As one of the most enduring names in luxury hospitality, Belmond continues to set the pace across both rails and resorts. At the recent International Luxury Travel Market shindig, the brand announces its ambitious launches across Europe and Asia; from the debut of a first-of-its-kind sleeper train in the UK to the transformation of hotels around Europe.
Among the most buzzed developments is the launch of Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train dedicated to touring both England and Wales, with eigh cabins restored and styles by Albion Nord. Taking its maiden journey earlier in July, the train offers three or six night itineraries departing from London; travellers can expect exquisite views of the Lake District, the coastlines of Cornwall, and the historic landscapes of North Wales.
Helming the cuisine experience is Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who curated the onboard menu for both the dining cabins named after native herbs: Malva and Samphire. This marks a meaningful expansion to Belond’s rail vision with an embrace of slow travel.
Other milestones in Belmond's portfolio include the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express which travelled from Paris to Tuscany, with a final destination being a stay at the Castello di Casole, one of the brand's signature properties. There was also, the Eastern & Oriental Express and the British Pullman return with a rotating series of Michelin starred chefs curating a menu for the ongoing journeys.
In Venice, Hotel Cipriani reopened in May with a dramatic redesign by Peter Marino. The architect, best known for his work with luxury fashion brands, has preserved the property’s Riviera soul while lifting it into modernity with soaring double height lobbies and 13 new suites; two master suites styled as Venetian apartments and 11 suites and junior suites with exclusive balconies slighting the Casanova Gardens.
Along the Ligurian coast, Splendido, a Belmond hotel in Portofino now wears a fresh face by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS). The renovation honours the building’s rich history while weaving in touches of Ligurian craftsmanship with a modern sensibility. There's the opening of Villa Beatrice, Belmond’s most exclusive private villa in Portofino. Just a short walk from the main hotel, this secluded palazzo sits high above the Gulf of Tigullio, offering sweeping views and private access to the sea.
Down south, the hotel Caruso in Ravello debuted as the region’s first private luxury pool club. Centred around a newly redesigned infinity pool, where uninterrupted views of the coastline meet the quiet grandeur of Caruso’s 11th-century setting, the private cabanas offer a place to pause, while gentle activities like yoga, painting, stargazing, or even a swim beneath the moon, encourage guests to slow down in a meaningful way.
At a glance, these rollouts seem like textbook luxury upgrades, however, the brand is reshaping what high end travel can be like; whether it's through sleeper trains that double as moving mini resorts or hotels that feel like liveable museums. As we move into the latter half of 2025, Belmond’s expanding constellations underscores its mission to preserve the enchantment of travel while continually evolving its offerings.
To learn more, visit Belmond site
