Belmond has outlined the blueprint for what it expects to be a “year of transformation” in 2024. Marking the close of 2023 with the acquisition of an estate in Mexico, the brand’s plans for 2024 include the selective expansion and enhancement of its portfolio with heightened focus on train travel, new experiences and its environmental and social responsibilities.
In Mexico, Belmond has acquired Hacienda Katanchel situated near Merida, Yucátan. Dating to the 17th century, Katanchel, A Belmond Hotel is slated to open in 2027 with 35 suites following a comprehensive restoration program.
In 2024, Belmond will expand to Sardinia with Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda. It will offer 100 guestrooms including suites and villas, two pools, restaurants and new experiences. Additionally, the multi-year renovation of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, designed by Martin Brudnizki Studio, will complete its second phase and reopen for the 2024 season with new guestrooms.
Belmond will also introduce new routes, new suites and new experiences across its six trains and seven barges in response to growing demand for slow travel journeys around the world.
To that end, Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train has announced the appointment of Chef André Chiang, who will elevate every aspect of the dining experience, including the ambiance and atmosphere of the two onboard restaurants, Adisorn and Malaya. The train is set to return in February 2024 with two seasonal routes out of Singapore that take in the landscapes of Malaysia.
For the first time in its history, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe will embark on a journey connecting Paris and Portofino; the sojourn will continue at Splendido where the train’s chef, Jean Imbert, will host a Gala Dinner. The train will also add a second Paris-to-Istanbul return journey, in addition to its regular August itinerary. Its first alpine journey, which headed to the French Alps on December 21, 2023, will be repeated in December 2024. Eight new suites will be added in 2024, bringing a total of 16 Suites and six Grand Suites to the train.
The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland will also add two new Grand Suites designed by Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer in May 2024. The Grand Suite experience will include one treatment per person in the Dior Spa. Separately, British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England will launch The Carriage Club Dinners in May 2024, a series of evening journeys combining food, wines and entertainment.
In Peru, the two Belmond trains—Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer—along with Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel in Cusco welcomed Peruvian-born Jorge Muñoz as executive chef. In 2024, Muñoz will unveil new culinary creations.
The official launch of Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne in April 2024 will welcome guests to the latest addition to its fleet of boats gliding across the canals of France. Designed by French architects Humbert & Poyet, this intimate riverboat has three cabins, an indoor salon with a champagne bar and an outdoor deck with an open-air kitchen and dining area. Coquelicot will partner with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive experiences.
Belmond will also continue its global brand campaign “Belmond Legends” showcasing 14 of its properties through a contemporary photography series. As well, the brand will launch a third edition of MITICO, a contemporary art installation series in partnership with Galleria Continua. The new edition of MITICO will see large-scale in-situ works by French conceptual artist Daniel Buren on the grounds of six Belmond hotels: Copacabana Palace, Mount Nelson, Hotel Cipriani, La Residencia, Villa San Michele and Castello di Casole.
Belmond will also launch a pilot program at 10 properties, creating roadmaps for them to meet LVMH Life 360’s sustainability targets. In parallel, it will implement three flagship projects that focus on increasing the use of renewable energy, drastically reducing freshwater withdrawal and creating a Gastronomy Academy to guide its work in reducing impact in food and beverage.
Additionally, through a global partnership with EarthCheck, all eligible Belmond properties are set to receive EarthCheck Silver certification by the first half of 2024.
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