Ever stood in the lobby of a Belmond hotel and felt like you’d stepped into a living postcard? That’s not accidental luxury—it’s calculated magic.
For the traveler who’s graduated beyond mere five-star ratings, Belmond hotels offer something rarer: authenticity wrapped in exquisite comfort. They’ve mastered the art of making opulence feel like home, if your home happened to be a restored palace in Venice or a colonial masterpiece in Southeast Asia.
What separates Belmond from other luxury hotel brands isn’t just the thread count or the Michelin stars. It’s how they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of each destination they inhabit.
But here’s what most travelers never discover about these iconic properties until it’s too late…
The Luxurious Legacy of Belmond Hotels
A. History and Heritage of the Belmond Brand
When luxury travel needs a name, Belmond stands tall. The story begins in 1976 when James Sherwood purchased the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice. He didn’t stop there.
Sherwood had bigger dreams. In 1977, he bought two vintage train carriages at a Sotheby’s auction. These weren’t just any carriages – they were part of the legendary Orient Express. By 1982, he had revived the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, bringing back the golden age of train travel.
The company was originally called Orient-Express Hotels. They expanded rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s, acquiring one-of-a-kind properties that oozed character and history. Think of the Mount Nelson in Cape Town or the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg.
In 2014, they rebranded as Belmond – a name that sounds as luxurious as the experiences they offer.
What makes Belmond special? They don’t just buy properties; they rescue cultural landmarks. Each acquisition preserves a piece of history while elevating it to modern luxury standards.
B. Signature Hospitality Philosophy
Belmond doesn’t do cookie-cutter luxury. Their philosophy centers on authentic experiences that connect you to the destination.
The Belmond approach is simple yet revolutionary: combine impeccable service with genuine local character. Staff aren’t just trained in hospitality; they’re storytellers and cultural ambassadors.
Their philosophy breaks down to three core elements:
- Sense of place – Each property reflects its location’s culture, architecture, and traditions
- Timeless luxury – Elegance that never goes out of style
- Authentic experiences – Activities that create lasting memories
When you stay at a Belmond, you’re not just checking into a hotel. You’re stepping into a carefully crafted experience. The sheets might be Egyptian cotton, but the welcome drink will be a local specialty. The concierge won’t just book you a table at a restaurant; they’ll arrange for you to learn recipes from a local grandmother.
They understand luxury isn’t just about thread counts and champagne (though they nail those too). It’s about moments that take your breath away.
C. Global Presence and Iconic Properties
Belmond’s footprint spans 24 countries across four continents. Their portfolio? Simply spectacular.
In Europe, they own the legendary Cipriani in Venice, where celebrities hide from paparazzi. The Splendido in Portofino hangs dramatically over the Italian Riviera. In Florence, the Villa San Michele was once a monastery – now it’s heaven on earth.
Cross the Atlantic and you’ll find Belmond properties in Mexico, Peru, Brazil, and the Caribbean. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge sits right at the entrance to the ancient Incan citadel – the only hotel with this privileged location.
Africa boasts the Mount Nelson in Cape Town, pink and proud since 1899. In Asia, Belmond operates the Governor’s Residence in Yangon and Napasai in Thailand.
But Belmond isn’t just about hotels. They own:
- 7 luxury trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- 2 river cruise operations
- 3 safari lodges
- 1 restaurant (the iconic ’21’ Club in New York)
Each property feels distinct yet unmistakably Belmond – like members of an extraordinarily stylish family.
D. Celebrity Guests and Notable Stories
The guest books of Belmond hotels read like a who’s who of the past century. Kings, queens, movie stars, and literary giants – they’ve all sought refuge in Belmond’s discreet luxury.
At Belmond Hotel Cipriani, George Clooney isn’t just a guest; he’s practically family. His wedding celebrations with Amal Alamuddin took over the property in 2014. The hotel even named a cocktail after him – the “Buonanotte” (meaning “goodnight” in Italian).
