Beach Queen for a Day on the Terrazze Dior

In my opinion, there are two types of people in this world: Those who love their birthday and those who want their birthday to pass by, unnoticed like any other mundane Tuesday. And very often they marry each other.

I fall squarely into category two – so much so, that I have resorted to leaving the country in recent years to minimize the birthday acknowledgements. What that says about me, I don’t know (something negative I am sure), but I do enjoy the anonymous birthday pattern I have fallen into.

Luckily for me my birthday is right around the Fourth of July holiday (and no I am not sharing the date because God forbid you actually write it down and wish me a happy birthday – lol), so I can take a vacation around that stretch of time and go unnoticed.

That being said, I am married to a person who is a died-in-the-wool, 100%, verified BIRTHDAY PERSON. As in: would and has celebrated multiple times throughout the month of his birthday. Has no shame about having a friend birthday party and a family birthday party followed by another family celebration plus a work happy hour thrown in there – if you want to celebrate this man’s birthday, he is down for it anytime, anywhere.

Which leads to quite a bit of confusion and communication challenges – him not understanding why I don’t want to acknowledge mine, me not understanding why he won’t stop celebrating. But after many years, we’ve settled into a routine and this year was no exception. And I actually love that we aren’t the same – that would be boring right?

We happened to be in Portofino on my actual birthday this year and it was the most perfect day for the non-birthday person that I am.

(Note to my friends reading this who attended my massive 40th birthday throw down complete with a 10 piece band and branded swag, that was different. LOL)

We spent the entire day at a beach club in Paraggi, about 15 minutes outside of Portofino and from the Splendido where we were staying, called Bagni Fiore.

And boy was it right up my alley. I made the reservation months in advance for the “Terrazze Dior” section of the beach club. There are multiple sections as you can see on the map below. I chose the terrace not only for the Dior-designed glamour, but because the section on the sand is recommended for families (adults only this trip) and it is also close to the restaurant (i.e. loud). I wanted a quiet place to read my book and go for swims with my husband.

Incredible 10/10 birthday and I would go back in a heartbeat just to go back to this picture perfect beach club.

We also had a memorable lunch (gazpacho with langoustines) + fresh strawberry ice cream (Todd told the waiter it was my birthday while I was away from the table…sigh) at the beautiful restaurant, Langosteria. (Reservations required). Super chic spot right on the beach.

I plan to write another newsletter or two about our experiences this summer but if you are looking for something comprehensive, I recommend checking out the ever inspiring newsletter, Yolo Journal, and in particular for this part of Italy, The Italian Riviera List. There are so many helpful tips and recommendations listed here, including an adorable budget friendly hotel in the heart of Portofino that I wish I had known about! Hotel Nazionel – located right in the heart of Portofino.

This is the entrance to the Bagni Fiore – these ladies in the chic white sundresses and espadrilles check you in and escort you to your reserved chairs.

AN ODE TO LA DOLCE VITA

“An ode to La Dolce Vita; Brigitte Bardot, Maria Callas, Elizabeth Taylor. We’ve lost count of the Hollywood icons who have fallen in love with our sandy beach and the crystalline waters of the Bay of Paraggi.

Vintage charm and exclusivity, a splendid panorama and excellent service combine to make Bagni Fiore the perfect setting for an inebriating day in the sun.”
Bagni Fiore

My birthday husband told every person including hotel staff, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, and basically anyone we crossed paths with that it was my birthday. Culminating in a SERENADE back at the hotel bar of “Sweet Home Alabama” with friends he met – to my absolute horror! (but secretly loved…sshhhh). For those of you who know me, you will recognize this as my fake smile.

By the way, these water glasses (red with white stripes in the photo above) must be an Italian national treasure because they are on every table in every hotel and restaurant – The Splendido, Passalaqua, The Mezzatorre Hotel, and here at Langosteria. My mom actually gave me a set of these that I use at home love.

You can buy them here or the Amazon dupe version (just as cute) here.

There is a Christian Dior boutique right across the road from Bagni Fiore.

LANGOSTERIA PARAGGI
“A pieds-dans-l’eau restaurant looking out on the sea of Portofino from the splendid Bay of Paraggi. Since 2017, it has been located inside Bagni Fiore, a perfect example of traditional Made in Italy seaside luxury, open from the first blooms of spring to the last sunsets of summer’s end.

It’s a magical location, in perfect harmony with its surroundings. The teak floor of the ample terrace looking out over the water evokes seafaring times, and a subtle play of lights illuminates the space, creating an intimate, refined atmosphere.”

BAR FIORE, APERITIVO BAR
A terrace overlooking the sea, an enchanting view, unforgettable DJ sets. Bar Fiore is open every day and night from sunset onwards.

Guide to the different sections of the beach club.

This was our spot for the day. We could walk down the path and swim right below our chairs.

All the beach chair sets also come with this little bamboo chair.

The “iconic Dioriviera pattern, Toile de Jouy.”

That little red round plastic thing is a button to call your server.

Which I used multiple times throughout the day. (P.S. I know everyone raved about The Women, but it was not my favorite. I also read The Friday Afternoon Club and could not put it down.)

You can order drinks and snacks to your lounge chairs but we opted for the restaurant, and I would highly recommend.

This is the ladder right by our chairs where you could jump in the water and then shower off in the shower over to the right.

Every beach chair comes with a little (Dior decorated) changing room. We saw so many people leave the beach at the end of the day, shower and get changed for a night out in one of the changing rooms.

More design details by Dior – animals made completely from shells. These are so striking in person.

Could not get over the water – so beautiful.

The restaurant at Bagni Fiore, Langosteria.

Very hard to get a reservation here so plan ahead.

Birthday lunch: Gazpacho with langoustines and a glass of rosé.

Aperitivo bar area next to the terrace where you could sit and have drinks with friends, or in our case, each other.

BEACH COVERUP FIND: And speaking of the beach, I found these great beach pareos on ETSY – the quality is great, there are several cute patterns and they are $60 each. There are only a few of each so get them now – SHOP HERE!