Top 2024 Summer Destination: Switzerland

As the “coolcation” trend only gets hotter, Europe’s new summer hotspots are beginning to emerge—and Switzerland is leading the way. Families will want to seek out hotels like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa or La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa and Villa, both of which have robust children’s clubs and kid-friendly programming (wakeboarding school, anyone?). Meanwhile, art-lovers should set their sights on Zurich’s La Réserve Eden au Lac, which is conveniently located near all of the city’s top cultural institutions. No matter your idea of summer fun—from boating and picnics to open-air concerts and mountain hikes—these three iconic Swiss properties are ideally poised for seasonal adventures. Read on!

Jungfrau

A new themed mountain trail with views of Eiger’s North Face (one of the world’s most formidable peaks) is luring active travelers to Switzerland’s Jungfrau region. The perfect base camp for your adventure? The legendary Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, which is located a funicular ride away from the start of the trail. Dating to the mid-1800s, the Belle Époque hotel (the former stomping grounds of Goethe and Lord Byron) has chandelier-lit salons, trickling marble fountains, six tennis courts, and a 5,500-square-meter spa with a vaulted indoor swimming pool and an outdoor saltwater pool. It’s also super family-friendly thanks to its sprawling Bienhuus (Bee House) play facility, where the little ones can partake in dance classes and face painting and make decorative wreaths, beeswax candles, and bracelets. Be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s Radius by Stefan Beer restaurant—which was recently awarded a Michelin Star and a Green Star—where the Swiss chef creates tasting menus with ingredients like wood sorrel and Mirabelle plums sourced within a 50-kilometer radius of the hotel.

Zurich

Zurich is an eminently walkable and bikeable city with an exploding cultural scene. In the summer, the city comes alive with a whole calendar of free outdoor summer concerts ranging from Openair Wipkingen held on the River Linnett to Stolze Openair, the city’s largest free open-air festival. For a fittingly cultured place to stay, look no further than La Réserve Eden au Lac. Designed by Philippe Starck, the lakeside landmark is located strolling distance from the Opera House, the Pavilion Le Corbusier, the Art Nouveau-era Bad Utoquai bathing pavilion, and the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum (look out for masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh). The Swiss city is also renowned for its public art: there are more than 1,000 works by the likes of Nikki de Saint-Phalle and Augusto Giacometti scattered around town. Back at the hotel, guests can opt for Motoscafo boat rides across the lake, picnics in surprise locations, wellness sessions in a floating sauna, and golden hour magic at the hotel’s buzzy Peruvian rooftop restaurant.

Geneva

La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa and Villa occupies a privileged location within a 10-acre park on the lake’s right bank, with views of the Jura mountains. While the property’s 20,000-square-foot Nescens Spa—the city’s largest wellness haven—draws its share of health-seekers, families love the property for its vast wooden playground, interconnected rooms, and seasonal activities ranging from tennis lessons to pastry making to wakeboarding lessons with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Don’t miss the city’s new family friendly attractions like Renzo Piano-designed CERN Science Gateway, located a quick 20-minute ride from the hotel. Swiss wine is a well-kept secret (98% of it stays in Switzerland!), but at the nearby Lavaux vineyards, just 15 minutes west of the city center, guests can sample the region’s famed Chasselas wine and discover the region’s 200+ winemakers!

Gone are the days when family travel was synonymous with piling into the back of an RV for a cross-country adventure. Now, families have their pick of creative vacations that are guaranteed to get everyone engaged, inspired, and (most importantly) off their phones. Tap into the year’s biggest travel trends, like set-jetting, “coolcations” and home-swapping, with these 11 family-vacation ideas designed to get you dreaming — and planning.