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has hosted royalty from across Europe. Queen Elizabeth II chose it for private journeys. Agatha Christie found inspiration for her famous novel during her stays.
At Belmond Mount Nelson, Nelson Mandela held meetings that shaped South Africa’s future. Winston Churchill called it “a most excellent establishment” while John Lennon meditated in its gardens.
The Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino became Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s hideaway during their tumultuous romance. They’d escape the spotlight, drinking champagne on their private balcony.
What makes these stories special isn’t just the famous names. It’s how Belmond staff remember their preferences years later – the specific pillow Madonna requested or the rare tea Paul McCartney enjoyed.
These walls don’t just tell stories; they keep secrets too.
Exceptional Accommodations: Belmond’s Most Stunning Properties
European Gems: From Venice to London
Ever stayed somewhere that felt like stepping into a dream? That’s Belmond in Europe for you.
The Cipriani in Venice? It’s not just a hotel – it’s your own private island with a five-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square. Wake up to lagoon views that painters have tried to capture for centuries.
In Florence, the Villa San Michele was literally a monastery from the 15th century. Picture yourself sipping Chianti on a terrace overlooking the entire city. Those Renaissance masters knew exactly where to build.
Reid’s Palace in Madeira dangles off a cliff above the Atlantic. Winston Churchill used to paint here. Enough said.
Then there’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons near Oxford – where your dinner veggies come from the garden you strolled through that morning. Raymond Blanc doesn’t mess around.
The Cadogan in London? Oscar Wilde was arrested in room 118. Now it’s one of the chicest spots in Knightsbridge. Talk about a glow-up.
Exotic Asian Retreats
Belmond’s Asian properties aren’t hotels – they’re portals to another world.
The Governor’s Residence in Yangon sits in the Embassy Quarter, a 1920s teak mansion where you’ll feel like royalty. Fan-cooled verandas, tropical gardens, peacocks strutting around like they own the place (they kind of do).
La Résidence d’Angkor in Cambodia? It’s literally minutes from those ancient temples, but feels like your own private sanctuary. After a day exploring Angkor Wat, dive into their pool surrounded by lush gardens.
In Bali, the Jimbaran Puri beachfront villas come with private pools and traditional alang-alang roofs. Your breakfast view is the Indian Ocean. Your problems? They don’t exist here.
South American Hideaways
South America and Belmond go together like pisco and sour.
The Copacabana Palace rules Rio’s famous beach like it has since 1923. Celebrities, royalty, and anyone who matters has walked through those doors. The pool scene alone is worth the trip.
Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu is the only hotel right at the entrance to the ancient citadel. While day-trippers head back down the mountain, you’re sipping a pisco sour watching the sunset over one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
Hotel das Cataratas gives you Iguassu Falls access before and after the park closes to the public. Imagine having one of the world’s natural wonders practically to yourself.
African Safari Lodges
Forget what you think safari accommodations look like. Belmond’s African lodges redefine luxury in the bush.
Eagle Island Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta features private plunge pools overlooking floodplains teeming with wildlife. Your morning alarm? Hippos grunting nearby.
Savute Elephant Lodge puts you front-row for the largest elephant population on Earth. Their hide lets you watch these magnificent creatures up close while you sip your sundowner.
Khwai River Lodge borders the Moremi Game Reserve, where leopards prowl and your four-poster bed awaits after tracking them all day.
Unique Island Escapes
Island life hits different with Belmond.
Cap Juluca in Anguilla curves along one of the Caribbean’s most pristine beaches. Every room faces that impossibly blue water. The sand is so white it hurts your eyes on sunny days (which is pretty much every day).
La Samanna in St. Martin blends French sophistication with Caribbean laid-back vibes. Their wine cellar is legendary, as is waking up to that panoramic ocean view.
In Koh Samui, Napasai sits in its own tropical paradise on the island’s quiet north shore. Your villa is nestled among cashew and coconut groves leading down to a private beach. Paradise isn’t just a word here – it’s what they deliver daily.
