December 7th, 2023
Tucked amid the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is known as an all-seasons adventure playground. But in recent years, the idyllic mountain town has emerged as one of Switzerland’s hottest dining destinations, with a trendy new champagne bar, a Michelin Green Star brasserie, Zermatt’s first seafood restaurant, and a new fusion spot that melds Peruvian and Asian flavors. Let’s dig in!
La Muña
Zermatt’s iconic Schweizerhof hotel offers an unexpected (and uber-luxe) spin on a traditional ski lodge. Yes, there are common spaces done up in cowbells and quilts, as well as a traditional Valais restaurant and an eatery serving a dozen styles of fondue and raclette. But the hotel is also home to one of the town’s most innovative kitchens. Named after the name of a medicinal plant in the Andes, La Muña is a creative fusion of Peruvian and Asian cuisine, with dishes ranging from homemade gyozas and vegan ceviche to yuzu salmon with lime and coriander. The cocktails are just as inventive — try the Red Caipirinha with pomegranate.
Le Restaurant
Mont Cervin Palace has been welcoming guests since 1852, but the hotel’s newest dining hotspot is new for 2023. Zermatt’s first seafood eatery, Le Restaurant serves French-Mediterranean specialties like bisque de homard and Navarin lobster in an elegant oak-clad space with glittering chandeliers. Don’t sleep on the 34-page wine list, which spotlights Riesling, Chasselas, and other regional grape varieties.
Ristorante Capri
Located on the fourth floor of Mont Cervin Palace with breathtaking views of snow-covered Zermatt, the one-Michelin-starred Capri restaurant is a sophisticated environment in which to try chef Vincenzo Tedeschi southern Italian cooking, with particular inspiration from the traditions of Campania and the flavors of the Mediterranean. Highlights include the crunchy lobster with green apple, basil and fennel, and the taglioni with red prawns, burrata, sea asparagus and lemon.
Brasserie Uno
This newcomer to the scene has been shaking things up with creative dishes that star local, seasonal produce (think: chanterelles, radishes, and red berries), some of which is sourced from the restaurant’s three gardens. The brasserie earned a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability: food waste is recycled, food is served on vintage bowls and plates, and menus are described by the waitstaff as opposed to being printed off. Opt for the six-course surprise tasting menu.
Elsie’s Wine and Champagne Bar
Opened in 2019 in the heart of Zermatt, this wood-paneled wine and champagne bar channels the spirit of the golden twenties. First-class wines and Champagnes are complemented with a small, refined selection of international and Swiss delicacies, like escargot with homemade herb butter, mouth-watering bison filet, and the best lobster spaghetti in the Alps.
Manud
The passion project of three female entrepreneurs (all of whom hail from the same family), Manud is a warm, welcoming addition to the Zermatt culinary scene. The café-style eatery serves breakfast and Asian-inflected lunch and dinner, with options like tom kha curry, Thai cabbage salads, and tofu banh mi. The homey space is also stocked with items to go, like natural wine, coffee from Zurich’s Blasercafé, and Swiss gin.
Aroleid Restaurant
This community-centric restaurant is located right next to the ski slopes, making for easy eats on powder days. But it’s not just about the food: this remodeled bi-level chalet also brings together a ground-floor ceramics studio, an on-site coffee roastery, and community programming ranging from yoga classes and live music to weekend BBQ feasts. And while you’ll be tempted to try their 14-day cured pastrami salad or their crispy confit duck leg, Aroleid also has a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
December 6th, 2023
Leader in luxury travel forges ahead with long-term strategy encompassing selective expansion, exceptional experiences, and a laser-focus on its brand, environmental and social initiatives.
End of 2023 marked with the acquisition of Hacienda Katanchel, a 17th century estate in Yucatán
DECEMBER 6, 2023 – Belmond, a visionary leader in luxury travel, has outlined the blueprint for what it expects to be a “year of transformation” in 2024. Marking the close of 2023 with the acquisition of a 17th century estate in Mexico, the brand is announcing plans for 2024 that include the selective expansion and enhancement of its portfolio with heightened focus on train travel, the development of new exceptional experiences and a deeper focus on its environmental and
social responsibility.
Dan Ruff, CEO, Belmond, said: “Long before experiential travel became a buzzword, Belmond, through our diverse portfolio of hotels, trains, boats and safaris, has offered one-of-a-kind experiences that are rooted in authenticity.
With our purpose to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, we will continue to push boundaries. 2024 will be a year of transformation as we further seek out remarkable properties, exceptional journeys and experiences, especially to cement our leading position in train travel. We will celebrate local culture, launch new experiences that connect our guests to the art of travel, curate contemporary culture and go even deeper with our environmental and social responsibility efforts.”
