Belmond

Belmond's story began in 1976, with the acquisition of the Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Over the decades that followed, the company built a collection of some of the world's most storied properties and journeys, from grand hotels to legendary trains, intimate river boats and scenic safari lodges. Since 2019, Belmond has been a fully owned subsidiary of LVMH, the world's leading luxury group.

A pioneer of Slow Luxury

Belmond describes its philosophy as Slow Luxury: taking the time to create moments of genuine connection, authenticity and meaning, rather than pursuing rapid expansion. Under chief executive Dan Ruff, the company has focused its investment on renovating and elevating its existing properties, choosing depth over scale in an industry increasingly defined by rapid growth.

Legendary trains and storied hotels

Central to Belmond's identity are its iconic trains, including the Venice Simplon Orient Express, which serve as moving monuments to the brand's heritage as much as a means of travel. The wider collection includes properties such as:

• The Villa San Michele, a historic hideaway in Florence
• Mount Nelson, a national icon in Cape Town
• Hotel das Cataratas, gateway to Brazil's Iguassu National Park
• The Britannic Explorer, England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train, launched in 2025

A global collection, a local soul

Today Belmond operates 43 properties across 24 countries and territories. Each one is run with a strong degree of local autonomy, allowing general managers to shape an experience rooted in the culture and craftsmanship of its own destination, while sharing the same underlying philosophy of connection, authenticity and unhurried, meaningful travel. It is this combination of global scale and local soul that continues to set Belmond apart within the luxury travel industry.

Culture

• Act with Heart: genuine warmth and care in every guest interaction
• Make the Moment: creating experiences that are personal, memorable and true
• Be Remarkable: pride in craft, and room to grow within it
• Rooted in Slow Luxury: valuing time, authenticity and local culture over speed and scale

Human Resources

At Belmond, colleagues are encouraged to share their talents, learn from the best in the industry and achieve genuine excellence in their craft. The Discovering Belmond programme gives team members the opportunity to explore the brand's destinations first hand, alongside competitive salaries and ongoing development.

• Complimentary and discounted travel across the Belmond collection
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• A culture of curiosity and creativity, encouraged at every level