Almanac | Aqua Expeditions | andBeyond | Beaumont | Belmond | Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel | Doyle Collection | Dromoland Castle Hotel | Euphoria Retreat | Fife Arms | Gili Lankanfushi Maldives | Hotel Hana | Hôtel La Ponche | Island Outpost | Kalesma Mykonos | Michel Reybier Hospitality | Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa| Nayara Resorts | New Hotel Athens | Nous Santorini | Park Hyatt Japan | The Parker Palm Springs | Ponant | Potlatch | The Roundtree | Royal Mansour Collection | Shou Sugi Ban House | Tenuta di Murlo | UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa | Virtuoso | Visit Napa Valley | White Elephant Resorts

Trend: Coolcation
As travelers look to escape scorching summer heat in search of cooler temperatures, Scotland will only grow in appeal, particularly among comfort-minded families and multi-generational travelers. This year, follow the lead of one of Europe’s most famous families—the British Royal Family—and plan a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, where the Fife Arms serves as the ultimate base for family adventures like foraging, stargazing, creative writing classes, golf tournaments, and more.

Trend: Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes
At the Royal Mansour Marrakech’s just-launched cooking school, guests cook shoulder-to-shoulder with Michelin-star chefs during two-hour classes dedicated to three culinary themes—Moroccan, Italian and pastry—each concluding with an alfresco feast of the final creations. It’s the perfect way to get the whole family involved — and, who knows, it might inspire the kids to play sous-chef back at home.

Trend: Giving Back
Travel really is the best education. At The Roundtree in Amagansett—which was founded by activist lawyer turned hotelier Sylvia Wong—kids learn about the importance of giving back by manning the on-property lemonade stand, on Main Street, where proceeds go toward charitable organizations.

Trend: Wild Feasting
We see your humble family picnic and raise you an outdoor feast surrounded by the rolling hills of Umbria. At Tenuta di Murlo, a family-owned medieval estate, multi-generational groups can enjoy alfresco meals amid 18,000 acres of Umbrian countryside (for scale, Manhattan is around 14,000). The property’s olive groves, grape vines, and biodynamic vegetable gardens will supply the ingredients; all you have to do is bring the whole gang—and your appetite.

Trend: Home Swapping
Guests of Kalesma Mykonos can try out the home-swapping trend without a key exchange necessary by opting for a new summer travel experience that involves visiting a local family homestead and learning about traditional island life. You’ll learn how to knead and bake bread in a stone oven, then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a traditional Mykonian feast.

Trend: Specialty Concierges
Forget setting up dinner reservations. The concierges of the future will provide specialty assistance in ways you didn’t know you needed, making your family getaway smoother and more fun. At the family-friendly Nayara Gardens in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, a sloth concierge is on hand to teach kids all about the lives of slow-moving mammals—what they eat, how they sleep for 15-20 hours a day, and most importantly, how to spot one of these fuzzy creatures in the wild—and the resort’s conservation efforts at the on-site sloth sanctuary.

Trend: Set-Jetting
The ultimate screen-inspired getaway? A cinematic escape to the birthplace of James Bond, obviously! At Jamaica’s GoldenEye, families can stay in the actual two-bedroom villa where Ian Fleming penned the best-selling spy series and where his writing desk still stands. When you’re not diving into the world of 007, families can go SUP boarding in the property’s protected lagoon or kick back with Jamaican Jerk BBQ at the Bamboo Bar on Button Beach.

Trend: Sports Tourism

Travel centered on sports events and culture is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism. We can’t think of a cooler place to dip your toes into the trend than Gili Lankanfushi, a private island eco-sanctuary in the North Malé atoll, right around where modern surfing in the Maldives was born. The resort has teamed up with renowned surfing company Tropicsurf to offer weekly private and group instruction for all ages and levels. Tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds only add to the appeal.

Trend: Skip-Gen
Sorry, mom and dad, but one of 2024’s hottest family travel trends involves leaving the parents at home. The perfect destination for skip-gen getaway? Dublin’s Westbury Hotel, which will delight more mature travelers with its residential-inspired design, museum-quality artwork, and the city’s best afternoon tea (with a dedicated tea sommelier!). There’s plenty on offer for younger travelers too, with a stuffed teddy bear welcome gift, child-sized robes and children’s toiletries, special turndown service with milk and cookies, and “teepee tents” for children under 12.

