First Look: Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort
La dolce vita 2.0.
How to be even more attracted to the Italian Riviera? Grand Hotel Bristol is welcoming guests back to its newly updated five-star amenities, including its consummate hospitality and the largest spa in Liguria.
One of eight hotels in Italy’s R Collection, Grand Hotel Bristol is in the town of Rapallo above the Tigullio Gulf and with views of Portofino. Constructed in the early 1900s with a Liberty-style façade, this coastal hotel was one of the first with private bathrooms in each room and an elevator. Recent renovations by R Collection’s in-house architects and designers have combined aspects of the hotel’s history with modern updates.
The 80 guest rooms, including 11 suites, were reimagined with a sunny palette of cream and yellow, light-wood floors, and pewter accents: velvet pillows, benches, and club chairs. Ensuite samples of Ligurian Taggiasca olive oil are in bottles designed exclusively for the hotel by 15 contemporary designers. The Riviera Suite also offers panoramic views of the sea and a private hot tub.
The Erre Spa is the hotel’s pride and joy. Opened in 2019, the 22,000-square-foot wellness oasis provides myriad face and body treatments, and a fitness centre updated this year features Technogym equipment. Other options include a Turkish bath, sauna, Kneipp path, herbal tea room, relaxation lounges, and an outdoor pool and terrace. The Private Erre Suite Spa has a sauna, Turkish bath, emotional shower, and relaxation beds.
Cocktails are available poolside at the Vernazza Pool bar or at the Vie della Seta bar, both serving regional specialty Portofino Dry Gin, distilled with 21 locally sourced botanicals. There are two dining options: La Veranda bistro or the award-winning Le Cupole on the rooftop, overseen by chef Graziano Duca.
In May, the hotel will debut its satellite gallery in collaboration with Valentina Ferrari of Rome’s Nuar Gallery. Works from contemporary artists from around the world, including Martina Vanda, Marco Battaglini, and Simafra, will be displayed throughout the hotel, with guests able to experience them through VR technology.
