Portofino — and its world famous Hotel Splendido — is where the stars go when they’re in love. Here we take a peek into the world of the rich and famous — the most sought-after destination on the Italian Riviera.
Napoleon loved it so much he decided to rename it after his wife, Josephine, but ego got the better of him and it became Port Napoleon, until he lost his throne. Actor and Hollywood heavyweight Orson Welles arrived cradling a tiny pooch – a fashion accessory copied later by Paris Hilton. Garbo, Dietrich and many other stars of the silver screen arrived before Humphrey Bogart came romancing Ava Gardner. Elizabeth Taylor came four times – each time with a different husband. Jackie O came with husband number two, Aristotle Onassis, then the world’s richest man, and Beyoncé Knowles arrived with an entourage that looked like a US basketball team.
We give a rare glimpse into a very private world — the perfect destination to celebrate a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or momentous anniversary. If you go, you’ll never forget it…or the celebrities you see around the traps. And if you want to see which Aussie megastar came to convalesce and which king arrived only to return home and lose his throne.
Getting there
Fly like a celebrity
Singapore Airlines will operate flights from Sydney to London on its fleet of double-deck A380 aircraft.
Stay with the stars
Hotel Splendido: www.hotelsplendido.com