Trend: Off-Season Deals

During peak season, 90,000 visitors descend on Nantucket, crowding its cobblestone streets and family-owned restaurants. The traffic alone is reason to consider an off-season escape to the idyllic island, where there are hotel rates as low as $145 per night at the historic mansion turned boutique hotel Jared Coffin House as part of White Elephant’s “Hottest Dates, Coolest Rates” package.

Trend: Urban Gardens

Biophilic design is taking over entire cities. In Athens, families can learn about the city’s innovative climate solutions, like the transformation of a football stadium into a vast urban park, before carrying on to Santorini for a stay at NOUS, the island’s largest resort, which has been designed to resemble a whitewashed ancient Greek village. Rooms are clustered in distinct “neighborhoods,” and most of the accommodations have their own private pools and large private gardens planted with indigenous grass and shrubs — giving families plenty of room to spread out and reap the benefits of being in nature. Even the spa is ready for little guests with creative treatments for kids.

Where to Go: May 2024

From strolling the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show to playing the Kilted Open golf tournament in Scotland to relaxing on the coast of Sardinia at Belmond’s newest opening, our top destinations for May are below!

London, UK

There’s no better time to stroll through London’s streets than in May when the temperatures begin to rise and the flowers begin to bloom. Everyone says that April showers bring May flowers – London is certainly no exception. The city’s annual Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned event for garden enthusiasts, showcasing breathtaking floral displays and innovative garden designs. Visitors can also learn from expert horticulturalists and explore the latest gardening trends. Stay in the heart of Chelsea at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London. During the show, stunning floral displays will frame the property’s front door and guests are invited to experience various flower-themed offerings including botanical cocktails and a floral-inspired afternoon tea by star pâtissier Benoit Blin. The property also offers early access to London’s oldest botanical garden and private tennis courts in Cadogan Place Gardens year-round.

Costa Smeralda, Italy

Italy topped Virtuoso’s top Honeymoon, Family and Global Destinations lists for 2024 and there’s no better place to experience Italy in May than Costa Smeralda. Located on the island of Sardinia, the coastal area boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes and pristine white sand beaches that have been enjoyed by celebrities such as the Clooneys, the Obamas and Elton John. Luxury hotel brand Belmond is joining the fun with the opening of Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda at the end of the month. The property overlooks Costa Smeralda’s most picturesque coastline and is located on the alluring white beach of Spiaggia Del Romazzino. Conceived by Aga Khan in the 1960s and designed by famed architect Michele Busiri Vici, the hotel cultivated a reputation as Sardinia’s original beach hotel. Upon its reopening as a Belmond hotel, Romazzino will offer enchanting guest rooms including suites and villas, wellness facilities, artisanal experiences and two shimmering blue pools along a stretch of private beach to complete the villeggiatura experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Experience un día perfecto in Barcelona during the month of May with less tourists, milder temperatures and longer days. Stroll comfortably through the captivating Gothic Quarter, take stunning pictures of Sagrada Familia or enjoy line-free tapas at the city’s top foodie spots. Music lovers can get tickets for Primavera Sound, the city’s largest music festival starting on May 30^th with Lana Del Rey, SZA, and Charli XCX on this year’s lineup. Between food, location and experiences, there’s no better place to experience the Catalonian capital than Almanac Barcelona. The property is located just off the Passeig de Gràcia and boasts a rooftop bar with a plunge pool and 360º views of the city, a plant-forward restaurant with a focus on fermented foods and probiotic drink pairings and a solo traveler package for any single travelers.  To keep up with traveler demand this summer, United is launching its new daily flight route from San Francisco in May, marking the airline’s first time connecting the two cities. American Airlines will also join the fun with a new nonstop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to debut in June.

