Belmond is closing 2023 with the acquisition of Hacienda Katanchel, a 17th-century estate near Merida in Yucatan, which will open as Katanchel, A Belmond Hotel, in 2027 with 35 independent suites. A comprehensive restoration programme is planned, and the estate is spread across 220 hectares with a cenote (underground river), a sacred well, native flora and fauna and the remains of an ancient Mayan pyramid.
The hotel joins three other Belmond properties in Mexico, including Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Rivera Maya, which re-opened this August following a complete renovation. On the Pacific coast, Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit, will open in 2025 after being built from the ground up.
Belmond’s 10-strong hotel portfolio in Italy will expand to Sardinia with Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda next year. The multi-year renovation of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, designed by Martin Brudnizki Studio, will complete its second phase and re-open for the 2024 season. It will feature new guest rooms, alongside the swimming pool, Splendido Grill restaurant and the Baronessa Suite, which all made their debut in 2023.
The brand has also planned new routes, suites and experiences across its six trains and seven barges, which it says are “in response to growing demands for more Belmond slow travel journeys around the world.”
For the first time in its history, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, will embark on a new journey connecting Paris and Portofino. The train will also add a second Paris to Istanbul return journey, in addition to its regular August itinerary. Its first alpine journey will head to the French Alps on 21 December 2023, and it will be repeated in December 2024. In addition, eight new suites are planned for the train in 2024.
The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, will also see the launch of two new Grand Suites in May, designed by Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer. The new Grand Suite experience onboard Royal Scotsman will include one spa treatment per person in the Dior Spa.
The British Pullman, A Belmond Train, will launch The Carriage Club Dinners in May – a series of immersive evening journeys – while Southeast Asia’s Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, has announced Michelin-starred Andre Chiang as its new chef. The train will return in February with two seasonal routes out of Singapore to Malaysia.
The brand’s fleet of river boats will welcome Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat in Champagne in April, featuring 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.
In 2024, Cape Town’s Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, commemorates its 125th anniversary, while Oxfordshire’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, marks its 40th.
To meet parent LVMH Group’s LVMH Life 360 sustainability targets, the brand will launch a pilot programme at 10 properties, creating tailored roadmaps. It will also implement three flagship projects focusing on increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing freshwater withdrawal and creating a Gastronomy Academy to guide its work in reducing impact in food and beverage.
Chief executive Dan Ruff said: “Long before experiential travel became a buzzword, Belmond, through our diverse portfolio of hotels, trains, boats and safaris, has offered one-of-a-kind experiences that are rooted in authenticity. With our purpose to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, we will continue to push boundaries. 2024 will be a year of transformation as we further seek out remarkable properties, exceptional journeys and experiences, especially to cement our leading position in train travel.”
