Who’s investing in Portofino?
In Portofino, a gem nestled in the Ligurian Riviera, a new chapter is being written for the real estate market. Bernard Arnault, French tycoon and prominent figure in the luxury sector globally due to his LVMH empire, is ramping up investments in the area; meanwhile Villa Bonomi Bolchini, long owned by Pier Silvio Berlusconi, is seeking a successor. These are clear signs of a growing interest in the prestigious properties that characterize the Gulf of Tigullio territory.
The Belmond group arrives in the Gulf of Tigullio
Arnault, recognized by Forbes as the world’s richest man (richer even than Elon Musk), leads the LVMH giant, a conglomerate of iconic luxury brands spanning in various sectors: from fashion (Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior) to jewelry and watches (with Tiffany and Bulgari), to fine wines and champagnes like Dom Pérignon.
The philosophy behind the group is based on the concept of luxury as a unique and unrepeatable experience, an approach that Arnault is also bringing to the real estate and hospitality sector: evidence of his interest can be found in the acquisition of the Belmond group in 2019, that gained him many wonders and hotels located in different European countries.
Why is Portofino so famous and loved by Bernard Arnault?
Bernard Arnault’s passion for Portofino lies not only in the beauty of its landscapes and the characteristic reserved atmosphere but also in the history of places like the Hotel Splendido, once a 16th-century monastery.
Arnault’s commitment to renovating and enhancing local properties highlights a deep connection with the area, confirmed by numerous real estate transactions such as his purchase and refurbishment of prestigious villas and hotels. Peak example is the small Splendido Mare, transformed in May 2021 into a charming inn with few but suggestive rooms.
The complex restoration of the Hotel Splendido
The renovation of the Splendido hotel, for example, led under the Belmond’s aegis in collaboration with Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, aims to be an act of timeless heritage preservation. Initiated in June 2023, this process has been planned to unveil to the public new crucial elements with each seasonal reopening. This project has revealed so far, phase by phase, innovative and refined spaces, blending local tradition with contemporary elegance, in a perfect synthesis of history, culture, and luxury.
Transforming Splendido into a luxury experience
“Splendido is a true icon, and so our approach to the renovation project was akin to that of a portraitist,” said Martin Brudnizki. “We’ve created a project centered around the building that is as much a restoration as it is a rejuvenation.” The property, originally conceived by architect Gino Coppedè for the Ligurian entrepreneur Attilio Odero, has already undergone initial transformations: the introduction of a new pool area and a refined culinary experience at the family villa restaurant, The Pool Grill, along with the complete refurbishment of the Baronessa Suite.
Combining the beauty of nature with art
Martin Brudnizki, founder of the eponymous studio, expresses his genius in rebelling against cultural “monotonization.” In breathing new life into the ancient hotel, Brudnizki chose to reinterpret traditional Ligurian art with a touch of distinctive personality. Approaching the building intimately, he drew inspiration from both local craftsmanship and the surrounding nature but with a unique contemporary gaze, managing to integrate the building’s historical aura with the wonderful panorama framing it.
A perspective from the Principality of Monaco
Just 200 kilometers from the Principality of Monaco, Portofino is a gem that aligns with the luxury and exclusivity experience characterizing the Principality, but with its own history, atmosphere, and landscape peculiarity.
At this moment, it offers fertile ground for those seeking investment opportunities in luxury properties, with the chance to benefit from the network and prestige connecting these two symbols of elegance and wellness in the Mediterranean.