Napa Valley, CA

When travelers think of Napa Valley, they think of wine, but the region also offers a growing vibrant music scene. Come May, this stretch of Northern California will welcome the 11th annual BottleRock, one the country’s top music festivals with artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, The Offspring, Nora Jones and Spanish rock veterans Mana. The three-day event, May 24-26, will have over 75 acts with stars from across half a century of music. In addition to performances, visitors can expect culinary experiences by Michelin-starred restaurants (La Toque and Press to name a few) and vino tastings by Schramsberg Vineyards, Napa Valley’s sparkling powerhouse. (This is wine country after all.)

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

The best way to enjoy Scotland in the summer is wearing a kilt while golfing, obviously. While the first recorded golf game was established in Scotland in the 15^th century, golf enthusiasts can still book a spot at the Kilted Open (May 17-19), an annual tournament celebrating held in partnership with The Fife Arms hotel. Players are encouraged to wear kilts and come with an impressive team name; the best name wins a prize! The first half of the weekend is held at the historic Braemar Golf Club (1902) in the Cairngorms National Park, where players have the chance to swing their clubs while being watched over by golden eagles, stags and other rare wildlife. New this year, guests have the exclusive opportunity to play golf on the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852.  On Sunday, players are brought to the Royal golf course to play nine holes, followed by a BBQ lunch prepared by the Balmoral team using produce from the estate.  The place to stay while enjoying Scotland’s most famous sporting export is none other than the event’s hotel partner, The Fife Arms. A celebratory weekend package is now available and includes a two-night stay, a wine pairing dinner, 9th-hole refreshments, 19^th-hole BBQ and drinks, and more.

Nantucket, MA

Warmer weather and fewer crowds make visiting Nantucket in May the perfect destination for an idyllic island getaway. The highlight of Nantucket in May is the 26th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, a four-day festival taking place from May 15th to 19th. The festival will showcase an impressive lineup of world-renowned winemakers and chefs, as well as tasting events and educational seminars. White Elephant Resorts will sponsor the Grand Cru Festival and host the keynote event, the Grand Tastings, where guests can sample more than 600 different wines from over 150 wineries around the world. For a quiet retreat with no shortage of award-winning culinary options, stay at The Wauwinet on the northeast end of the island. The property is home to TOPPER’s, the consecutive Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” recipient for the past 27 years. It has the largest wine cellar on the island and a multi-million-dollar wine collection. Guests staying at The Wauwinet can tour the cellar and enjoy a wine-paired dinner at TOPPER’s, the perfect pairing with the wine festival. The Wauwinet offers a festival package allowing guests to book the Louis Roederer Wine Dinner curated by Chef Kyle, featuring delightful champagne and Camille ‘Hommage’ varietals [Jetblue and Delta nonstop flights from Laguardia to Nantucket start up again in May for the season].

Park Hyatt Japan – Spring/Summer 2024 News

Spring and summer are among the best times to visit Japan. In addition to Sakura, or cherry blossom season, there are also thrilling outdoor adventures, seasonal art installations, and open-air dining experiences. Guests of Park Hyatt’s properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niseko get front-row access to these—and more. Below, a preview of the spring and summer season, with just-launched experiences and buzzy new city happenings.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

This May, Park Hyatt Tokyo will undergo a renewal carried out by acclaimed design agency Jouin Manku. The new look will offer a fresh, modern take on John Morford’s original design and vision – which fuses art, sleek sophistication, and cocoon-like serenity – while retaining the soul and essence of its DNA, heritage, and original design. Park Hyatt Tokyo will keep what has become familiar and iconic over the past three decades and evolve the facilities and services to keep up the standards of luxury to which it has always been held.

