The English brand Belmond has more than 40 properties around the world, in addition to offering train and boat trips, present in more than 20 countries. The service premium and the quality standard make staying at a Belmond hotel an unforgettable experience! Therefore, as fans of the chain, we list our top 8 Belmond hotels, all approved by You Must Go! They are: the classic Belmond Copacabana Palace, in Rio; Belmond La Samanna in Saint Martin, in the Caribbean; Belmond el Encanto, in Santa Barbara; the iconic Reid’s Palace, on Madeira Island, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Capetown and the Belmond Splendido and Caruso in Italy.
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Top 8 Belmond hotels
Africa
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa
A historic hotel in Cape Town, since 1899 nestled between the slopes of Table Mountain, and with stunning gardens. It has certainly hosted illustrious figures such as the religious leader Dalai Lama. Belmond Mount Nelson has a complete infrastructure with 198 rooms and suites, spa, two swimming pools, tennis court, kids club and activities, such as yoga classes in the gardens and historical tours. Meanwhile, the gastronomic offer is varied, with four restaurants, a bar and even afternoon tea.
North America
Belmond the Charm – Santa Barbara, California – United States
High in the hills of Santa Barbara, Belmond el Encanto is a traditional and elegant hotel that lives up to its name. Luxurious in the right way, without exaggeration, it is surrounded by lots of greenery. Opened in 1919, it is a haven of sophistication, with rooms full of paintings by artists such as, for example, Damien Hirst and Charles Arnoldi. The historic seven-hectare property has had its original architectural features carefully restored. The 92 accommodations, including rooms and bungalows, are decorated in the style of Californian missions. Certainly a luxury hotel in Santa Barbara with impeccable service, spacious rooms and stunning pool. Furthermore, the landscaping is stunning, with lush gardens and each corner more charming than the other. Belmond el Encanto also has a spa and restaurant that features a typical Californian seasonal menu.
South America
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Certainly the most traditional hotel in Rio and one of the most classic in the country! Opened in 1923, that is, celebrating 100 years in 2003, it is located on an area of 11 thousand m² and has received international guests from all areas. The setting for films and soap operas, the stage for memorable parties, million-dollar weddings and unforgettable Carnival balls, the Copa is in everyone’s imagination. The rooms and suites have unique decor, with classic and elegant furniture, and on the sixth floor, there is a private pool, the Black Pool. Furthermore, gastronomy is certainly one of the highlights of Belmond Copacabana Palace, which has three restaurants around its iconic main pool.
Pérgula has tables in the lounge and on the balcony, and has an unmissable brunch on Sundays, prepared by chef João Melo. Cipriani, run by chef Nello Cassese, has a Michelin star and offers high Italian gastronomy. Also with one star is the Asian Mee, by the friendly and talented chef Alberto Morisawa, with a sophisticated atmosphere and an impeccable menu. Finally, the Belmond hotel in Rio has a Spa, with sauna, fitness center e boutique spa.
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas – Foz do Iguaçú, Paraná
Located within the Iguaçu National Park, this is the only hotel in South America to receive five stars from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Awards 2023, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas was also voted the best hotel in Brazil and the eighth best in the world by La Liste 2023. Surrounded by a lush tropical forest, the property in pastel pink tones has the charm of the 50s, with a welcoming design and an elegant swimming pool in the central area. In total there are 187 apartments and suites, a restaurant with terrace and bar, children’s pool, SPA, tennis courts and gym.
In addition, the luxury hotel in the Falls also offers activities, such as forest tours with an ecological guide and adventure sports. Meanwhile, Belmond also has some new features this year, such as the 3rd Edition of the Full Moon Retreat in September, and an astrophotography course between the 17th and 20th of August, with the renowned and award-winning photographer Victor Lima.
Caribbean
Belmond La Samanna – Saint Martin
You know that paradisiacal setting with white sand and turquoise water? Considered the best hotel on the island of Saint Martin and one of the best in the Caribbean, Belmond La Samanna offers spacious rooms, overlooking the beach and also cabins, practically on the sand. In addition, there are also super luxurious and exclusive villas, complete with a private butler and chef. There are two swimming pools, one infinity, with a breathtaking view, which has a bar next to it. In terms of gastronomy, there is the French restaurant The sea urchin, overlooking the sea, open only for dinner, La Cave, which, as the name suggests, is in the hotel’s own basement. The relaxed Corail is the restaurant where breakfast is served every day.
Europa
Belmond Reid’s Palace – Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
This hotel is a classic in Funchal, the city capital of Madeira Island, after all, it is over 130 years old! It was opened in 1891 over Porto, on top of a cliff, and has a beautiful view. Certainly one of the best luxury hotels of the island, which breathes sophistication. Upon entering the lobby, we already feel the elegance and grandeur that exudes from the environments. Surrounded by lush subtropical gardens, there are more than 500 species of trees and flowers from all over the world. All 158 rooms have balconies or terraces with views of the Atlantic or the Port of Funchal. Furthermore, the gastronomy is impeccable, with the one-star Michelin restaurant William, the Italian Villa Cipriani and the imposing The Dining Room.
Belmond Hotel Splendido – Portofino, Italy
Located in a former 16th-century monastery, this hotel is a glamorous retreat overlooking the harbor. World icons and media personalities have visited there, such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. All rooms and suites have a classic but elegant decor, with marble and antique furniture. Recently, the pool was completely redesigned, as was its restaurant and the Baronessa Suite, by architect Martin Brudnizki, who used local materials and traditional crafts. This was just the first phase of a major renovation planned for the iconic hotel in Portofino. La Terrazza, overlooking the Ligurian Sea, has a beautiful terrace and offers seafood as well as typical Italian dishes.
Belmond Caruso – Ravello, Italy
Housed in an ancient 11th century palace on top of a hill, 300 meters above sea level and with a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast, the Belmond Caruso is considered one of the best hotels in Italy. It has a beautiful infinity pool, and the service is impeccable, which makes the experience even more special. Its centuries-old gardens feature rose bushes and aromatic herb plantations. The suites have tiled floors and original Neapolitan paintings, while the double apartments have classic Neapolitan decor, each with a unique design. The Belvedere restaurant has a stunning terrace with sea views. The menu features dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. The Caruso bar is ideal for a drink before or after dinner.
+Capri, the most romantic island in the Mediterranean
Belmond trains
The brand also has luxury trains in different destinations around the world. In Peru there are two of them, the Andean Explorer being the first in South America, with sleeping cabins on board. He takes two routes through the Andes, starting from Cusco, where the Belmond Hiram Bingham train also leaves. Our editor-in-chief Renata Araújo already had the experience of reaching Machu Picchu with him. A spectacle in itself. In addition to all the comfort and beautiful landscapes, first-class cuisine and live music set the tone for the luxury travel! There is also the Venice Simplon Orient-Expresswhich runs from London to Venice, the Eastern&Oriental Express, from Bangkok to Singapore, among others.
The expansion of the Belmond network
The luxury hotel brand Belmond is full of news for this and the next few years, such as, for example, the reopening of the Maroma Resort & SPA hotel, in the Riviera Maya, this August, and the opening of the Belmond Romazzino, in Sardinia, Italy, in 2024. In 2025 it is the turn of Milaroca, a Belmond Hotel, in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. There will be 57 apartments, 27 villas and six restaurants.
So, this was our experiences in 6 Belmond hotels! And you, have you ever stayed at one of the brand’s hotels? Tell us!
By Renata Araújo and Duda Vétere.
Photos: Renata Araújo, Duda Vétere and Disclosure
