Belmond Limited
{{short description|Hotel and leisure company}}
{{Promotional|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox company|
| name = Belmond Ltd.
| logo = Belmond_Logo.png
| logo_size = 125px
| former_name = Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.
| type = Subsidiary
| parent = LVMH
| traded_as =
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1976}}
| location = Hamilton, Bermuda[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1115836/000111583618000029/bel-20180930x10q.htm Company 10-Q]
| key_people = Roeland Vos (chairman)
Dan Ruff (CEO)
| industry = Hospitality
| services = Hotels, trains, cruises, restaurants
| revenue = US$ 576.84 million (2018){{Cite web|url=https://craft.co/belmond/revenue|title=Belmond revenue|website=www.craft.co|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009131649/https://craft.co/belmond/revenue|archive-date=9 October 2019|url-status=dead}}
| num_employees =
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.belmond.com}}
}}
Belmond Ltd. (formerly Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.) is a hospitality and leisure company that operates hotels, train services and river cruises and safaris worldwide.{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1115836/000111583616000039/bel-20151231x10k.htm |title=Belmond Ltd. - SEC |website=Sec.gov |access-date=2017-08-03}} In 2024, the company has 47 properties in 28 countries and territories, with 32 hotels, six tourist trains, seven river cruise boats and two safaris.
History
The company was founded in 1976 by the American entrepreneur James Sherwood with the acquisition of the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy, from the Guinness family for £900,000. Sherwood then bought a number of carriages from the original Orient Express train, which he restored and used to offer rides from Paris and London to his hotel in Venice,{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/4edfdc18-fa52-11e8-af46-2022a0b02a6c|title=Belmond's founder deserves his place in its history|website=Ft.com|date=17 December 2018|access-date=22 December 2019}} thus the former name of the company. Much of the history of the company is documented in Sherwood's memoir Orient Express: A Personal Journey.
On 10 March 2014, Orient-Express Hotels Ltd was renamed Belmond,{{cite web|url=http://skift.com/2014/03/17/interview-behind-belmonds-rebrand-of-iconic-orient-express-name/|title=Interview: Behind Belmond's Rebrand of Iconic Orient-Express Name|date=17 March 2014|website=Skift.com|access-date=14 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/orient-express-hotels-gets-a-new-name/|title=Orient-Express Hotels Gets a New Name|first=Shivani|last=Vora|website=Intransit.blogs.nytimes.com|date=14 March 2014 |access-date=14 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140223-900769.html|title=Log In|website=Wsj.com|access-date=14 November 2017}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/video/goodbye-orient-express-hello-belmond-xrN0VmQuTkmW5cK8E~o3SQ.html|title=Bloomberg|website=Bloomberg.com|access-date=14 November 2017}} and on 1 July 2014, Belmond's holding company was also renamed Belmond Ltd.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article78667.html|title=Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. Changes Corporate Name to Belmond Ltd.|website=Hotelnewsresource.com|access-date=14 November 2017}}
In April 2015, Belmond partnered with Irish Rail to launch the train Belmond Grand Hibernian in Ireland.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/orient-express-company-belmond-jumps-tracks-to-ireland-1.2184166|title='Orient Express' company Belmond jumps tracks to Ireland|website=Irishtimes.com|date=22 April 2015|author=Eoin Burke-Kennedy|access-date=22 December 2019}} In July 2016, Indian Hotels Company Limited sold most of its 5.1% stake in Belmond, retaining only 0.44% after the sale.{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/tata-owned-india-hotels-sells-5-1-per-cent-stake-in-belmond-for-49-57-million/articleshow/53010463.cms|title=Tata-owned India Hotels sells 5.1 per cent stake in Belmond for $49.57 million|website=Indiatimes.com|date=2 July 2016|author=Ravi Teja Sharma|access-date=22 December 2019}}
In December 2018, the company agreed to be acquired by LVMH{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/dec/14/orient-express-sold-to-lvmh-owner-of-christian-dior-and-louis-vuitton|title=Orient Express sold to owner of Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton|author=Rupert Neate|date=14 December 2018|access-date=14 December 2018|website=Theguardian.com}} in a $3.2 billion transaction which would delist the company from the New York Stock Exchange and make it 100% privately owned.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} The announcement of the sale led Belmond's share price to increase by 40% in a day.{{cite web|url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/12/14/why-belmond-ltds-shares-jumped-40-today.aspx|title=Why Belmond Ltd's Shares Jumped 40% Today|website=Fool.com|date=14 December 2018|author=Travis Hoium|access-date=22 December 2019}} The deal closed in April 2019.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-23 |title=LVMH buys Belmond hotel group for $3.2 bn, including Machu Picchu and Cusco hotels |url=https://www.peruviantimes.com/23/lvmh-buys-belmond-hotel-group-for-3-2-bn-including-machu-picchu-and-cusco-hotels/31300/ |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=News from Peru - Peruvian Times |language=en-US}}
