As 2017 comes to a close, Belmond is moving full steam ahead with a host of year-end celebrations, fresh dining experiences, new packages highlighting the brand’s iconic heritage and its famed Hollywood connections
The Wonderful World of Belmond
As 2017 comes to a close, Belmond is moving full steam ahead with a host of year-end celebrations, fresh dining experiences, new packages highlighting the brand’s iconic heritage and its famed Hollywood connections
As the final installment of Belmond’s series of films celebrating ‘The Art of Savoir-Vivre, 'A Fond Farewell’ illustrates the brand’s promise to make every journey with Belmond an unforgettable experience. Further reinforcing this concept is the new partnership with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, which launches in Madeira on December 7, 2017 and will continue throughout the collection with additional dates and locations still to be announced.
Belmond’s ‘Exceptional Music in Exceptional Locations’ program begins at Belmond Reid’s Palace with a three-night package inclusive of London Philharmonic Orchestra concert tickets for two, dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred William Restaurant, and a short-drive to the soaring Pico do Arieiro to enjoy breakfast during sunrise. Priced at €380 (approx. $447 USD) per night, based on double occupancy.
‘TIS THE SEASON: The festive season is upon us, and celebrations are underway at Belmond properties around the world:
Bringing together two hospitality legends, a replica of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train plays a starring role in the holiday lobby display at Belmond Charleston Place. Open to the public November 29, 2017-January 2, 2018, the fully-operational display features miniature European alpine homes, realistic stables and a blacksmith shop that guests can spy through little open doors. After watching the train make its way around the track, visitors are encouraged to spend the evening enjoying a contemporary Southern supper serenaded by jazz musicians at Charleston Grill.
For the month of December, Oxfordshire’s Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons will host a series of Christmas Carol Concerts with featured performances by top choirs from across the country. Priced at approx. $342 per person, the evenings include a Champagne Laurent-Perrier reception, concert at St Mary’s Church, and a four-course dinner at the property with accompanying wines, coffee and petits fours.
Belmond’s famed Eastern & Oriental Express train will host a festive three-night New Year’s Eve journey from December 29, 2017 – January 1, 2018. Following an evening departure from Singapore, the train’s first stop is Malaysia’s lively capital, Kuala Lumpur. Here guests can choose between the Cultural Tapestry tour – visiting historical sites such as Independence Square and the Jamek Mosque – or the Kampong Traditions and Crafts tour which includes a look at the city’s best handicrafts. On December 31, travelers will spend the day in Bangkok touring colonial Georgetown or taking a tour highlighting the region’s culinary heritage, before returning to the train for a celebratory dinner complete with live Thai dance performances, a DJ, and fireworks. Priced at $4,730 per passenger based on double occupancy.
A BEAR’S LIFE: Ahead of the January 12, 2018 release of PADDINGTON 2, guests are invited to celebrate “A Bear’s Life with Belmond” across the brand’s Peruvian collection of six hotels and day train, and aboard the Belmond British Pullman – the UK day train guest-starring in the new film:
In Paddington’s homeland of Peru, Belmond has created new four- and seven-night packages that include family-friendly activities such as bear-shaped cookie making, a Paddington-themed movie-under-the-stars night, afternoon tea in a secret garden, and of course plenty of marmalade to go around. Rates begin at $3,158 per person for the four-night package, and $4,804 per person for the seven-night; both offers include stays at Belmond properties across Lima, Peru, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley as well as select meals and domestic transfers.
Across the pond, Belmond British Pullman will host three steam-hauled Paddington Afternoon Tea journeys on December 2, 2017 as well as on February 16 and April 7, 2018. While onboard the 1920s and 30s carriages – which are featured in the movie – parents and their little cubs will be treated to live musical entertainment along with an array of sweet and savory snacks including mini-cakes and marmalade sandwiches. For each adult traveling, one child under 16 travels free; rates begin at $721 for a group of two adults and two children for the afternoon.
THE ART OF CINEMATOGRAPHY: With properties in over 24 countries, Belmond provides ample opportunities for travelers to follow in their favorite film stars’ footsteps:
The Belmond Hiram Bingham train offers daily roundtrip service to Machu Picchu and was named for the famed explorer upon whom the Indiana Jones character is based. Similarly, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within Iguassu Falls, Brazil – the setting of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
Located in idyllic St. Michaels, MD, the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond provided the setting for the wedding reception and touch football game in the 2005 comedy, “Wedding Crashers.”
At Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, The Godfather Tour brings guests on a mobster-approved tour of Sicily in a Fiat 500 with stops including the St. Lucia church where Apollonia and Michael Corleone were married; the village of Forza D’Agrò where Michael Corleone first arrives in Sicily; and Francis Ford Coppola’s favorite Bar Vitelli.
DESTINATION DINING: Embracing the art of savoir-vivre, dining at a Belmond property is an unforgettable experience in and of itself:
Rio’s iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace has unveiled a new look for its famed restaurant, Pérgula, designed to embrace the city’s Carioca culture. Highlights from the relaxed, tropical space include a dedicated Tapioca Pancake Counter - perfect for a sweet and savory breakfast - and a new Copa Caipirinha Trolley that brings Brazil’s most famous cocktail right to the tableside. The Pérgula Poolside Verandah & Pool Bar, which overlooks the world-famous ‘Copa’ swimming pool, doubles as a chic all-day dining spot and by night transforms into a glamorous setting under the stars for upbeat tunes and the best caipirinhas in town. In early 2018, the restaurant will also boast the Pérgula Outdoor Ocean View Terrace giving all-day diners front row seats to Rio’s dreamlike views over Copacabana Beach.
Belmond Miraflores Park has created a new private rooftop dining experience, aptly named “Romance on the Rooftop.” Suspended on a clear platform over the hotel’s 11th floor pool, guests will be surrounded by flowers and candlelight while dining on a four-course menu and listening to a live violin performance.
About Belmond Ltd.
Belmond (belmond.com) is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, its unique and distinctive portfolio now embraces 47 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences, including one scheduled for a 2018 opening in London, in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, eight luxury tourist trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and three river cruises. Belmond also operates ‘21’ Club, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. belmond.com Follow Belmond: Twitter • Facebook • Instagram