A look at three of Europe’s most stunning boutique coastal hotels, from the Côte d’Azur to the Italian Riviera.
Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
The 52-room Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi is set to open in the coming months, in a former 13th-century monastery. Located 80m above sea level on a clifftop, the 800-year-old building has been transformed to both preserve its historical details while also bringing modern comforts and design elements to its interiors. Guestrooms and suites are situated in the original monks’ quarters – expect to be surrounded by carefully preserved heritage-tiled flooring, vaulted ceilings, and lime-washed walls. An on-site Baroque church remains, maintaining its heritage marble altar and Majolica floor. Guests will be able to take in sparkling Amalfi coastal views while lazing at the swimming pool or dining at the al fresco terrace restaurant and bar; while the Anantara Spa, finished in travertine, will provide a spiritual oasis for guests.
Maybourne Riviera
The 69-room Maybourne Riviera, on a peninsula above the French town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin along the Côte d’Azur, is a new, modernist hotel and the fifth property of Maybourne Hotel Group — operators of Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley in London, and The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. The hotel’s exterior is designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Set amid restored ancient gardens, the extensive design team embraced traditional regional arts and crafts, sourcing and working with local artisans to create bespoke art, glassware, ceramics, and furnishings. There are also design elements that pay a respectful homage to modernist architects Le Corbusier and Eileen Gray who built their iconic homes in nearby Cap Moderne.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel Portofino
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel Portofino is not a new hotel (with the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and Charlie Chaplin among previous guests), but in June this year, it will unveil its newly redesigned pool that overlooks Ligurian Bay; its pool restaurant, Splendido Grill; and a freshly renovated and oh-so-pretty Baronessa Suite. The works were led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, adopting his signature style of layering different colours, fabrics, textures, and styles, merging family heirloom antiques with a modern aesthetic. Design highlights include black and white Carrara and Lavagna stone flooring, local Albissola ceramics, Murano glass pendant lights, and the original Margerin frescos. Channel the grandeur of the golden age and check into the newly redesigned Baronessa Suite. It features handcrafted decorations dating back to mid 20th century, rich fabric wall coverings, and mosaic border finishes. Take breakfast on an expansive terrace, furnished with rattan seating and a dining area.