Follow Belmond in one feed. This hub gathers the latest news and developments across the LVMH-owned luxury travel and hotel group, curated from trusted sources. Stay on top of a distinctive name in luxury hospitality and trains.
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The Thesis Behind Slow Luxury: Why Belmond Treats Time As The Product
2 October 2026Dan Ruff has spent nearly two decades moving through hospitality, from investment banking and real estate into the CEO seat at Belmond, the luxury hotel, train, and river cruise group known for iconic properties including the Hotel Cipriani, Copacabana Palace, Hotel Splendido, and the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Dan joined Belmond just before LVMH completed its acquisition of the hospitality company in 2019, and since then has led the transition into Belmond’s next chapter. In this conversation, Dan lays out…
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Accor, Etihad, and MSC Lead Mobile Hospitality Innovation with Luxury Yacht, Aircraft, and Cruise Offerings
1 October 2026🛡️ Accor’s Orient Express Corinthian, a 220-meter yacht, launched April 29, 2026, sails the Mediterranean with 54 suites for 110 passengers. Air France’s La Première suite, launched April 8, 2025, offers 3.5 sqm suites on 19 aircraft by year-end 2026. Belmond’s Britannic Explorer train, from July 21, 2025, charges £11,000 for three nights. Etihad’s A380 suite, ‘The Residence,’ resumed in 2023. MSC Group launched Explora III in July 2026, heading toward hydrogen-powered ships. Rotel Tours, founded 1945, celebrated its 80th…
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Nox Mobility Launches Hamburg-Munich Night Train with First Departure in March 2027, Tickets from €65
30 September 2026🚄 Nox Mobility unveiled its first carriage on September 23, 2023, at InnoTrans in Berlin, launching ticket sales for its Hamburg-Munich route starting March 23, 2027. Tickets start at €65, covering business travelers who opt for flights. Founded in 2025 by Thibault Constant and others, Nox raised €2 million in April from IBB Ventures. It leases 1980s carriages and plans a Zurich-Berlin route by December 2027. In 2024, 1.2 million flew this route.
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A Great Restaurant Is Now Selling the Room Upstairs
24 September 2026Hotels are increasingly relying on exceptional culinary experiences to drive occupancy. Data shows that properties with prestigious restaurants—anchored by celebrity chefs or award-winning concepts—outperform competitors in occupancy and revenue. By moving beyond seeing the restaurant as mere overhead to treating it as a “third space” that anchors the hotel’s identity, properties can convert brand affinity into tangible demand. Ultimately, a restaurant with a clear point of view about its location is no longer just an amenity; it is often the…
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Rosewood Hong Kong Named World’s Best Hotel for Second Year in 2026 Ranking by World’s 50 Best Hotels
16 September 2026🏨 Rosewood Hong Kong tops the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 list, announced on September 15 in Paris, for the second year. Capella Bangkok ranks second, with Four Seasons Bangkok third. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai is fourth, and Passalacqua, Lake Como is fifth. Asia dominates with 18 hotels; Europe has 21. Rosewood São Paulo is the top in South America at sixth. The ranking, in its fourth year, is decided by an academy of over 800 experts across 13 regions.
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Ansty Hall Completes First Phase of Renovation with Seven Redesigned Rooms, Totaling 63 Guestrooms Under Exclusive Collection
3 September 2026🏨 In 2023, Ansty Hall in Warwickshire, a 17th-century property under Exclusive Collection, unveiled seven renovated bedrooms in phase one of a broader refurbishment. Two signature rooms, Leofric and Whittle, were created in partnership with Russell Sage Studio, while five others were redesigned with Trevillion Interiors. The total number of guestrooms is now 63. The refurbishment continues through 2027, celebrating local history and craftsmanship, and aims to offer a luxurious and meaningful guest experience.
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La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel in Mallorca, Launches Artist Residency with Loewe Foundation Craft Prize Finalists
21 August 2026🎨 In 2023, Mallorca’s La Residencia collaborates with Loewe, hosting artist Kaori Juzu in a two-month residency. Juzu, nominated for the 2023 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, creates intricate metalwork using bent copper and powdered enamel. Her notable piece features 108 tiny compositions, significant in Japanese Buddhism. The hotel continues its artist residency program into 2024, hosting previous Loewe Craft Prize participants like Deirdre McLoughlin, highlighting Mallorca’s allure for artists since the 19th century.
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Expedia’s Marketing Strategy Boosts Sint Maarten’s Search Demand by 70% Following Influencer Campaign
17 August 2026🌎 Expedia’s marketing stunt in April sent a streamer through five Caribbean nations in 12 hours, boosting search demand for Sint Maarten by 70% and Guadeloupe by 50%. The streamer, Darren Jason Watkins Jr, holds 50 million followers on YouTube and Twitch. Gabby Beckford, a travel creator with 300,000 TikTok followers, earns up to $100,000 per deal. The average creator’s income is projected at $44,000 by 2025, with 1 in 9 making six figures.
