From my balcony at Rapallo’s Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, I glanced down at the pool, where the playful phrase “Too sexy for Portofino” was boldly painted in pink on the cerulean surface. This cheeky slogan encapsulates the allure of Rapallo, a charming coastal town of 30,000 nestled across the Gulf of Tigullio from the more famous Portofino.
Strategically positioned on the **Italian Riviera**, south of Genoa and nestled between the stunning **Cinque Terre** and glamorous Portofino, Rapallo boasts an enviable independence, marked by what Italians refer to as **sprezzatura**—nonchalant elegance. This low-key charm is increasingly attractive for travelers seeking a more authentic experience away from the bustling tourist spots.
Historically, Rapallo played a significant role in the **Grand Tour** during the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a serene escape for European intellectuals who were drawn to its mild Mediterranean winters. The **Grand Hotel Bristol**, established in 1904 by the Corsican Costas family, highlights the town’s cultural richness, showcasing delightful **art nouveau** architecture and opulent views of the sea.
The rooftop restaurant Le Cupole offers a multicourse Ligurian menu and panoramic vistas. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort
Nestled on a lush hillside, the hotel sports a striking pink-and-white facade, accompanied by an expansive pool deck ideal for soaking up the sun. General Manager Riccardo Bortolotti describes the hotel’s ethos as “dolce vita 2.0,” a multisensory experience mingling music, scents, and tastes with the breathtaking coastal landscape. “The Ligurian Riviera exemplifies the dolce vita lifestyle,” says Bortolotti. “It embodies the joy derived from simple pleasures.”
With this mindset, guests can sip a refreshing **Aperol spritz** while enjoying spectacular sunsets from the panoramic terrace **La Veranda**. Part of the **Small Luxury Hotels of the World**, the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort is owned by the same Italian family for three generations, and it underwent a transformation in **2023**. Now featuring 80 luxurious rooms and suites, along with the largest hotel spa in the Liguria region, it symbolizes modern luxury combined with historical charm.
Guests can indulge in four diverse dining options, including a poolside **pizzeria** and a Michelin-listed restaurant, alongside exclusive access to a private beach club that features a delightful seafood eatery.
Marina di Bardi Beach Club offers a private beach and various watersports and activities. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort
Exploring Rapallo
The concept of **dolce vita** continues to thrive in Rapallo, where sensory pleasures abound. On a guided **food tour**, visitors can navigate the town’s historic center, shaped like a crescent pastry around the waterfront. The petite, pedestrian-friendly streets, known as **caruggi**, are adorned with frescoed buildings, ancient portals, and quaint shops, including charming **bottegas** and **pasticcerias**.
Guido Porrati, the owner of **ParlaComeMangi**, a gastronomic gem translating to “speak like you eat,” emphasizes authenticity in both cuisine and culture. His offerings include local favorites like **focaccia al formaggio**, **pansoti di noci**, and **pesto alla Genovese**. History lingers in the town, evident in the ancient Porto delle Saline, a remaining gate leading from the Old Town to the waterfront, where the 16th-century **Castello di Rapallo** serves as a testament to the city’s enduring resilience.
Travelers eager for adventure can take a ferry from the local terminal directly to **Portofino**, **Santa Margherita Ligure**, or **San Fruttuoso**. For panoramic views, Liguria boasts its only cable car, whisking visitors up to the **Sanctuary of Montallegro**, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Tigullio from 2,000 feet above.
The two-level Erre Spa is the largest hotel spa in the Liguria region. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort
Spa and Culinary Delights
Located on **Via Aurelia Orientale**, near remnants of the ancient **Via Aurelia** that linked Rome and the Tyrrhenian Coast, the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort is a modern-day sanctuary. Its **Erre Spa**, the largest in Liguria, offers a comprehensive hydrotherapy experience alongside a tranquil tea lounge, combining relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can admire contemporary artworks at the hotel’s **Nuar Gallery** before dining at the Michelin-rated **Le Cupole**, known for its lavish **Ligurian menu** and exquisite wine pairings, all while enjoying stunning sea views.
For post-dinner relaxation, visit the **Silk Lounge Bar**, inspired by the nearby silk industry. Guests also enjoy unique experiences beyond the hotel grounds, such as private boat trips to Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, sunset cruises, exhilarating **Vespa** tours, and scenic trekking in **Cinque Terre**.
At the **Marina di Bardi Beach Club**, guests can unwind on a private beach and participate in various water sports, ensuring that every moment of their stay is filled with leisure and adventure.
Bianca Relais, just north of Milan, offers a serene lakeside getaway. Photo Credit: Courtesy of R Collection Hotels
For those seeking a tranquil retreat, the Grand Hotel Bristol’s sister property, Bianca Relais, provides a serene escape on the shores of **Lake Annone**, located slightly north of Milan. This sleek boutique hotel features ten exquisitely designed rooms and a lakeside restaurant enveloped by the natural beauty of olive groves and orchards nestled in the **Alps** foothills, ensuring an idyllic getaway for every traveler.