Belmond has continued to grow its portfolio in Italy. In September 2021, it acquired Villa Beatrice in Portofino.{{Cite magazine |date=2021-12-07 |title=Villa Beatrice a Portofino, il gioiello immerso nel polmone verde del Parco di Portofino |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/it/lifestyle/viaggi/a38436253/villa-beatrice-portofino-lvmh/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |magazine=Harper's BAZAAR |language=it-IT}} In February 2023, the company announced an agreement with Sardegna Resorts S.r.l to manage Romazzino in Sardinia.{{Cite web |last=Hanson |first=Eloise |date=February 10, 2023 |title=LVMH signs management of two Sardinia hotels |url=https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/industry/lvmh-sardinia-hotels/ |website=Boutique Hotel News}}
It has also added a cluster of new properties in Mexico. In August 2023, Belmond re-opened Maroma following a redesign, in which ten beachfront suites were added.{{Cite web |last=Forshaw |first=Irenie |date=2023-08-10 |title=Belmond's Maroma Unveils Extensive Redesign |url=https://elitetraveler.com/travel/hotel-news/maroma-belmond-reopens-after-refurb |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Elite Traveler |language=en-US}} In June 2023 it entered into an agreement with Cora Pacific Development to open Milaroca, a hotel on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in 2025.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Cara |date=2023-06-27 |title=Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit to open in 2025 |url=https://www.sleepermagazine.com/stories/projects/milaroca-a-belmond-hotel-riviera-nayarit-to-open-in-2025/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Sleeper |language=en-US}} In December 2023, the company announced that it had acquired Hacienda Katanchel in Mexico, with a planned opening in 2027.{{Cite web |title=2027 Opening Planned for Katanchel, A Belmond Hotel, Mexico |url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41010413.html |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Hospitality Net |language=en-us}}
In December 2022, Belmond announced a ten-year plan to upgrade its properties, which it had already begun with the renovation of Splendido Mare in 2021.{{Cite web |title=Deux nouveaux directeurs de division chez Belmond |url=https://hospitality-on.com/fr/hotellerie/deux-nouveaux-directeurs-de-division-chez-belmond |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Hospitality ON |language=fr}} Upgrades have included renovations and refurbishments to its trains. In October 2021, Belmond launched a train carriage designed by film director Wes Anderson on the British Pullman train.{{Cite web |last=O'Hare |first=Maureen |date=2021-10-14 |title=Wes Anderson has designed a luxury Belmond train carriage |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/belmond-wes-anderson-pullman-carriage/index.html |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=CNN |language=en}} In 2023, the company also launched a Dior Spa on The Royal Scotsman.{{Cite web |last=Ayling |first=Kim |date=2023-04-12 |title=The Royal Scotsman Introduces Dior Spa Carriage |url=https://elitetraveler.com/travel/experiences-travel/dior-spa-royal-scotsman |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Elite Traveler |language=en-US}}
In 2024, the company returned the Eastern & Oriental Express to service, after the train service was paused during the pandemic.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-19 |title=How LVMH exhumed luxury rail with the Eastern & Oriental Express |url=https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/travel/how-lvmh-exhumed-luxury-rail-with-the-eastern-and-oriental-express-20240416-p5fkax |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}} The company also launched a Dior Spa aboard, and unveiled a sleeper carriage for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, designed by French street artist JR.{{Cite web |last=Chang |first=Rachel |date=2023-07-12 |title=Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express Is Launching New Train Routes to Malaysia's Most Uniques Landscapes |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/belmond-train-journeys-in-malaysia-are-back |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |language=en-US}} The carriage was presented at the 2024 Venice Biennale.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-01 |title=Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Unveils an Over-the-Top Sleeper Carriage |url=https://www.afar.com/magazine/venice-simplon-orient-express-to-get-new-sleeper-carriage |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=AFAR Media |language=en}}
Properties
= Hotels =
| class="wikitable"
! Continent !! Country !! City or locality !! Name | ||
| rowspan="11" |Europe
