Belmond Hotels & Luxury Trains: Timeless Travel Through Italy, France, Peru & Beyond
Belmond doesn't just offer luxury hotels and trains. They create stories. From sipping Champagne as you glide through the Alps on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to waking up in a 15th-century monastery overlooking Florence, every Belmond journey feels cinematic, storied, and unmistakably special.
Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, or a grand European adventure, Belmond delivers with character, heritage, and unmatched style. With properties spanning Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, plus the world's most legendary luxury trains and river cruises, Belmond specializes in slow travel experiences that let you savor every moment.
I'm a Bellini Club member through Belmond, which means I secure exclusive perks and benefits that guests booking online simply can't access. Let me help you experience Belmond the way it was meant to be experienced.
Is Belmond the Right Choice for You?
Belmond appeals to travelers who value:
Storied heritage and timeless elegance over trendy, modern minimalism
Slow travel and deep destination immersion rather than rushing through highlights
Cinematic moments and romantic experiences worth celebrating
Authentic local character and genuine hospitality woven into every property
Historic estates, palaces, and iconic train journeys that feel like living history
Culinary excellence and wine experiences as part of the journey
If you crave experiences with narrative, character, and the sense that you're traveling through pages of a beautiful book, Belmond is your answer.
VIP Benefits When You Book Belmond With Me
When you book a Belmond property or train journey through me, you gain access to exclusive Bellini Club benefits not available through standard booking channels.
As a Bellini Club member, I secure:
VIP welcome treats with a local taste at every property
Buffet or full breakfast daily for two (often a $40-$80+ per person daily charge)
Complimentary room or suite upgrades based on availability at check-in
$90 fully flexible hotel or resort credit per junior suite or room per stay
$200 fully flexible hotel or resort credit per full suite per stay
Complimentary Wi-Fi across all properties
Priority access to exclusive experiences and private dining reservations
Direct support and personalized trip customization throughout your journey
These benefits are exclusive to Bellini Club members and represent significant added value that guests booking direct or through online agencies cannot access.
Belmond Hotels by Region: A Collection of Legendary Properties
Belmond operates over 25 iconic properties across iconic destinations worldwide. Here's your guide to their most celebrated stays.
ITALY: Romance, Riviera, and Renaissance
Villa San Michele, Florence: 15th-Century Monastery Luxury
This is Florence's most storied hotel. Villa San Michele is a 15th-century monastery perched in the Florentine foothills with frescoed ceilings, Renaissance art, and panoramic views over the city and countryside. The property reopens in April 2026 after a careful restoration, with new accommodations, a dining concept by Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, and Italy's first Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain.
Standing on the terrace at sunset with the Duomo framed against the sky feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
Best for: Art historians and Florence devotees. Honeymooners. Couples celebrating milestones. Those seeking the most iconic Florence hotel experience.
Castello di Casole, Tuscany: Countryside Dreamscape
In the heart of Tuscany, Castello di Casole is a countryside dreamscape surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and farmhouse charm. This 10-suite retreat sits on a working estate with cypress-lined paths, gardens, and authentic Tuscan hospitality. The property celebrates slow travel through wine experiences, cooking classes, and countryside immersion.
Best for: Wine enthusiasts. Foodies interested in farm-to-table experiences. Couples seeking Tuscan romance. Photographers drawn to rolling countryside landscapes.
Splendido, Portofino: Icon of the Italian Riviera
Splendido is legend. Perched above the picturesque harbor of Portofino, this Art Deco icon has hosted celebrities, royalty, and romantics for generations. After a multi-year renovation by renowned designer Martin Brudnizki, Splendido reopened in June 2025 with newly renovated suites, a redesigned cocktail bar, and the Dior Spa.
Every suite feels like stepping into timeless elegance with sweeping sea views, marble bathrooms, and the sense that you're living on the set of an Italian film.
Best for: Honeymooners seeking ultimate romance. Celebrities and privacy seekers. Couples celebrating anniversaries. Those wanting the most iconic Riviera experience.
Splendido Mare, Portofino: Harbor-Side Intimacy
Just steps from Portofino's harbor, Splendido Mare is the intimate sibling to Splendido, perfect for travelers who want harbor views, dining access, and the energy of the village without the scale of the main resort.
Best for: Travelers seeking the charm of Portofino's harbor. Couples wanting waterfront elegance with walkable village access.
