We had the most amazing time photographing a close friends wedding in Tuscany on Friday.  We knew we would be pretty sleepy after working and playing and so decided to break up our drive back to France with an overnight trip to Portofino.   We splashed out last minute on a night at the Belmond Splendido Mare which was an absolute dream.  Portofino was “full” when we arrived so nobody could get in by car, boat or train.  Because of our reservation, we were allowed to cut the lines and had no delay (fun!).   The big Splendido sits on the hill overlooking the port and the Mare is right in town.  As a guest, you’re allowed full access to both so we were able to use the pool and terrace restaurant, too.   We checked into our room and after tucking into the complimentary prosecco, headed up the hill to catch the last bit of sunlight and amazing views.

There is a shuttle which runs between the two hotels but I wanted to walk so that we could take everything in.  I didn’t realize how humid it was so we were a bit frazzled when finally got to the top but it was well worth it.  This house is on the cover of my favorite Slim Aarons book and it was pretty special to see it in person.  The colors of both Portofino and Santa Margarita (which we passed through on the way in) are incredible — the houses are bright hues of oranges and pinks and are covered in bright, tropical climbing flowers and palm trees.  The way the villages are built into the hill and along such a spectacular coastline is unlike anything I had seen — the roads are so narrow and curvy and so every corner reveals a new visual treat.  I was totally overwhelmed by a need to be there and photograph it all and am already plotting our return.

The salt-water pool overlooks the port and has an adjacent restaurant.  We decided to grab a drink at the top terrace which is nestled in cascading pink flowers.  My linen skirt and top felt very fitting for the environment and kept me cool but also made me feel totally dressed up. It also comes in a green yellow version (on sale!) and I found a less expensive similar skirt here.  We were taking many behind the scenes Instagram stories but my phone ran out of juice for the second part of the evening.  We tried to get into Puny’s (many of you texted to tell us to go there) but it was full so we had dinner at the Mare hotel which was totally great. We ended up singing by the piano with a bunch of Italian men late into the evening — what fun!  xx