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Expedia’s $7.4 Billion Marketing Includes $5,000 Minimum for Mid-Tier Creators, Sees Demand Surge by 70%
17 August 2026📰 April 2026, Expedia sent livestreamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr through five Caribbean countries in 12 hours. Sint Maarten’s search demand rose 70%, Guadeloupe’s by 50%. Watkins boasts 50 million followers on both YouTube and Twitch. In 2025, the average creator’s income was $44,000, with one in nine earning six figures. Mid-tier creator Gabby Beckford demands at least $5,000 per post. Hotels like Claridge’s filter creators’ requests for free stays, emphasizing creator fit over reach.
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Mirapolis Amusement Park, Opened in 1987, Closed in 1991 After Failing to Meet Visitor and Financial Targets
11 August 2026🎡 Architect Anne Fourcade conceived Mirapolis in 1980, opening on May 20, 1987, in Courdimanche, France. Despite initial expectations of 2.5 million visitors annually, only 600,000 visited in the first year, leading to a 20 million franc deficit. The park closed on October 20, 1991, after 5 seasons, with losses of 300 million francs. Future projects, including Uxco Group’s 2023 proposal, face environmental reviews and community relocation challenges. The Île-de-France authority flagged issues in July 2024.
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Hotel Cipriani in Venice Undergoes Renovation by Peter Marino, Adding Dior Spa and Redesigned Suites
11 August 2026🏨 Venice’s Hotel Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel, built in 1956 on Giudecca island, celebrates 70 years as a luxury icon. Recent renovations by Peter Marino, starting in 2018, introduced a Dior Spa and revamped Oro restaurant. The hotel offers rooms from 21 to 105 square meters, with suites featuring unique Venetian elements. Notably, it houses Venice’s only Olympic-sized seawater pool. The lush Casanova Gardens and signature Bellinis remain guest favorites at this retreat from Piazza San Marco’s crowds.
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Hotels are no longer selling rooms. Here’s what that means
10 August 2026This article was written by Shiji Insights. Click here to read the original article What are hotels actually selling? For a long time, the answer was straightforward. Rooms carried the business. Most of the technology investment followed, focused on distribution, pricing, and occupancy. It made sense. It was measurable, controllable, and commercially critical. But that clarity is starting to fade. Guests don’t remember the room in isolation, and hotels don’t operate as simply as their systems sometimes suggest. Restaurants, experiences, service, and everything that happens between them are where…
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Italy’s Hotel Scene Expands with Noteworthy New Openings and Restorations Set for 2026 Across Iconic Locations
29 July 2026🏨 Italian hotel scene for 2026 features exciting new openings and restorations. In the Dolomites, Hotel Ambra Cortina d’Ampezzo debuts a HiFi Bar & Lounge, while Rosapetra Spa Resort introduces the Henge Suite with a private sauna and terrace. Florence’s Villa San Michele reopens with a new Guerlain spa. Lake Como’s Casabianca adds artistic suites, and the Lake Como Edition stands out with 148 rooms. Rome sees Casa JK Place with 12 apartments in May. Venice’s Danieli relaunches in August,…
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Louis Vuitton Hotel Will Not Open
2 June 2026For more than two years, one of the most discussed hospitality projects in Paris was the rumored arrival of the world’s first Louis Vuitton hotel. Located at 103-111 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the project generated intense speculation across the luxury, hospitality, and travel industries. Now, that speculation has come to an end. According to reporting from La Revue des Hôtels, Bernard Arnault personally confirmed that Louis Vuitton will not enter the hotel business through the Champs-Élysées project, putting an end to…
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Maroma Hotel Reduces Waste and Supports Local Communities Through Local Sourcing and Zero-Waste Practices
5 May 2026🌿 Osvaldo emphasizes local sourcing at Maroma, partnering with Sian Ka’an lobster fishers and local farmers to reduce packaging waste. Freddy’s Bar follows a zero-waste cocktail philosophy, maximizing ingredient use. Since March 2024, Maroma donated 610.25 kg of surplus food (2,034 portions) to Contando con un Amigo, aiding 80+ children in Playa del Carmen. In 2025, Maroma’s Bee School will educate on bee conservation and climate issues, highlighting community and environmental impact.
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Minor Hotels Launches Anantara Private Jet Journeys, Expanding Luxury Travel to Remote Resorts by 2027
30 April 2026✈ Anantara Private Jet Journeys, announced by Ian Di Tullio, CCO of Minor Hotels, offers luxury air travel to remote resorts. Routes include the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya, and Tanzania. This initiative aligns with a growing demand for seamless, immersive travel experiences. Minor Hotels plans to expand from over 560 properties to add 300 more by 2027, alongside launching two new brands to enhance its Anantara brand.