Caruso, Ravello: Clifftop Glamour Above the Amalfi Coast
Perched 1,300 feet above the Amalfi Coast, Caruso offers some of Italy's most dramatic views. The property features an infinity pool overlooking the coastline, terraced gardens, and the kind of clifftop glamour that makes the Amalfi Coast legendary. Sunset aperitivos on a private boat in nearby Amalfi are among the most magical moments imaginable.
Best for: Honeymooners and anniversary celebrators. Photographers obsessed with coastal drama. Couples seeking ultimate Amalfi romance.
Villa Margherita, Ravello: Ultra-Private Hideaway
For those seeking absolute privacy on the Amalfi Coast, Villa Margherita offers an intimate alternative to larger properties. This hidden villa retreat emphasizes seclusion and personalized service.
Best for: Couples seeking privacy and discretion. Travelers wanting the Amalfi Coast without crowds.
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro: Legendary Brazilian Icon
An Art Deco masterpiece overlooking Copacabana Beach, Copacabana Palace has defined Rio luxury since 1923. The property hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and travelers seeking Brazil's most iconic beachfront experience. Recently recognized among the World's 50 Best Hotels 2025, it remains an institution.
Best for: History enthusiasts and Brazil devotees. Those seeking iconic South American luxury. Beach lovers wanting Rio's most famous address.
Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls, Brazil: Gateway to a Wonder of the World
Located within Iguassu National Park, Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel with direct access to one of Earth's most spectacular natural wonders. Waking up to the sound and view of Iguassu Falls from your terrace is otherworldly.
Best for: Nature lovers. Photographers of natural wonders. Families seeking immersive wildlife experiences. UNESCO World Heritage site enthusiasts.
FRANCE: Elegance on Rails and Riverbanks
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: The World's Most Glamorous Train Journey
This is the legendary train. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evokes the golden age of rail travel with Art Deco carriages, white-gloved service, gourmet dining, and overnight journeys across Europe's most stunning landscapes.
Routes include Paris to Venice (the most iconic journey), Paris to Portofino (newly launched in 2024), Paris to Tuscany (launching spring 2025), and various other European combinations. The train features suites, cabins, a restaurant car, a bar, and observation cars for watching the landscape unfold.
In 2025, a new carriage designed by French artist JR will debut, featuring secret compartments, skylights for stargazing, and a hidden tearoom concealed behind a bookshelf. It's the kind of details that make train travel feel like stepping into a novel.
Best for: Romantics. Train enthusiasts. Travelers seeking an experience as much as a destination. Foodies (meals aboard are Michelin-starred quality).
Belmond Afloat in France: Luxury River Barge Cruises
For those seeking river immersion without the scale of cruise ships, Belmond Afloat offers a fleet of luxurious river barges drifting through Burgundy, Provence, and Champagne. Small groups, expert guides, and intimate access to France's countryside define these journeys.
Best for: Wine lovers. Travelers seeking slow river travel. Those wanting intimate group experiences through French wine regions.
Reid's Palace, Madeira: Pink Clifftop Palace
Perched on cliffs above the Atlantic in Madeira (technically Portugal), Reid's Palace is an institution. This pink Victorian palace has welcomed generations of travelers seeking old-world charm, botanical gardens, and oceanfront luxury. Despite recent challenges, it remains iconic for those seeking historic Portuguese elegance.
Best for: History enthusiasts. Travelers seeking classic European palace hotels. Those exploring Portugal and Spain.
BRITISH ISLES: Grand Journeys & Countryside Escapes
British Pullman: Nostalgic Day Trips from London
For a taste of train luxury without an overnight commitment, British Pullman offers Art Deco day journeys departing from London. These are perfect for celebrating special occasions or experiencing vintage rail elegance in a few hours.
Best for: Train enthusiasts. Travelers with limited time wanting luxury rail experiences. Couples celebrating locally while experiencing grandeur.
Royal Scotsman, Scotland: Highland Adventure by Luxury Rail
The Royal Scotsman offers multi-night journeys through Scotland's Highlands, complete with onboard whisky tastings, spa treatments, and access to remote landscapes. In 2025, a new seven-night Grand Tour of Scotland launches alongside a new Grand Suite carriage.
Gourmet dinners, expert guides discussing Scottish history and culture, and the romance of traveling through misty glens and lochs make this an unforgettable experience.
