationing in Portofino, Italy. Kourtney commented on the July 17 Instagram post that, instead of expecting another child, she is 'breastfeeding, eating gelato, focaccia, pasta, not working out and living my best damn life baby!' The reality star—who shares 20-month-old son Rocky Thirteen Barker with husband Travis Barker, as well as Mason Disick, 15, Penelope Disick, 13, and Reign Disick, 10, with ex Scott Disick—is focusing on enjoying life postpartum. It's a mindset that has become a priority with each pregnancy. 'The most important thing is to listen to your body and to do what you're doing for you, not for society's standards of getting your body back, because they are unrealistic,' she wrote on the Poosh website. 'This was my journey. It wasn't until Reign was probably 4 months old that I felt this desire to be in the best shape of my life.' More from E! Online Astronomer Sets the Record Straight on Coldplay Concertgoer's Alleged Viral Statement Today's Dylan Dreyer and Husband Brian Fichera Break Up After 12 Years of Marriage Teen Mom's Jenelle Evans Shares Update On Who Her Son Jace is Currently Living With After welcoming a baby, the Lemme founder—who is also stepmom to Travis and ex Shanna Moakler's kids Landon Barker, 21, Alabama Barker, 19, and Atiana De La Hoya, 26—shared how her relationship with her body changed in an open letter to her fellow 'new mommies.' "Your body is beautiful at all stages," the 46-year-old wrote in an April Instagram Stories message. "During pregnancy, as we are glowing and growing, postpartum, as we are healing and shrinking, and then that period I find the hardest, as our bodies are still adjusting. And if you're breastfeeding, that's a whole other part of it." "I try to be kind to myself as my body finds a new normal," she continued. "The pressure put on us to bounce back when everything is new and different isn't realistic. Life is too beautiful, you are beautiful. Just a little reminder (for me too ;)." Despite the complicated postpartum journey, Kourtney is loving her life as a mom. As she gushed on Instagram in March during a family trip to Australia, 'Feeling so grateful for every single second of time with my babies. Rare to get 2 full weeks of 24/7 time as they get older.' Now, keep reading to see a closer look at Kourtney and Travis' rocking family moments. A Fashionable FamilyMom & Me Mirror SelfieAustralian SummerKravis Down UnderBoys ClubGirl GangHere Comes the BrideMeet the Kardashian-BarkersFront RowCelebrating DadAlabama and PenelopeBirthday BunchMagic KingdomThe Three MouseketeersA Portrait by PenelopeFamily PortraitsFun and GamesThe Sweetest Age of AllTikTok FunWelcome to the FamAmusement Park FunAll the Halloween ActivitiesFrankenstein FriendsCostume Cutie For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kourtney slams follower who said she looked pregnant in a bikini
Kourtney Kardashian has hit back at a fan who suggested that she might be pregnant again after seeing a photo of her on vacation in Portofino, Italy. The reality star read the comment and reacted strongly. 'Or breastfeeding, eating gelato, focaccia, pasta, not working out and living my best damn life baby!' said Kourtney. Kourtney was pictured enjoying a sweet treat with her kids in Portofino, and several days ago, she shared photos of the birthday celebration she threw for her daughter Penelope's 13th birthday in Italy. She also shared a series of snapshots from their trip abroad alongside the caption: 'When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie.' Kourtney is already back in Los Angeles. She was seen on Thursday in Southern California with Travis as they stepped out for lunch with their son Rocky. The pair were supporting Barker's stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya's matcha lemonade drink collaboration.