SELECTIVE EXPANSION AND ASSET REJUVENATION
MEXICO
Reinforcing its cluster in Mexico, Belmond has acquired Hacienda Katanchel, formerly a hacienda dating back to the 17th century situated near Merida, Yucátan. In the Mayan language, Katanchel translates to “‘where one asks for the arch of heaven,” a name that alludes to the site’s past as an astronomic observatory. With an expanse of 220 hectares, the extraordinary estate is home to a cenote (underground river), a sacred well, native flora and fauna, and the remains of an ancient Mayan pyramid, in addition to the historic hacienda. The rich and lush vegetation, the property’s history and the many vivid cultural expressions of the Yucátan peninsula all come together at Katanchel to create the setting for what will become Mexico’s one of the most beautiful hacienda hotels. Katanchel, A Belmond Hotel, is planned to open in 2027 with 35 independent suites upon completing a comprehensive restoration program.
The acquisition of Katanchel strengthens Belmond’s commitment to Mexico, joining three other distinct properties: on the Caribbean coast, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Rivera Maya, re-opened in August 2023 following a complete renovation; in the country’s heartland, Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, a former convent built in the 16th century in San Miguel de Allende; and on the Pacific Coast, Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit, that will open in 2025 after being conscientiously and sensitively built from the ground up.
ITALY
Belmond continues to strengthen its presence in Italy, where it operates ten iconic properties. In 2024, Belmond will expand to Sardinia with Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda. Sardinia’s original beach hotel will offer 100 guest rooms including suites and villas, two shimmering blue pools, an array of exceptional restaurants and new experiences that invite guests to experience villeggiatura set in the heart of Costa Smeralda’s most picturesque coastline.
The multi-year renovation of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, designed by Martin Brudnizki Studio, will complete its second phase and re-open for the 2024 season with new guestrooms, joining the swimming pool, Splendido Grill restaurant and the Baronessa Suite that have been revealed in 2023.
SLOW TRAVEL – NEW ROUTES, NEW SUITES, NEW EXPERIENCES
A trailblazer in slow travel experiences with a legacy of leadership spanning over four decades since the launch of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 1982, Belmond will propel its pioneering approach as it introduces new routes, new suites and new experiences across its six trains and seven barges in response to growing demands for more Belmond slow travel journeys around the world.
Southeast Asia’s legend of the rails Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, announces the appointment of Chef André Chiang as its new chef. Having worked in some of the most decorated restaurants in the world, including his two-Michelin-starred eponymous Restaurant André in Singapore, Chef André will elevate and devise every aspect of the dining experience including the ambience and atmosphere of the two on board restaurants, Adisorn and Malaya. Eastern & Oriental Express is set to return in February 2024 with two seasonal routes out of Singapore that take in the beautiful landscapes of Malaysia.
For the first time in its history, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe will embark on a new journey connecting two iconic destinations: Paris and Portofino; the sojourn will continue at Splendido where the train’s Chef, Jean Imbert, will host a Gala Dinner. Due to popular demand, the legendary train will also add a second Paris to Istanbul return journey, in addition to its regular August itinerary. Its first alpine journey will head to the French Alps on December 21, 2023, and it will be repeated in December 2024. Following the huge success of the introduction of Grand Suites and Suites onboard the train, eight new Suites will join the rake in 2024, bringing a total of 16 Suites and 6 Grand Suites to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland, will also see the launch of two new Grand Suites designed by Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer in May 2024. The brand-new Grand Suite experience on board Royal Scotsman will include a pampering spa treatment per person in the lavish Dior Spa, which was unveiled in April 2023.
The iconic British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England will elevate its dining offering with the launch of The Carriage Club Dinners in May 2024, a series of immersive evening journeys combining decadent dining, fine wines and entertainment.
In Peru, the two Belmond trains, namely Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer, the country’s first and only luxury sleeper train, along with Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel in Cusco welcomed Peruvian-born Jorge Muñoz as Executive Chef. In 2024, Jorge will unveil new culinary creations that tell the story of an exploratory journey through the coast, highlands and jungle of Peru. Hiram Bingham, the iconic train which has been taking guests on exquisite journeys from the Sacred Valley to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The official launch of Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne, in April 2024 will welcome guests to the latest addition to its fleet of river boats gliding across the scenic canals of France. Designed by French architects Humbert & Poyet, this intimate river boat features three cabins, an indoor salon with a bespoke champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck with open-air kitchen and dining area. Coquelicot will partner with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive experiences. These include a four-hand private lunch by Maison Ruinart’s Chef In Residence, Valérie Radou, and Coquelicot’s Head Chef as well as a private guided tour of the historic Taissy vineyard.