Best for: Scotland enthusiasts. Whisky lovers. Travelers interested in Highland culture and landscape. Those seeking multi-day train adventures.
Britannic Explorer, England & Wales: New Luxury Sleeper Train
Launching in July 2025, Britannic Explorer is England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train. Created by Belmond, it offers three or six-night journeys through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Chef Simon Rogan (Michelin-starred) designs the culinary program, and cultural programming offers access to hidden gems and rare sites.
Open-water swimming, hiking, and contemporary British gastronomy define the experience aboard this newly built, elegantly designed train.
Best for: First-time luxury train travelers. Those seeking British landscape immersion. Food and culture enthusiasts. Adventure seekers wanting outdoor experiences combined with luxury.
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire: Two-Michelin-Star Manor House
This legendary property combines two Michelin stars with English country house charm. Set in lavender fields and orchards near Oxford, it's destination dining and refined hospitality in one.
Best for: Foodies seeking Michelin-starred experiences. Couples celebrating culinary journeys. Those wanting English countryside elegance.
PERU: Culture, Color, and Incan Majesty
Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Peruvian Experience
Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel with direct access to Machu Picchu. Yes, you read that right. You can stay here and access one of the world's most extraordinary archeological sites from your hotel. Early morning entry before day-trippers arrive is transformative.
Best for: History and archaeology enthusiasts. Machu Picchu pilgrims. Those seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Photographers wanting pristine morning light at the site.
Monasterio, Cusco: Former Monastery Retreat
In the heart of Cusco, Monasterio is a former monastery turned refined retreat, rich in art and history. The property anchors a Cusco experience with spiritual history, cultural immersion, and altitude preparation for higher-altitude Peru travels.
Best for: History and culture enthusiasts. Those combining Cusco with Machu Picchu visits. Travelers interested in Incan heritage and colonial architecture.
Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco: All-Suite Colonial Elegance
Palacio Nazarenas offers all-suite luxury in a colonial mansion in central Cusco. The property features oxygen-enriched rooms (crucial for altitude, typically 11,150 feet), spa facilities, and colonial design combined with modern amenities.
Best for: Travelers seeking all-suite accommodations at altitude. Those wanting luxury with altitude-adapted amenities. Couples celebrating in Cusco.
Andean Explorer: South America's First Luxury Sleeper Train
The Andean Explorer traverses Peru's Altiplano (high plateau), connecting Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca by rail. This is South America's first luxury sleeper train, offering multi-night journeys with expert guides, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences.
Best for: Train enthusiasts seeking South American rail. Peru culture seekers. Those wanting altitude-adapted luxury travel. Adventure travelers wanting immersive Andean experiences.
MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA: Caribbean & Coastal Elegance
Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel de Allende: Historic Town Luxury
In the heart of vibrant San Miguel de Allende, Casa de Sierra Nevada spans six historic casas throughout the town. With colonial architecture, art galleries, and cultural immersion, this property celebrates Mexican heritage and creativity.
Best for: Artists and cultural enthusiasts. Those seeking small-town Mexican charm. Wedding and celebration planners (the properties are wedding destinations).
Maroma, Riviera Maya: Jungle-to-Beach Sanctuary
Between palm-fringed shores and lush jungle, Maroma offers the quintessential Riviera Maya escape. With cultural immersion, spa wellness, and beach access, it's the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Best for: Beach lovers seeking jungle beauty. Wellness travelers. Couples celebrating on the Caribbean. Families wanting jungle and beach experiences.
Cap Juluca, Anguilla: Caribbean Beach Elegance
On a platinum beach with turquoise sea and azure sky, Cap Juluca is the Caribbean dream. Intimate and exclusive, it's ideal for those seeking island celebration, honeymoons, or pure beach luxury.
Best for: Honeymooners and anniversary celebrators. Caribbean beach devotees. Privacy seekers (the island is intimate).
La Samanna, St. Martin: French Glamour Meets Beach Elegance
Combining retro beach elegance with French glamour, La Samanna is ideal for those wanting Caribbean celebration with a touch of European sophistication.
Best for: Beach travelers drawn to Caribbean with French influence. Couples celebrating. Those seeking island socializing mixed with luxury.