| rowspan="7" |Italy | [https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/portofino/belmond-hotel-splendido/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Splendido] [https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/portofino/belmond-splendido-mare/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Splendido Mare] [https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/portofino/belmond-hotel-splendido/villa-beatrice/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Villa Beatrice] | |
| Florence, Tuscany | Belmond Villa San Michele | |
| Casole d’Elsa, Tuscany
|[https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/tuscany/belmond-castello-di-casole/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Castello di Casole] | ||
| Amalfi Coast | [https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/amalfi-coast/belmond-hotel-caruso/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Caruso] | |
| rowspan="2" | Sicily | Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea | |
| Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo | ||
| Sardinia
| [https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/costa-smeralda/belmond-romazzino/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Romazzino] | ||
| Spain | Deia, Mallorca | Belmond La Residencia |
| Portugal | Madeira | Belmond Reid's Palace |
| rowspan="2" | United Kingdom | London
| [https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/london/belmond-cadogan-hotel/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral The Cadogan] | |
| Oxfordshire | ||
| rowspan="5" | North America
| rowspan="1" | United States | | Santa Barbara, California | Belmond El Encanto |
| French West Indies | St. Martin | Belmond La Samanna |
| British West Indies | Anguilla | Belmond Cap Juluca |
| rowspan="2" | Mexico | Riviera Maya | Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa |
| San Miguel de Allende | ||
| rowspan="8" | South America
| rowspan="2" | Brazil | Rio de Janeiro | Copacabana Palace |
| Iguaçu Falls | Belmond Hotel das Cataratas | |
| rowspan="6" | Peru | Lima | Belmond Miraflores Park |
| rowspan="2" | Cusco | Belmond Palacio NazarenasAll Cusco and Macchu Picchu Hotels are a 50% Joint Venture with Peruvian shareholding company Peru Hotel Macchu Picchu SA (Peru Belmond Hotels SA) | |
| Belmond Hotel Monasterio | ||
| Machu Picchu | Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | |
| Sacred Valley | Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado | |
| Colca Canyon | Belmond Las Casitas | |
| Asia
| Indonesia | Bali | Belmond Jimbaran Puri |
| rowspan="3" | Africa
| South Africa | Cape Town | Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel |
| rowspan="2" | Botswana | Chobe National Park | Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge |
| Okavango Delta | Eagle Island Lodge |
= Transportation =
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Type | Route | Name |
|---|---|---|
| rowspan="5" | Sleeper trains | London-Venice | Venice Simplon-Orient-Express |
| Scotland | Belmond Royal Scotsman | |
| England - Wales
|[https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral Britannic Explorer] | ||
| Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand & Laos | Eastern and Oriental Express | |
| Peru | Belmond Andean Explorer(since May 2017) In 50% partnership with the Peruvian shareholder company Peruvian Trains and Railways SA | |
| rowspan="2" | Day trains | Great Britain | Belmond British Pullman |
| PeruBelmond has a 50% interest in PeruRail. | Belmond Hiram Bingham | |
| rowspan="2" | River Boats | France | Les Bateaux Belmond (seven canal and river barges) |
==Other formerly operated trains==
- Great South Pacific Express (1999-2003) in Australia between Kuranda, Queensland and Sydney. Its carriages were transferred to the Belmond Andean Explorer after its demise.
- Belmond Northern Belle (2000-2017) in the Central and Northern regions of Great Britain. Sold to West Coast Railways as a new operator.
- Belmond Grand Hibernian (2016-2021) in Ireland. Its carriages were transferred to the Britannic Explorer.
=Restaurants=
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Country | City | Name |
|---|---|---|
| rowspan="1" | United States | New York City | 21 Club |
| rowspan="2" | United Kingdom | Oxfordshire | The Restaurant at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons |
| London | The Lalee | |
| Portugal | Madeira | William Restaurant |
| rowspan="3" | Italy | Venice | Oro Restaurant |
| Taormina | Otto Geleng Restaurant | |
| Florence | La Loggia | |
| Spain
|Deia |[https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/mallorca/deia/belmond-la-residencia/dining/?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral El Olivo] | ||
| rowspan="2" | Brazil | Rio de Janeiro | Mee |
| Rio de Janeiro | Ristorante Hotel Cipriani |
Notes and references
= Notes =
{{reflist|group=note}}
= References =
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Portal|Companies}}
- {{official website|https://www.belmond.com}}{{Finance links historical| name = Belmond Ltd.| sec_cik = BEL}}
{{Hotel chains}}
{{LVMH}}
Category:Hotel and leisure companies based in London
Category:Railway companies of Italy
Category:Railway companies of the United Kingdom
Category:Hotel chains in the United Kingdom
Category:Hospitality companies established in 1976
Category:Railway companies established in 1976
Category:1976 establishments in Italy