JUNE 2024 – Belmond is delighted to expand its presence in Italy, with the reopening of Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda in June. An icon of the Sardinian coastline, located in one of the picturesque corners of Porto Cervo, set amongst seaside cliffs, silver rock formations and rolling lawns, with a private sandy beachfront surrounded by the inimitable emerald waters of the Mediterranean coast. The hotel has undergone the first phase of its multi-phase renovation by architectural and design studio Palomba Serafini revealing newly renovated outdoor areas for the 2024 season. 

A NEW RESTYLING  

Talented design duo at Studio Palomba Serafini, Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba, have undertaken a skilful reinterpretation of the historic space through careful study of the surrounding exceptional beauty of the nature and Sardinian craftsmanship, renowned for their use of traditional materials such as iron, ceramic and gold filigree.  

The first phase of the renovation involved the restyling of the extensive outdoor lounging and pool areas as well as the beach grill “Entu e Mari” and an entirely revamped Beach Club concept featuring new sunbeds, cabanas and a reimagined bars.  

Colour gradation is immediately visible from sea to terrace is inspired by Sardinian culture, with tones evolving from a marine inspiration inspired by the characteristic sea emerald green to more earthy tones, such as sage greens and terracotta of the surrounding gardens, all enriched by accents of saffron yellow. This colour transition creates a visual harmony that reflects the essence of the Sardinian landscape, perfectly integrating the natural environment with the outdoor spaces, creating a flow from Romazzino’s arrival to its secluded beach.  

The furniture has been crafted with local material and craftsmanship as its key tenets, honouring Sardinia’s traditional attire of layering a mix of different fabrics with rich earthy colours and touches of white lace. At its core Sardinian architecture encompasses artistic heritage - furniture becomes sculpture, headboards become intricately woven fabrics, and pattern takes centre stage throughout all design, all providing a strong sense of identity and history. In addition to this visual aesthetic, the fabrics are selected to withstand all the natural elements. 

Key features include the “Sienna” custom dining armchair by Bonacina at the beach grill “Éntu e Mari” or the beachside lounging area with “Cliff Decò” by Talenti woven sofas recalling the typical weaves of Sardinian fishing nets with rounded corners to echo the sinuous shapes of the rocks softened by the force of the wind.  

Another core tenet is sustainability with materials that guarantee resistance and durability. Such as the table teak comes from controlled sustainable plantations, a material which takes on more charm with the passage of time and the furnishings also do not include plastic products. Local artisans such as Bam Design, Cerasarda, Mariantonia Urru, and Walter Usai have provided a great emphasis on local identity by using geometric decorations, colours and materials that recall local craft traditions. Furthermore, some major Italian design brands aligned with the character of the structure have been selected as partners, like Talenti, Cassina, Molteni, Zanotta and Bonacina.  

AN ICONIC HISTORY 

Conceived in 1965, after Prince Aga Khan IV built the Costa Smeralda, the hotel is an outstanding representation of Mediterranean architecture. Designed by renowned architect Michele Busiri Vici, Romazzino presents soft shapes, a predominance of white colour and the use of earthly materials such as granite and wood. White curved architecture allows guests to flow between the public areas, discovering intimate, tucked-away corners and lingering on exquisite details and uninterrupted expansive views of the surrounding emerald waters. The hotel’s wide-open spaces, 4 hectares of gardens, elegant restaurants and coastal programming embrace the spirit of Italian ‘Villeggiatura’, an Italian concept referring to a prolonged stay in a single place, with the sole purpose of rest and recreation. 

The place to see and be seen, Romazzino remains the crown jewel in Italian holiday resorts. Through the years the hotel harboured the likes of Grace Kelly and Princess Margaret, as well as bohemian rockstars such as Ringo Starr and fellow Beatle George Harrison. With such a shining legacy of colourful Italian and international socialites walking through its doors, the hotel quickly became renowned for its natural beauty, stylish design and thriving social scene. Synonymous with the Costa Smeralda, Romazzino nurtured an illustrious clientele from old Hollywood actors to the international jet-setters who embraced this coast as their own playground for beachfront parties, surrounded by the emerald seascape of spotlessly clear waters interspersed with dramatic rock formations and two shimmering pools set within abundant gardens. 

SARDINIAN TRADITIONS MEET MODERN FLAVOURS 

Executive Chef Dario Parascandolo heads up the culinary vision at Romazzino’s two restaurants and three bars, where dishes celebrate the best of Sardinian produce and centre around long, leisurely meals over exceptional food in true ‘Villeggiatura’ style. With reinvented Sardinian favourites, the menus showcase the finest local delicacies from family-run producers. Immediately located on the beach, guests can savour local classics from mornings to night when the aperitivos flow into Chef-led fine dining and star-lit digestifs. 

La Terrasse,  proposes a refined dining experience with panoramic views and reimagined Sardinian recipes rooted in ancient rural traditions like the use of local botanicals and more recent fish specialities, such as malloreddus with asparagus, marinated yellow datterino tomatoes with rosemary and burrata cheese.  For grilled seafood, Éntu e Mari is a stone's throw from the sea with dishes such as the Carloforte tuna in a bread crust with fennel, porceddu a su ginepru' or the myrtle bavarese, with fior di latte ice cream and amaretto crunch.  

Guests can relax by the fresh or saltwater pool before heading to the Beach Bar for a zesty cocktail, made with island spirits and Sardinian botanicals. The Pool Bar offers a more relaxed affair whilst the Ginepro Bar offers light bites and refreshments.  

EXPERIENCE ROMAZZINO AND THE COSTA SMERALDA  

Guests can enjoy curated adventures on land and sea with a variety of water sports from paddle boarding to water skiing;  private boat tours to La Maddalena and Caprera, renowned for their marine life and snorkelling; or a longer trip to southern Corsica to discover the beauty of the Bocche di Bonifacio. Back on land, surrounded by fragrant flower beds, rosemary bushes and shimmering swimming pools guests can partake in morning yoga classes, through to sunset meditations. Sport enthusiasts can enjoy the tennis and padel courts, also bookable for private lessons. The Rosemary Wellness & SPA offers personalised treatments using local product such as Silentium, which combines nourishing oils with extracts of thyme, lavender and myrtle, ancient Sardinian ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and balancing properties. 

For guests looking to explore more of the island, the hotel has curated itineraries to the most picturesque villages and towns such as San Pantaleo, Porto Rotondo or Porto Rafael or can organise a golf lesson at the prestigious Pevero Golf Club. Nearby, Porto Cervo is home to renowned restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and exclusive clubs to celebrate the summer. Those looking to savour the island's rich flavours, can visit the renowned Cannonau or Vermentino for a day of wine tasting, learning typical Gallura recipes and ancient crafts, such as creating Romazzino’s emblem alongside a local blacksmith. 

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS 

Villeggiatura at Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda, images are available at the following link (download).