SOUTHEAST ASIA & AFRICA: Exotic Elegance & Safari Experiences
Eastern & Oriental Express, Thailand & Malaysia: Colonial Splendor by Rail
Returning in 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express glides between Singapore, Bangkok, and beyond in colonial splendor. This is luxury train travel through Southeast Asia's most evocative landscapes.
Best for: Asia train enthusiasts. Colonial history lovers. Those seeking Thailand and Malaysia by rail rather than air.
Belmond Khwai River Lodge, Botswana: Safari Luxury
In the Okavango Delta, Khwai River Lodge offers safari experiences combined with luxury accommodations. Expert guides, intimate game drives, and wildlife encounters define the experience.
Best for: Safari enthusiasts. Wildlife photographers. Those seeking African adventure with luxury comfort.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, Botswana: Elephant Country Safari
Known for its massive elephant populations, Savute Elephant Lodge offers intimate safari experiences in one of Africa's most wildlife-rich regions. The lodge features only a handful of suites, creating the ultimate small-group experience.
Best for: Elephant lovers and wildlife photographers. Those seeking intimate safari camps. Botswana specialists.
Why Belmond? The Philosophy of Slow Luxury
Belmond's identity is rooted in Slow Luxury. This philosophy invites travelers to discover a new pace of travel, allowing for deeper connections with destinations.
Storied heritage woven into every property. Whether you're staying in a 15th-century monastery or traveling on the world's most legendary train, Belmond properties carry narrative and history. You're not just visiting destinations; you're stepping into stories.
Culinary excellence as central to the experience. Many Belmond properties feature Michelin-starred restaurants, prestigious chefs, and wine programs that rival standalone culinary destinations. Food isn't an amenity; it's the journey.
Trains as transformative travel. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Royal Scotsman, and Andean Explorer aren't just transportation. They're immersive experiences where the journey itself is the destination. You travel by night, wake in new landscapes, and experience the romance of classic train travel.
Intimate scale combined with legendary service. Most Belmond properties are small, which allows for genuine hospitality and personalized service. The staff anticipate your preferences and deliver details that make you feel truly cared for.
Deep destination immersion. Belmond properties emphasize slow travel, cultural connection, and authentic experiences rather than rushing through highlights. You have time to truly know a place.
Celebration and milestone moments. Whether it's a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or simply a moment worth celebrating, Belmond creates environments where those moments feel significant and memorable.
Belmond Hotels FAQs
What's the difference between Belmond hotels and trains?
Belmond operates two distinct but complementary products:
Belmond Hotels are iconic properties in legendary destinations. They emphasize historic character, local immersion, and culinary excellence. Examples include Villa San Michele in Florence, Splendido in Portofino, and Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu.
Belmond Trains (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Royal Scotsman, Eastern & Oriental Express, Britannic Explorer, Andean Explorer) are multi-night journeys where the train itself is the experience. You sleep aboard, wake in new landscapes, dine in elegant cars, and experience the romance of classic train travel.
Many travelers combine both: perhaps the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice, followed by stays at Belmond hotels in Italy (Splendido in Portofino, Caruso on the Amalfi Coast, or a return to Villa San Michele in Florence).
How do I choose which Belmond property is right for me?
Start with your travel style. Are you seeking:
Hotel-based stays in iconic destinations like Florence, Portofino, or Cusco? Multi-night train journeys? River barge cruises? Safari experiences? Caribbean beach escapes?
Then consider your interests. Are you a food lover (Michelin-starred properties), history enthusiast (monasteries and palaces), train romantic (rail journeys), nature lover (safaris and national parks), or culture seeker (immersive destinations)?
Finally, think about travel pace. Belmond specializes in slow travel, so are you looking to deeply immerse in one place or experience multiple properties and journeys?
I help match your travel style, interests, and pace to the right Belmond experience (or combination of experiences).
What's included at Belmond properties and trains?
This varies by property and journey type. Generally:
At Belmond Hotels:
Room or suite accommodations
Service charges and taxes
Breakfast daily for two (included through my Bellini Club benefits)
Access to facilities (pools, gardens, etc.)
WiFi
Usually not included: meals beyond breakfast, spa treatments, private excursions, specialty dining
On Belmond Trains:
Accommodation in a cabin or suite
All meals and beverages onboard
Entertainment and onboard programming
Access to observation cars and bar
Usually not included: pre- or post-train hotel stays, private tours at stops, personal excursions
When I book your Belmond experience, I provide a detailed breakdown of inclusions and apply Bellini Club credits that significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
When should I book a Belmond experience?