Unparalleled Guest Experiences at Belmond
Award-Winning Dining Concepts
The food at Belmond isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. Picture yourself sipping champagne as the sun sets over Venice at Cipriani’s Oro Restaurant, where Michelin stars shine as bright as the gold-leafed ceiling. Each Belmond property brings something unique to the table, literally.
Take El Encanto in Santa Barbara, where locally-sourced ingredients transform into California coastal cuisine that makes your taste buds dance. Or La Samanna in St. Martin, where the cellar houses over 12,000 bottles of fine wine paired with fresh Caribbean flavors.
What makes dining at Belmond special? It’s not just world-class chefs or stunning settings. It’s how they blend local culinary traditions with innovative techniques. You’ll taste ingredients harvested that morning from on-site gardens while overlooking landscapes that take your breath away.
Extraordinary Spa and Wellness Programs
Belmond’s approach to wellness goes beyond typical spa treatments. These sanctuaries blend ancient healing practices with modern techniques in settings that would make zen masters jealous.
At Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, treatments incorporate Andean elements and indigenous ingredients used for centuries. In Bali’s Jimbaran Puri, open-air pavilions host treatments while ocean breezes carry away your stress.
The magic happens in how personally tailored each experience feels. Therapists don’t just follow protocols—they listen, adapt, and customize. Whether it’s a jet-lag recovery massage in Ravello or a four-hand synchronous treatment in Myanmar, you’ll emerge transformed.
Exclusive Cultural Immersions
Staying at a Belmond means gaining backdoor access to the soul of a destination. They don’t just offer tours—they create connections that most travelers never experience.
In Peru, you might join a private shaman blessing. In Myanmar, exclusive dawn visits to temples before the crowds arrive. In Sicily, cooking classes with grandmothers who’ve never shared family recipes outside their homes.
The difference is authenticity. These aren’t staged tourist experiences but genuine cultural exchanges arranged through relationships built over decades. You’re not just observing local life—you’re participating in it, creating memories impossible to replicate.
Personalized Concierge Services
The concierge team at Belmond operates with an almost supernatural ability to anticipate what you want before you know you want it.
Need a last-minute reservation at that impossible-to-book restaurant? Looking for a vintage car to explore countryside roads? Want to surprise your partner with a private concert? Consider it done.
What sets them apart is their network of connections and their commitment to saying “yes.” Their little black books contain contacts that don’t appear on Google searches. More importantly, they genuinely care about crafting moments that matter.
Your preferences get noted, remembered, and shared across properties. Return to any Belmond worldwide, and they’ll remember you prefer extra pillows, hate cilantro, and love early morning coffee on your balcony.
Belmond’s Legendary Train and River Journeys
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Ever dreamed about stepping back in time? The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is literally that fantasy come to life. This isn’t just a train – it’s a rolling museum of art deco splendor.
Picture yourself sipping champagne in a vintage 1920s carriage while the Alps roll by your window. The cabins? Stunning polished wood, plush upholstery, and brass details that’ll make you forget what century you’re in.
The food is next-level incredible. Chef Jean Imbert creates seasonal menus using ingredients picked up along the route. You’ll dress for dinner (yes, really) and dine on Limoges china while a pianist plays in the background.
Routes typically run between London, Paris, and Venice, but seasonal journeys extend to Istanbul, Vienna, and Budapest. Fair warning though – this experience comes with a hefty price tag, but folks who’ve done it swear it’s worth every penny.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Think of the Royal Scotsman as a country house on wheels rolling through the Scottish Highlands. With just 40 guests max, this intimate experience feels like you’ve joined an exclusive traveling club.
The observation car is where the magic happens – sip single malts, watch eagles soar over misty lochs, and chat with fellow travelers as castles appear on the horizon. When evening falls, a traditional Scottish dinner awaits, complete with kilted hosts and maybe even bagpipes if you’re lucky.
Belmond Andean Explorer
South America’s first luxury sleeper train takes you through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes at altitudes that’ll literally leave you breathless (we’re talking 14,000+ feet).