CURATOR AND PUBLISHER OF CONTEMPORARY CULTURE
Belmond has spent the last few years building stronger property brands across its portfolio. With each property’s legacy deeply rooted in the destination, the property-first strategy respects their distinctive identity, allowing them to honor their past and celebrate their contemporary culture. 2024 will see more milestones being celebrated as Cape Town’s iconic pink hotel Mount Nelson commemorating its 125th anniversary as well as the 40th anniversary Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire. Belmond will also continue its global brand campaign “Belmond Legends” showcasing fourteen of its iconic properties through a contemporary photography series as seen by acclaimed artists.
In parallel, Belmond is committed to deepen its commitment to the culture and arts communities around the world, whilst enriching guest experiences. The brand will launch a third edition of MITICO, a contemporary art installation series in partnership with Galleria Continua. The new edition of MITICO will see large-scale in-situ works by globally renowned French
conceptual artist Daniel Buren on the captivating grounds of six Belmond hotels; Copacabana Palace, Mount Nelson, Hotel Cipriani, La Residencia, Villa San Michele and Castello di Casole.
CRAFTING SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL, SHAPING TOMORROW’S HERITAGE
With environmental and social sustainability serving as a key foundation in Belmond’s strategic plan, Belmond will accelerate its rigorous efforts as it sets ambitious goals to reduce its impact and reliance on natural resources while driving positive change. The brand will launch a pilot program at ten properties which will create tailored and actionable roadmaps for them to meet the rigorous LVMH Life 360’s sustainability targets. In parallel, it will implement three flagship projects that focus on increasing the use of renewable energy, drastically reducing freshwater withdrawal and creating a Gastronomy Academy to guide its work in reducing impact in food and beverage.
In the meantime, through a global partnership with EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism, all eligible Belmond properties are set to receive EarthCheck Silver certification by the first half of 2024. This robust benchmarking and auditing process will establish baselines that will be used to measure and improve our performance across energy, water and waste.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Image can be downloaded here
Click here to find out more about Belmond’s 2024 Hot News
For more information, please contact:
Alice Marshall Public Relations
belmond@alicemarshall.com
ABOUT BELMOND
Belmond was born from a passion for connecting discerning travellers with the world’s most remarkable properties, locations and journeys. From hotels and trains to river cruises and safaris, Belmond curates incomparable experiences and crafts unforgettable stories. With a legacy spanning over 45 years, since the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 47 properties spread across 28 countries and territories. Exceptional destinations connected by legendary journeys are the very soul of Belmond, where the path that brings you to a place is as important as the destination itself. A pioneer of slow travel, Belmond has been operating the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. The group later expanded to include pristine beach resorts, such as Maroma on the Riviera Maya, historic hideaways such as Villa San Michele in the Florentine foothills, urbane icons, such as Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and gateways to UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. As proud custodians of storied properties, Belmond is committed to building on the past to create a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working with communities and local talents, together with the world’s most respected chefs, designers and artists, Belmond continues its purpose of perpetuating the legendary art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of the world’s leading luxury group, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).
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December 4th, 2023
Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin to Unveil a Complete Renovation for 2024 Season
Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, overlooking the famous harbor, will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation in April 2024. Drawing on Nantucket’s rich seafaring past and Quaker influence, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into the 29 Cottages, which occupy an enviable perch along the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin.
Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket continues to retain the historic charm lingering from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years beginning in the late-1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its wharves were flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. During that time, 15-20 whale ships would be anchored in the harbor and stacks of oil casks lined each wharf. In 1830, the California Gold Rush played a role in the whaling industry’s collapse on the East Coast, but by 1920, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast. By the mid 1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the wharves. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.
Checking into The Cottages is the closest thing to staying on the water, without being on a boat, nautical soundtrack included. The setting is reminiscent of a seaside village. The individually styled accommodations with names like Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the great whaling ships of the 1700s. A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed ‘Woof Cottages’ will continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations, particularly the bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, will be revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans will remain. All cottages offer full kitchens and most feature private outdoor decks. The accommodations will feature a color palette of inviting tones of deep ocean blue, misty gray and stark white. Caged lighting, nautical charts of Nantucket, brass barometer instruments, rope and jute detailing in the furnishings and carpet, and woven fixtures will inject a dose of contemporary maritime charm while the humble, functional materials hark back to the island’s whaling roots.
