There’s plenty happening at Belmond worldwide as it celebrates "summer wanderlust" with new food and beverage options, unique partnerships, chic renovations and more. Here's everything you need to know about what's on tap at Belmond's properties this summer (and fall).
Design and Renovations
Housed in six 18th-century mansions in San Miguel de Allende, Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada has completed a top-to-bottom renovation and restoration led by U.S. interior designer and architect Trisha Wilson. Each casona has been carefully restored with local, handcrafted items, ranging from the wooden headboards, exclusive artworks and antique tapestries. In addition to redesigned suites and public spaces, the hotel also introduced Restaurante del Parque, complete with its own mini- art gallery and workshop named Artist Corner.
Belmond La Residencia and British fashion designer Matthew Williamson have collaborated to present a redesigned one-bedroom suite. Suite 67 will blend Williamson’s signature botanical designs and lively colors with the hotel’s traditional Mallorcan heritage. Expect hand-drawn fauna and floral patterns, hand-painted ceramic floor tiles and a manicured garden terrace. The suite also has a collection of curated items, including vintage glassware, an ostrich feather lamp and velvet star rugs.
Following a major renovation and redesign by Inge Moore of Muza Lab, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge reopened on June 1 in Botswana's Chobe National Park, inspired by history's greatest explorers. Note: The Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge functions on a 95 percent solar grid system. The lodge, which has 12 tented room, an elevated deck swimming pool and a spa, introduced a viewing hide overlooking the watering hole where guests can enjoy front-row seats to the wildlife.
On November 17, Belmond Cap Juluca will reopen following a top-to-bottom renovation in Anguilla. Interior design firm, Rottet Studio, pays homage to its Anguillan heritage with colorful botanicals and indigenous plants while introducing new-world designs for a reimagined property. Highlights include a sea-view infinity-edge pool, a “disappearing” spa and a rustic beach bar dubbed The Cap Shack.
Unique Partnerships
With new partnerships across the portfolio, Belmond guests enjoy exclusive access and experiences designed to bring out the best in each destination.
This September, guests can join equestrian polo player and fashion model Jodie Kidd on a six-night Horseback Safari through Botswana. Splitting time between the redesigned Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge and Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, itinerary highlights include daily safaris through the Okavango Delta, a traditional Botswanan Boma dinner served around a campfire, and an evening sunset cruise along the waters of the delta.
In partnership with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Belmond will host exclusive performances in Machu Picchu, Peru; Iguassu Falls, Brazil; and the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The first concert will take place aboard Belmond Hiram Bingham on September 4 on the way to the ancient citadel before regaling guests at Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado along the Urubamba River on September 6.
Ryder Cup champion Sam Torrance returns to host the four-night Scottish Golf Tour aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman departing June 25, 2018. Guests will play three rounds of golf at Scotland’s top courses, including one with Torrance at Royal Durnoch Golf Links, before spending the evening in the train’s Observation Car, where Torrence will share tips and stories from his competition days.
Through Belmond’s partnership with Leica Sport Optics, guests can enjoy a series of early morning experiences, aptly named First Light. Outfitted with a complimentary lightweight Trinovid 8x42HD Leica binoculars and a curated map, guests can watch the wildlife up close as day breaks over the Amalfi Coast, in the jungle of Iguassu Falls or from the edge of Table Mountain.
New Food and Beverage
Belmond recently appointed British restaurateur and television personality Adam Handling as executive chef of its new London flagship property, Belmond Cadogan Hotel, set to open this winter. Handling will oversee all food and beverage operations at the main restaurant, the Bar and Terrace, and the Tea Lounge (featuring his specialty crafted tea service). Guests can expect traditional British cuisine with an international twist.
The founder of local favorites, Frog by Adam Handling and The Frog E1, Handling’s focus on modern dining experiences, traditional cuisine and sustainable practices will allow for a seamless blend with Belmond’s first London hotel and restaurant, according to the hotel brand.
Located on Sloane Street, Belmond Cadogan Hotel will be an intimate retreat in the heart of the city with just 54 rooms and suites.
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