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Villa San Michele in Florence Reopens After 18-Month Renovation with Redesigned Rooms and New Spa by Guerlain
29 April 2026🏨 Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence, reopened on April 28, 2026, after an 18-month renovation. Located in the Fiesole hills, the hotel now features 39 redesigned rooms and suites, a Guerlain spa, and restored gardens. Renovations include 27 suites and 12 rooms by Luigi Fragola Architects. Guests can enjoy new dining options and curated wellbeing experiences. The gardens cover over 10,000 square meters, and the property offers seasonal programs like yoga and sound healing.
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Klaus Kabelitz Appointed General Manager of Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, Succeeding Retiring Serge Ethuin
21 April 2026📅 Klaus Kabelitz has been appointed as the new general manager of Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, located in Monaco, succeeding Serge Ethuin, who retired after over ten years. Kabelitz began his role in September 2024 at The Kensington in London and has prior leadership experience, including managing The Biltmore Mayfair and The Cadogan London. He aims to enhance the luxury hotel’s influence and guest experience with his extensive background in high-end hospitality across Europe and the U.S.
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AI Dominates European Travel Planning, Becoming Main Tool for Inspiration and Search Relevance
2 April 2026💻 AI is transforming travel planning in Europe, becoming the primary tool for inspiration. Meanwhile, Airbnb’s growth includes mundane additions like airport transfers. Major events show a disconnect with strong ticket sales but weak hotel bookings. A 40-day booking window trend indicates cancellations are high. In luxury markets, consistency over creativity is emphasized, with Belmond succeeding by slowing down. Social media faces scrutiny for promoting addiction, akin to tobacco’s past. An underlying software layer, often run on Excel, may soon…
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Arsenale Group Disrupts Luxury Hospitality with 10 Iconic European Assets and Expands Luxury Train Portfolio to 11 Trains
1 April 2026🛡 Arsenale Group, led by partners Nicola Bulgari (85), Luca Rovati (66), and Paolo (40), owns iconic hotels and trains across Europe, with 10 assets primarily in Italy. Their strategy diverges from the asset-light model, preferring ownership to align vision and service. They own 11 of 30 luxury trains globally, including the Golden Eagle and La Dolce Vita. Arsenale partners with Accor for Orient Express hotels in Rome and Venice. Expansion targets include Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus…
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Fast Company Names Belmond Among Most Innovative Companies of 2026 for Its “Slow Luxury” Approach
27 March 2026🏨 Fast Company named Belmond one of the Most Innovative Companies of 2026 for its approach in the hospitality industry. Known for emphasizing patience and craft, Belmond offers “Slow Luxury” experiences in its hotels, trains, boats, and lodges worldwide. This week, they were praised for their radical innovation of slowing down in a fast-paced world, ensuring that time is invested in creating memorable guest experiences rather than being spent hastily.
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Shiji Deploys Infrasys POS System on Eastern & Oriental Express to Enhance Luxury Train Service in Asia
12 March 2026🚄 Singapore, March 12, 2026 – Shiji’s Infrasys POS system, operational since July 16, 2024, is now enhancing the Eastern & Oriental Express, a luxury train in Southeast Asia. Covering routes from Bangkok to Singapore, this technology boosts service efficiency and guest experience, offering digital records and seamless billing. Shiji, a major hospitality tech provider with 5,000 employees, supports over 91,000 hotels globally, integrating modern solutions with historic charm.
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Shiji Infrasys POS Powers Dining Experience on Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express
12 March 2026Enhancing the journey of Asia’s most iconic luxury train through smarter, faster, and more refined service delivery. Singapore, March 12, 2026 – Shiji, the global hospitality technology leader, today announced the successful deployment of its Infrasys POS system onboard the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express, the legendary Belmond train that has been delighting travelers across Malaysia and Southeast Asia for over three decades. The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, is more than a train, it is…
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Elevates Luxury Dining on the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, with Shiji’s Infrasys POS
12 March 2026Shiji’s POS system has been operational since July 2024 on the luxury train route between Bangkok and Singapore, streamlining dining operations.
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Out of the past: Gilda Perez-Alvarado drives Orient Express down the track
23 February 2026🛡️ Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express for Accor since 2023, is leading the revival of the historic brand. Accor acquired full ownership of Orient Express by 2022 and opened the Orient Express La Minerva hotel in Rome in 2025. Plans include a Venice property debut in 2026 and a Caribbean yacht launch in 2023. Perez-Alvarado, influenced by her childhood in Costa Rica and her hotel industry background, aims to honor the brand’s rich history through these new ventures.