An extensive collection of artwork, including 3-D pieces of framed mariners knots, along with other works hand-selected by the hotel’s owners will also be displayed throughout the accommodations. A focal point of the cottages will be a mural that’s handpainted by Sterk and digitally modified to fit in each space. The floor-to-ceiling seascape—which took nearly eight months to create—will stretch across an entire wall and depict a “First Nantucket Settlers” scene, with large-masted sailboats, lighthouses, a distant hamlet, and coastal vegetation brimming with native plants and animals. The mural tradition is deeply woven into the fabric of the island: in the 1800s, owners of whaling ships commissioned murals for their homes.
Amenities will include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. For recommendations on the island’s most pet-friendly activities—including the best places to run free and play fetch, guests can email local insider Bailey, a black lab/Brittany Spaniel mix at petconcierge@thecottagesnantucket.com
To celebrate the renovation, The Cottages is offering a special opening rate starting from $310 per night. High season rates start at $1,250 per night. Starting rates are for one-bedroom Cottages. For more information, visit: https://www.thecottagesnantucket.com/
About White Elephant Resorts
White Elephant Resorts is a collection of premier hotels and resorts on Nantucket, MA and in Palm Beach, FL that specialize in bringing their award-winning combination of service, design, and amenities to today’s discerning traveler. Properties include The Wauwinet, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and home to award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor with the Brant Point Grill; Jared Coffin House, a historic hotel in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Tap Room; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, private waterfront cottages; and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240-slip full-service award-winning marina. White Elephant Palm Beach debuted in November 2020 in Palm Beach, FL with Nantucket-favorite LoLa 41 restaurant. In 2023, The Wauwinet, White Elephant Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach were ranked in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 awards, and both White Elephant Nantucket and The Wauwinet were recipients of Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. TOPPER’s is AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 27 consecutive years.
November 3rd, 2023
Winter is coming! In honor of the festive season, PONANT has designed seven unforgettable voyages in the snowglobe-like worlds of Lapland, the Gulf of Bothnia, and the Baltic Sea to launch during the Winter 2024-25 season. Activities will immerse guests in the frozen beauty of these northern landscapes while setting the festive mood: reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, ice-fishing, Scandinavian Christmas markets, and glimpses of the Northern Lights are among the highlights of these seasonal itineraries.
This all-new 12-day PONANT journey navigates along the jagged coastlines of Norway to the ice-covered reliefs of Spitsbergen in search of the exhilarating spectacle of the Northern Lights. In Lapland, guests will have the opportunity to meet people from the Sami nation, one of the last European Indigenous people. As travelers take photos of the dancing night skies, VIP guest Ian Dawson, a British Photo Ambassador, will share tips and tricks for getting the perfect shot.
One departure in 2024; from October 18-29. More on the voyage HERE.
Dramatic fjords, dolomite cliffs, traditional fishing villages, boreal forests, snow-covered peaks, viewings of reindeer and seabirds — this and more is a part of the experience during this 10-day Polar Nights voyage starting in Lakselv and journeying all the way up to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. VIP guest Ian Dawson, a British Photo Ambassador, will share his tips for getting the perfect shot of the frozen scenery and the Northern Lights. One departure in 2024; from October 29 to November 7. More on the voyage HERE.
This brand-new 10-day itinerary whisks guests to the most enchanting cities along the Baltic Sea, including Stockholm, Gotland, Gdansk, and Helsinki. It’s a magical time to visit, with snow-dusted scenery and the smells of mulled wine, cinnamon, and gingerbread drifting through Christmas markets. Other activities include marveling at gothic and baroque architecture, attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic, and exploring the old town of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two departures in 2024; from December 2-11 and December 11-20. More on the voyage HERE.
On this nine-day trip itinerary, musician Renaud Capuçon and radio presenter Alain Duault will team up with Radio Classique to provide the soundtrack for a one-of-a-kind journey through
Scandinavian cities, little-known archipelagos, snow-capped peaks, and boreal forests in Finland, Stockholm, and the north of the Gulf of Bothnia. Activities might include dog sledding, ice fishing, Christmas markets, and a visit to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi. One departure in 2024; from December 20-28. More on the voyage HERE.
Also in partnership with Radio Classique, this nine-day New Year expedition will sail around the Gulf of Bothnia and the Scandinavian region, with visits to the fairytale towns of Rauma, the church-town of Gammelstad, and the neoclassical city of Oulu. A highlight is embarking to the High Coast archipelago—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and an unforgettable journey among the skerries of the Stockholm archipelago, with an overnight stay opposite the bright lights of the old town. One departure in 2024; from December 28 to January 5, 2025. More on the voyage HERE.
PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 35 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration. The company sails to the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com or call 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.