Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009 - (Page 25)

Photos by Ruthanne Terrero HOTEL SPLENDIDO, perched high above Portofino and engulfed in exotic gardens, has views of the harbor and yachts below. THE OVAL-SHAPED POOL (at right) is filled with heated saltwater. is open from mid-March through mid-November). Most recently it revamped and reconfigured its two-bedroom Presidential Suite (No. 222). These swanky accommodations now sport four spacious terraces overlooking the cove and the gulf. We loved the pastel colors that now adorn the rooms, as well as the stunning olive-wood parquet floors. If you’re sending a family to Hotel Splendido, or simply someone who likes to keep their buddies close, take note: The Presidential Suite can connect to an Executive Junior Suite and the combo can hold up to five comfortably. The property also has several other connecting-room options. Luxury travel advisors can consult with the hotel’s two travel advisor liaisons: Hotel Manager Ermes De Megni (edemegni@splendido. net; 011-39-0185-2678-602) and Assistant Manager Michela Nicosia (mnicosia@splendido. net; 011-39-0185-2678-612). You also can’t go wrong with an Exclusive Suite; these quarters have also been reconfigured and refurbished. Their sleeping rooms are large as are their bathrooms, with separate shower cubicles, bathtub, double-vanity basins (which we say is molto important) and armoires. The choices in this category are fantastic; one has a large terrace overlooking the sea. The other, on the third floor, fills with bright light during the day. Both connect to Junior Suites, which we’re told are the most popular accommodation. Each is different: Some have large terraces, others have balconies. All have large bathrooms with separate shower and double basin. Insider Secret: Try to snag those corner Junior Suites overlooking the swimming pool, which is filled with heated seawater. Room No. 101 has an enormous terrace, while Room No. 221 has a balcony that’s just dripping with wisteria, which blooms the first three weeks of March. Room No. 471 has a large corner terrace and impressive trompe d’oeil art in the bedroom. Hint: The Splendido also has a two-room Annex located right next to the main building that is also ideal for families or for lovebirds seeking a bit more privacy. Note: Pets are welcome in all rooms but are not allowed in any public areas. Special pet-amenities include pet beds, mats, bowls and toys, which are available upon request. The Hotel Splendido oozes tranquility, but if guests want to take their Zen vibe even further, they can check out the threeroom Wellness Center, which has a sauna and a steam room. We ADVISOR INSIGHT: While dining at Hotel Splendido’s Ristorante La Terrazza, Luxury Travel Advisor was thrilled to meet Myrna Oken of Traveling Yours, an affiliate of Protravel in Los Angeles. We asked Myrna for her thoughts on the property: “Hotel Splendido offers romance and beauty far beyond what the eye and imagination can conjure up in feeling. The staff’s graciousness coupled with the property’s luxury accommodations are close to perfection—something we look for when we offer our clients lodging throughout the world. Hotel Splendido is a true prize!” recommend booking a massage outside amongst the pine and olive trees; the views of the cove are to die for. Note: The spa’s peak hours are often late afternoons and early evening, so be absolutely certain to reserve a slot in advance. Here, the signature treatment is the two-hour “Il Sogno Splendido,” a.k.a. “Splendido’s Dream,” which combines a chamomile and rosemary footbath with a lavender and rose “defatiguing” massage and an exfoliating treatment with aloe vera and olive stones. It’s all followed up with a geranium and incense essences massage that www.luxuryta.com February 2009 | LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR 25 http://www.luxuryta.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009

Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Caribbean Mexico Prague Hotel Splendido One Aldwych Liberty Hotel Resorts Cambridge Beaches Luxury Travel Expo Michael's Travel Awards Regent The Pulse Luxury Lifestyles Local Connections Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - February 2009

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.