Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 most fabulous Belmond Hotels in the world
Belmond – known as Orient Express until its rebranding in 2014 – is one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands. Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travelers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 50 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats, Italian hideaways, and unrivalled gateways to the world’s natural and cultural wonders. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Here’s my selection of the 10 best Belmond properties across the globe.
There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Belmond in the comments section.
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10. BELMOND HOTEL DAS CATARATAS, BRAZIL
The only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas enjoys an unrivalled location in the jungle, just a short stroll from Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. Due to its location, guests have exclusive access to the magnificent surroundings in the evening and at dawn, when the park is closed to other visitors. A Portuguese-colonial residence, this classic luxury hotel is redolent with the atmosphere of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms. The hotel offers thrills and excitement in abundance: helicopter trips over the falls and jungle treks to view amazing wildlife including colorful toucans and giant butterflies.
9. BELMOND REID’S PALACE, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
Belmond Reid’s Palace Palace has been an iconic Madeira mainstay since the property was opened by a Scots man – Mr William Reid – in 1891. It was here that Sir Winston Churchill painted and wrote his war memoirs, and also where George Bernard Shaw mastered the tango. Today, this unique hotel still welcomes and pampers the most discerned travelers. This living piece of history sprawls over 10 acres of sub-tropical gardens with more than 500 hundred different types of rare plants and flowers. All rooms and suites have balconies and face the sea and gardens, offering gorgeous and unique views.
- Hotel website: Belmond Reid’s Palace
- Other accolades: Belmond Reid’s Palace also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Portugal.
- Tip: get complimentary benefits when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
8. BELMOND EL ENCANTO, SANTA BARBARA, USA
Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills, this iconic hideaway offers the best views of the American Riviera. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. A Forbes Five Star resort, this enchanting escape features 92 bungalow-style suites and guest rooms with sweeping views over Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low-key – the kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.
- Hotel website: Belmond El Encanto
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
7. BELMOND LA SAMANNA, ST MARTIN
Characterized by white stucco Mediterranean architecture adorned with lush tropical foliage, Belmond La Samanna is an exclusive luxury resort secluded on Baie Longue, on the Caribbean island of St Martin. Set amidst 55 acres of tropical gardens, curled next to a pristine beach, Belmond La Samanna is a paradise for the active and non-active vacationer. You never have to leave the pool to enjoy an enticing lunch, but for the guests who can’t sit still, there is a host of complimentary amusements: three championship tennis courts, water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and a fitness pavilion. Massage and spa treatments are also offered in a luxurious European Spa.
- Hotel website: Belmond La Samanna
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary lunch for up to two people once during stay).
- Review: read my review of Belmond La Samanna here.
6. MAROMA, A BELMOND HOTEL, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO
Located in the beating heart of the Riviera Maya, Belmond Maroma feels more like a Mexican hacienda than a luxury hotel. Here is where the true spirit of the Riviera Maya was born, between the jungle and the wide-open sea, and where Mayan mystique blends with refined vitality. This secluded hideaway captivates with the sights, sounds, and scents of authentic Mexican culture. Beautifully renovated and fully reimagined, the resort boasts light, airy, art-filled rooms by acclaimed designer Tara Bernerd. Beachfront restaurants offer zingingly fresh and mouth-watering cuisine while the bars serve up artisanal mezcals and rare wines. The property is also home to the best spa on the Riviera Maya.
- Hotel website: Belmond Maroma
- Other accolades: Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels on the Riviera Maya.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and up to $200 USD hotel credit per stay).
- Review: coming soon
5. BELMOND HOTEL SPLENDIDO, PORTOFINO, ITALY
For more than 100 years Belmond Hotel Splendido has been welcoming romantics, adventurers, aristocrats and royalty, who come from around the world to experience La Dolce Vita in the famous fishing village on the Italian Riviera. A former 16th -century monastery high above the bay of Portofino, the property is a secluded hideaway where guests can relax in terraced gardens as they enjoy spectacular views over the harbor. A more recent addition to the family, Belmond Splendido Mare is an intimate retreat on the piazzetta and water’s edge that opened its doors in 1998. The two properties complement each other beautifully; it takes only three minutes to travel between the two by shuttle, or ten minutes on foot.
- Hotel website: Belmond Hotel Splendido
- Other accolades: Belmond Hotel Splendido also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Italy.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Belmond Hotel Splendido here.
4. BELMOND HOTEL RIO SAGRADO, PERU
Belmond operates several luxurious lodges in the Latin American country of Peru, including Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only lodge that is in the National Park for which it is named. The best Peruvian Belmond property and one of the most unique luxury hotels in Peru is Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, which is built to resemble a rural Peruvian village. A stay here lets you experience the majesty of life in the mountains. Situated at a lower altitude than nearby Cusco, the hotel provides the perfect environment in which to acclimatize, and is an ideal base to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Savor sensational cuisine in the restaurant, enjoy a local Sacred Valley massage or spend a few soothing minutes feeding the hotel’s baby alpacas.
- Hotel website: Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).
3. BELMOND CAP JULUCA, ANGUILLA
Belmond Cap Juluca is an island chic beachfront hideaway located along the intimate crescent and healing shores of Maundays Bay on the exclusive island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. The glamorous and idyllic resort offers Belmond is considered to have the best beach in the Caribbean, and is a favored escape for financial barons and A-list celebrities, promising anonymity for the affluent. Capturing the charisma, character and charm of the Caribbean, Belmond Cap Juluca recently completed extensive renovations of its 23-whitewashed Moorish villas, taking the already impeccable resort to an even higher standard of excellence.
- Hotel website: Belmond Cap Juluca
- Other accolades: Belmond Cap Juluca also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD spa credit).
- Review: read my review of Belmond Cap Juluca here.
2. BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE, BOTSWANA
Belmond operates three luxurious safari lodges set in the unspoilt wilderness of Northern Botswana. Together they form an incredible safari journey that will enchant the most seasoned traveler, as this is where the incredible Okavango Delta floods each year, attracting a breathtaking diversity of wildlife. At Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, stunningly designed to conjure up an explorer’s base, you can drift through the watery landscape on a mokoro canoe, spotting bright frogs and kingfishers. At Belmond Khwai River Lodge, the big game of the Moremi Reserve (e.g. giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard and wild dogs) are in your sights. The most luxurious lodge is Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, recently relaunched with an exemplary new eco-friendly design, luxurious spa and viewing hide.
- Hotel website: Belmond Safaris
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and a private dining experience for two once during stay either on the balcony of your room or a private location within the lodge).
1. BELMOND HOTEL CARUSO, AMALFI COAST, ITALY
It’s easy to see why Ravello, and the entire Amalfi Coast, has inspired the likes of Richard Wagner, D.H. Lawrence, and Gore Vidal. Belmond Hotel Caruso has long been a favorite of discriminating globetrotters. Just 50 guest rooms and suites make for an intimate ambience, and most of the rooms have a sea view, terrace, or private garden. Outside, the infinity-edge swimming pool sits dramatically suspended between sea and sky. Join the head gardener for a private tour of the terraced gardens and enjoy the complimentary boat cruise along the Amalfi Coast, then reserve a romantic candlelit dinner at the open-air Belvedere Restaurant.
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