Belmond, the global luxury travel group celebrated for its iconic hotels and trains, has announced a major slate of openings and redesigns for 2026. Spanning Italy, Brazil, South Africa, France and beyond, the developments cover new spas, refreshed suites, innovative dining and expanded rail journeys.
Revamps, Additions, and New Journeys
Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, reopens on April 28, 2026, after an 18-month renovation led by Florentine architect Luigi Fragola. The 15th-century monastery features 39 redesigned suites and rooms that highlight Tuscan craftsmanship and its hillside views over Florence.
A new Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain debuts alongside nature-focused experiences led by La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin, with the hotel now operating year-round.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice, unveils a Dior Spa and revamped Michelin-starred Oro restaurant in April 2026, both by Peter Marino Architect. The spa offers high-tech facials and holistic therapies inspired by Venetian grandeur. Oro opens for lunch with a new menu by Chef Vania Ghedini under Massimo Bottura’s direction.
In May 2026, Villa Timeo will open near Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina as a 21-room residence redesigned by Laura Gonzalez. Suites provide Mediterranean views and can be booked individually or for buyouts, with access to the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant and a new Dior Spa. Features include a private infinity pool and terrace bar.
Copacabana Palace follows later in the year, unveiling a major transformation in November 2026 centred on the reinvention of its 1948 Art Deco Pool Wing. The wing becomes an all-suite space, each with a balcony, with many overlooking the hotel’s celebrated pool and Copacabana Beach.
Interiors draw on Brazilian craftsmanship to give the building a stronger sense of place, while a new five-floor wellness centre adds depth to the hotel’s offering. A poolside bar, boutique and refreshed Italian restaurant complete the next chapter for this Rio landmark.
From spring 2026, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express launches four-day ‘Villeggiatura by Train’ trips linking to Belmond hotels in Florence, Portofino, Pompeii-Amalfi, and Venice. Itineraries mix rail travel in Art Deco carriages with hotel stays, cooking classes, and wellness rituals. A new Paris-to-Pompeii route debuts.
Belmond’s 2026 Culinary and Cultural Highlights
Belmond’s culinary and cultural offerings will also expand in 2026. The Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia revives its Michelin-starred Culinary Series with Chef André Chiang and three guest chefs.
The Royal Scotsman in Scotland hosts Tastes of Scotland journeys featuring Tom Kitchin and Lorna McNee, while Les Bateaux Belmond adds a Bordeaux itinerary with Chef Dominique Crenn, including winery tours and visits to Armagnac distilleries.
On property, Mount Nelson in Cape Town debuts Amura by Ángel León in December 2025, an ocean-inspired restaurant set in a kelp-themed interior. The Cadogan Hotel in London opens a British bistro in spring 2026, with seasonal menus by Executive Chef Michael Turner.
Mount Nelson also launches the Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House, a concept store and cultural hub showcasing local artistry, in January 2026.
Belmond further extends its storytelling through publishing. The Legendary Destinations series explores Peru and Portofino, while Recipes & Wanderings highlights Mexico’s Bajío region. The As Seen By photobooks interpret properties such as the Copacabana Palace through the lens of emerging artists.
The Photographic Residency Prize supports new talent, with Indian photographer Tara L. C. Sood in residence at Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina Mare in 2026.
Across its portfolio, Belmond continues to champion Slow Luxury, combining thoughtful journeys, wellbeing, cultural engagement, and respect for local traditions. The 2026 openings reinforce the brand’s commitment to immersive, connected travel experiences.