This isn’t your standard train journey. You’ll stop at Lake Titicaca, explore ancient ruins, and meet local artisans while traveling between Cusco and Arequipa. The modern Peruvian-inspired interiors blend seamlessly with panoramic windows perfect for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime shots of the Andes.
River Cruises and Boat Experiences
Belmond’s water adventures are just as spectacular as their rail journeys. On the Road to Mandalay cruise, you’ll float down Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River in colonial elegance, stopping at temples and markets along the way.
In France, the Afloat in France fleet lets you drift through Burgundy’s wine country on intimate barges holding just 4-12 passengers. Your personal chef will whip up regional specialties while your guide plans excursions to vineyards and medieval villages.
For something truly unique, try the Belmond Pivoine – a floating villa with just four cabins that cruises through Champagne country. You’ll have a dedicated crew, including a chef who’ll introduce you to local specialties paired with (what else?) exceptional champagnes.
Planning Your Ultimate Belmond Getaway
Best Booking Strategies and Seasonal Offers
Want to save serious cash on your Belmond adventure? Timing is everything. Book during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when rates drop but the experience doesn’t. Summer brings premium pricing, while winter offers bargains at many properties.
Sign up for Belmond’s newsletter – it’s not just inbox clutter. They send exclusive flash sales and early-bird discounts that never hit public booking sites. Their ‘Stay Longer’ packages are gold – book 3+ nights and watch your nightly rate plummet.
Pro tip: call the hotel directly. Reservation agents often have flexibility that online systems don’t, especially for last-minute bookings or room upgrades.
Loyalty Programs and Benefits
The Belmond Bellini Club isn’t your average points program – it’s invitation-only luxury. Work with a Bellini Club travel advisor and unlock perks like room upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, daily breakfast for two, and property credits.
For frequent travelers, Virtuoso-affiliated advisors can stack additional benefits on top of existing promotions. Think welcome amenities, personalized experiences, and VIP treatment.
Combining Multiple Belmond Properties for Extended Journeys
The multi-property journey is where Belmond truly shines. Their Italy circuit (Venice → Florence → Portofino) creates a seamless luxury narrative with coordinated transfers between hotels.
In Peru, combine Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Machu Picchu) with the Hiram Bingham train and Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco for an integrated experience that independent bookings can’t match.
Special Occasion Packages and Celebrations
Belmond transforms milestones into memories. Their celebration packages include personalized touches – think anniversary dinners in private gardens or birthday surprises coordinated across every department.
Wedding packages at properties like Belmond Hotel Caruso offer dedicated planners who handle everything from legal requirements to flower arrangements. The honeymoon extras (private pool time, couples treatments) make starting married life ridiculously easy.
Insider Tips for the Full Belmond Experience
Leverage the concierge – not just for reservations but for impossible-to-book experiences. They can arrange private museum visits, chef’s table dinners, and local connections no guidebook mentions.
Request room specifics based on your priorities. Corner suite #14 at Belmond Hotel Splendido offers the best Portofino views, while garden-facing rooms at Belmond La Residencia provide morning tranquility.
Book spa appointments before arrival – the best time slots vanish weeks in advance. And always, always mention special occasions in advance. Belmond staff love creating “coincidental” surprises that feel magically personal.
Belmond Hotels stands as the epitome of luxury hospitality, offering a legacy of exceptional service across its stunning global properties. From iconic accommodations that blend historical significance with modern comforts to the unparalleled personalized experiences that define every stay, Belmond has mastered the art of luxury travel. Their legendary train and river journeys further extend this commitment to excellence beyond traditional hotel stays.
For travelers seeking the ultimate in refined luxury, a Belmond getaway represents more than just accommodation—it’s an immersive journey into a world where every detail is curated for perfection. Whether you’re dreaming of a historic European retreat, an exotic Asian escape, or a remarkable rail adventure, the Belmond collection promises memories that will last a lifetime. Begin planning your Belmond experience today and discover why discerning travelers consistently choose this distinguished brand for their most treasured travel moments.