For most Belmond properties, 9-12 months in advance is ideal. This gives you:
Widest availability for preferred suites, cabins, and dates
Access to promotional rates and packages
Time to plan multi-property itineraries
Ability to reserve specialty dining experiences and excursions
Popular experiences during peak seasons require even longer lead times:
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris-to-Venice (May-September): book 12-18 months ahead
Splendido Portofino (June-September): book 12 months ahead
Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu: book 12 months ahead (limited availability year-round)
That said, I monitor Belmond inventory constantly and occasionally secure last-minute availability (60-90 days out) if they need to fill inventory. Sometimes these offer exceptional value.
Can I combine multiple Belmond experiences in one trip?
Absolutely. This is where Belmond truly shines. Popular multi-property itineraries include:
Paris to Italy Journey: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris to Venice (3 nights aboard) plus Splendido Portofino (3 nights) plus Caruso Ravello (3 nights) for the ultimate Italian luxury experience
Italy Train and Hotels: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris to Tuscany (launching spring 2025) plus Castello di Casole Tuscany (3-4 nights)
Peruvian Adventure: Arrive in Cusco (Monasterio 2 nights) for altitude acclimation, then Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu (2 nights), then Andean Explorer luxury train (3-4 nights) through the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca
Highland Journey: Royal Scotsman luxury train Scotland (3-6 nights) with pre- or post-journey hotels
Caribbean Hop: Cap Juluca Anguilla (3 nights) plus La Samanna St. Martin (3 nights) for island-hopping Caribbean luxury
I specialize in designing multi-property Belmond itineraries with seamless transportation, coordinated timing, and experiences that build on each other to create an unforgettable journey.
What's the best time to visit different Belmond destinations?
Italy: May-June and September-October offer ideal weather and fewer crowds. July-August is peak season. Winter (November-March) features lower rates and fewer tourists.
France & Europe: May-June and September-October are ideal. July-August is peak and crowded.
Peru: May-October is dry season (ideal for Machu Picchu and trains). November-April is rainy season (fewer crowds, lower rates).
Scotland: June-September is best for hiking and Highlands access. Winter is atmospheric but cold. Train journeys operate year-round.
Mexico & Caribbean: December-April is dry season (peak rates). May-November is rainy season (lower rates, some humidity).
Africa Safaris: May-October is dry season (best game viewing). November-April is rainy season (lush landscapes, migratory patterns change).
I recommend your ideal travel dates based on climate, crowd levels, and seasonal experiences.
How do Belmond properties compare to other luxury hotel brands?
Belmond vs. Aman: Aman emphasizes minimalism and spiritual sanctuary. Belmond emphasizes heritage, story, and old-world elegance. Aman is more zen; Belmond is more romantic.
Belmond vs. Four Seasons: Four Seasons offers consistency and global familiarity. Belmond offers distinctive character and local immersion. Four Seasons feels like a luxury hotel chain; Belmond feels like staying in historic estates.
Belmond vs. Rosewood: Both emphasize luxury and personalized service. Rosewood leans modern and design-forward. Belmond leans classic and heritage-focused.
Belmond vs. Relais & Châteaux: Both specialize in character properties and culinary excellence. Relais is a collection of independently owned properties. Belmond maintains brand consistency while celebrating local character.
The honest answer: Belmond is best if you crave storied heritage, timeless elegance, cinematic moments, and the feeling of stepping into a novel. If you prefer modern minimalism, cutting-edge design, or consistency across properties, other brands might suit you better.
Let's Plan Your Belmond Journey
From the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the clifftops of Portofino, from Machu Picchu's sacred gates to the Highlands of Scotland, Belmond offers timeless travel experiences that feel like living inside a beautiful story.
Whether you're planning a honeymoon worthy of a romance novel, a milestone celebration, or a grand European adventure, I'll design a fully customized Belmond itinerary that combines hotels, trains, and regional experiences into an unforgettable journey.
As a Bellini Club member, I secure exclusive perks, breakfast, suite upgrades, and resort credits that significantly enhance your value and experience. Let me help you travel Belmond style—with all the glamour, story, and elegance the brand promises.
Reach out here → Luxury Hotel Bookings