Belmond 2026: New Heritage Hotels, Rail Journeys, and Michelin Starred Culinary Experiences

Published on December 8, 2025

In 2026, Belond will once again be at the forefront of luxury travel, With the introduction of new immersive offerings, extensive renovations and the integration of the company philosophy of Slow Luxury, Belmond will invite it’s clients to discover a new way of traveling that seamlessly combines the best of luxury and modern global travel.

Reimagining Timeless Hotels

Belmond will unveil a refreshed collection of iconic hotels, each blending its storied history with contemporary design. These properties are set to offer exclusive experiences, enhanced by cultural immersion and thoughtful architectural updates.

Villa San Michele: A Renaissance Escape
Set to reopen in April 2026 after a detailed 18-month renovation, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, in Florence will be a modern homage to the city’s Renaissance legacy. Nestled in the Tuscan hills with a breathtaking view of Florence, the former monastery will showcase 39 redesigned suites, emphasizing local craftsmanship and natural beauty. Guests can also indulge in a first-ever spa experience, Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, and an array of nature-inspired wellness programs. This iconic property will now welcome guests year-round.

Copacabana Palace: A Rio Icon Reborn
In November 2026, Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, will complete a grand renovation of its Pool Wing, infusing the Art Deco building with a renewed Brazilian flair. The new suites will offer spectacular views of the world-famous Copacabana Beach, complemented by a dedicated wellness space and revamped dining options. This renovation aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Brazil while providing a modern take on luxury at one of the world’s most iconic hotels.

Hotel Cipriani: Venice’s Dolci Vita
Belmond’s Hotel Cipriani in Venice is undergoing an extensive renovation to enhance its glamour and charm. In Spring 2026, the hotel will debut a Dior Spa, marking the first-ever in Venice, offering signature beauty treatments inspired by Venetian elegance. The renowned Oro restaurant will also be redesigned, offering guests an expanded culinary experience under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura.

Villa Timeo: A Sicilian Masterpiece
Set to open in May 2026, Villa Timeo, located at Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily, will be an exclusive 21-room residence reimagined by interior designer Laura Gonzalez. This private retreat offers stunning Mediterranean views and access to the hotel’s facilities, including the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant and luxurious new Dior Spa.

Iconic Rail Journeys: The Ultimate Slow Travel Experience

Belmond’s legendary trains will also see new routes and offerings in 2026, connecting guests to its most iconic hotels for a seamless, slow luxury experience.

Villeggiatura by Train: A Timeless Journey
Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will introduce its ‘Villeggiatura by Train’ series in 2026, uniting the glamour of rail travel with stays at four prestigious Italian properties: Villa San Michele, Splendido, Caruso, and Hotel Cipriani. Travelers can experience a scenic journey aboard the iconic train, with stops in Florence, Portofino, Pompeii, and Venice. These four-day journeys promise a rich cultural immersion, with bespoke activities such as cooking classes, music performances, and wellness experiences.

Culinary Voyages: Tasting the World

In addition to rail travel, Belmond’s culinary offerings are set to expand, introducing unique dining experiences across its portfolio.

Michelin-Starred Culinary Journeys in Southeast Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express will continue its Michelin-Starred Culinary Series in 2026, offering guests the chance to dine with top chefs from around the world. This series will bring together global culinary expertise and regional flavors, creating immersive dining experiences throughout Southeast Asia.

The Royal Scotsman: A Taste of Scotland
The Royal Scotsman will introduce its “Tastes of Scotland Culinary Series” in 2026, celebrating traditional Scottish cuisine with exclusive journeys across the country. Renowned chefs, including Tom Kitchin, will showcase local ingredients and time-honored recipes, offering guests a truly authentic taste of Scotland.

Les Bateaux Belmond: French Rivers Reimagined
Les Bateaux Belmond will welcome Michelin-starred Chef Dominique Crenn for a second year aboard its luxurious riverboats in France. Guests will enjoy new gourmet experiences inspired by the French countryside, paired with exclusive off-board excursions in Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, and Armagnac.

Unique Dining Destinations

Belmond’s culinary vision also extends to its hotels, offering immersive dining experiences that reflect local terroir and cultural stories.

Amura by Ángel León: A Marine Feast in Cape Town
At Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, Michelin-starred chef Ángel León will debut Amura, his first restaurant outside Spain. Drawing inspiration from the sea, the restaurant will offer a sensory experience showcasing the region’s biodiversity and oceanic wonders.

The Cadogan: A Taste of British Flavours
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, in London will introduce a new British bistro restaurant in 2026, offering classic British dishes with a modern twist. The bistro will highlight seasonal British ingredients, creating a cozy yet sophisticated dining experience in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

Celebrating Culture Through Design

Belmond is committed to supporting contemporary art and design, integrating cultural talent into its offerings.

Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House
In 2026, fashion designer Thebe Magugu will unveil the first-ever Thebe Magugu Suite at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. This collaboration will also feature Magugu House, a cultural institute and store that celebrates African art and design, offering a vibrant exploration of the continent’s creativity.

Destination Immersion Through Art and Books

Belmond is expanding upon the connec�tions guests establish at their hotels and rail journeys by introducing place-based, curated travel and hospitality narratives through the travel and leisure industry’s most respected and innovative publishers, beginning in 2026. In these books guests will find and establish valuable connections to the destinations Belmond have integrated hotels and rail journeys in and the rich heirlooms, heritages, and stories they represent.\

In 2026, Belmond will continue to offer a slow travel experience, but for the first time, guests will take journeys through multiple time periods, destinations, and cultures, intertwining with modern travel concepts. Belmond will offer these guests the opportunity to slow travel to and experience the worlds most sought after travel destinations. Belmond will continue to advance purposeful travel and the travel industry with a positive focus and an unrelenting passion.