Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, a five-star hotel in Rapallo, Italy and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, reopens today for the 2024 spring-summer season unveiling exciting new updates to the property as it celebrates its 120th anniversary. Owned and managed by R Collection Hotels, the recently redesigned property along the Portofino coast offers ‘La Dolce Vita’ in a contemporary concept of hospitality and enhanced quality services.
Already lauded with accolades including the best Luxury Destination Hotel by World Luxury Awards, this elegant and charming Liberty-style property offers breathtaking views, the biggest hotel spa in Liguria, and multiple dining experiences including award-winning rooftop restaurant Le Cupole.
120 YEARS OF ITALIAN LUXURY HOSPITALITY
For over a century, the Grand Hotel Bristol has stood as a beacon of history in the Ligurian region. Established in 1904, its iconic Liberty-style façade remains a hallmark amidst the lush beauty of the Portofino Coast. Originally owned by the Costa family, their vision was to create the most modern hotel in the Gulf of Tigullio, complete with private bathrooms and elevators for guest convenience. Today, under the ownership of the Rocchi family, the hotel maintains its original charm while incorporating contemporary elements. With 80 rooms, including 11 suites, all recently renovated, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Portofino and the gulf. Surrounded by Mediterranean flora, the hotel seamlessly blends modern interior design with its historic façade.
NEW CULINARY TALENT
Beginning March 2024, Michelin-trained Chef Andrea Cannalire will lead culinary operations as the new Executive Chef curating the offerings of the Grand Hotel Bristol restaurants, including Le Cupole, La Veranda, the Flamingo Pool Bar & Pizzeria and the new Marina di Bardi Beach Club.
Chef Cannalire relies on quality local and national products, through collaboration with farmers, wild herb pickers, and fishermen to guarantee the use of fresh, seasonally sourced ingredients in his culinary creations.
At fine dining restaurant Le Cupole, Chef Cannalire and his team expertly combine tradition, creativity and innovation to compose a fusion menu of Ligurian and Piedmont cuisine that’s mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Located on the rooftop, the restaurant was awarded as the best Luxury Rooftop Restaurant in 2022 by World Luxury Awards and enjoys a romantic view of Portofino in a refined, intimate, and sophisticated atmosphere. Some of the dishes featured on the menu include Cappellacci Pasta stuffed with smoked pork cheek, apple cream, and cucumber pearls, Red Prawns with white chocolate, apricot, lime and lemon geranium, and “Liquid Bruschetta” – chef’s own abstract spin on the classic, made with calamari, artichokes, mussels and air. The full menu is available here.
La Veranda is a charming bistrot located on the panoramic main floor terrace, ideal for a convivial lunch and dinner serving authentic and traditional Italian dishes as well as a great selection of wines and cocktails. Opened in 2023, the Flamingo Pool Bar & Pizzeria is a gourmet poolside pizzeria offering the finest recipes including the iconic focaccia, and international selections such as poké, burgers and club sandwiches.
NEW IN 2024
The Marina di Bardi Portofino Beach Club is set to debut on May 3, offering an exclusive “feet in the water” experience along the prestigious Portofino coast. Nestled within the Grand Hotel Bristol, this private beach enclave promises meticulous towel service and personalized assistance from the property’s Beach Concierge, ensuring each moment by the sea is infused with pure relaxation. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the April 27th opening of Nuar Art Gallery, marking the return of its partnership with Grand Hotel Bristol. Promising an exciting lineup of art events throughout spring and summer, including a permanent gallery and live performances, this collaboration kicks off with Sebastiano Bottaro’s personal exhibition, “A Devil In Winter.” Bottaro, heralded by Exibart as one of the most promising emerging artists, sets the stage for a season of engaging artistic experiences.
NEW SPA OFFERINGS
The highlight of Grand Hotel Bristol, the 22,000 square foot Erre Spa offers an unparalleled wellness experience and was awarded the Best Luxury Spa by World Luxury Awards in 2022. Spa highlights include state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment, multi-sensory areas and themed relaxation spaces with flavors and aromas, a turkish bath, an emotional shower, and a panoramic outdoor pool with views of the sea. For the 2024 season opening, Erre Spa has enhanced its treatment offerings with the latest in massage therapy, Aquasoma, a water massage that promotes muscle relaxation through tactile contact.
LOCATION
Grand Hotel Bristol is located a short seaside walk from Rapallo, a picturesque town known for its hilltop Sanctuary of Montallegro with sweeping views of the Italian Riviera. Rapallo is easily accessible via Milan from major US cities. Other popular Italian destinations like Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and Cinque Terre are easy to reach from Grand Hotel Bristol by train or private boat.
“At Grand Hotel Bristol the ‘Dolce Vita’ is a timeless mood of life – embracing generations, encapsulating the best of the Italian expression for ‘the good life,” notes Riccardo Bortolotti, General Manager of the Grand Hotel Bristol. “Living ‘La Dolce Vita’ means waking up to the sound of relaxing waves and the cries of seagulls and cicadas, sailing from the marina and navigating along the Ligurian Sea coast, letting the gaze wander over the incredible Mediterranean flora, with its scents of pine and olive. Enjoying the sunset directly over the sea. Getting lost in Portofino’s square among its glamorous boutiques and trendy restaurants or in the rich history and culture of the region.”