Guests who visit before the property’s year-long closure can look forward to a spate of delicious new developments. These developments include the appointment of a new Chef de Cuisine, Ben Wheeler, at New York Grill & Bar, which will also host a culinary takeover by Chef Santiago Aristizabal, who is the Executive Chef for Rockpool Bar & Grill overseeing all three restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, from April 25-18. Both chefs will create three courses each, totaling a six-course menu with a wine pairing for guests to enjoy at JPY 50,000++ per person (as of today, around $338 USD).  It’s the perfect time to visit, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the recent unveiling of Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills district – the city’s most futuristic neighborhood – encompassing nearly 20 acres of green space, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, a temple complex, and a contemporary art gallery which is just a 15-minute drive from Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Also not to be missed this year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building next to Park Hyatt Tokyo will display the world’s largest projection mapping display from February 25th through April. Shows will begin at 7:00 p.m. each night and be played at half-hour intervals. The display will be around 138 yards tall and 120 yards wide.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

It may be Japan’s foremost ski resort, but Niseko is also a true year-round adventure playground. This summer, guests of Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono will be spoiled for choice of outdoor activities: ocean fishing, rafting down the Shiribetsu River, e-biking through Niseko’s forest, and much more. There’s plenty to do for little adventurers too, like firework displays, indoor rock climbing, and a suspended tree walk with views out to Mount Yotei.

Golfers can tee up at the Hanazono Golf Course, an 18-hole link set around the base of Mount Yotei and spanning trickling creeks, white birch forests, with views of the surrounding Annupuri mountain range. Guests can sign up for the “Stay & Play Golf Package,” which includes one round at the course (green fee, cart fee, golf tax included), a Pierre Hermé Paris chocolate golf gift, one complimentary glass of champagne per guest at THE BAR, complimentary breakfast, and more.

For the third year, the resort will activate the art installation “Mountain Lights” by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Returning to Niseko on July 1, the installation blankets the foot of Niseko Annupuri Mountain in 180,000 shimmering fiber-optic plumes of light. Guests staying at Park Hyatt Niseko for two or more nights between July 1 and October 14 will enjoy complimentary tickets to the installation.

The Hanazono Zip World – East Asia’s longest zipline – will also reopen for the season in mid-March. Stretching 1.6 miles from the base of the resort halfway to the peak of the Niseko United ski mountain, the zipline allows guests to soar over the forested mountains at speeds around 70 miles per hour on the Black Diamond Superfly, with views of Hokkaido’s Mount Yotei. With two ziplines set side by side, guests can fly across the sky with their friends and family.

This year also marks the 90^th anniversary of Nikka Whisky Distillery, a world-renowned artisanal spirit brand launched in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. In celebration, ParkHyatt Niseko Hanazono will launch an exclusive Whiskey Tour package that will include two-night accommodation, a tour of the brand’s Yoichi Distillery to meet a master blender, a BBQ dinner with whiskey pairings, and a unique blending activity.

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Guests of Park Hyatt Kyoto have specialty access to one of the city’s top UNESCO sights. Upon arriving at the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple in the wooded hills of the city, guests will be greeted by a head priest who will lead them around the temple, guiding them to areas not typically open to the public, and delivering a private sermon. The religious site is especially popular during cherry blossom season; the wooded area is overtaken by white blooms along with maple and cherry trees.

On property, guests can enjoy Japanese tea pairing at the exquisitely renovated KYOYAMATO, a traditional ryotei Japanese restaurant run by a seventh-generation Kyoto family, complete with the Edo-era Soyotei ­­teahouse. There, guests can enjoy an exclusive lunch and tea experience amid ancient hanging scrolls and tea bowls made by master craftsmen. Or, they can enjoy an evening of traditional Geiko dancing and Michelin-starred dining in the airy tatami room, which can be completely opened to let in the night air, with views of the Yasaka Pagoda. Alternatively, guests can opt for a private cocktail experience in the Soyotei teahouse, enjoying a total of five creative concoctions inspired by the venue and created especially for the event by the head bartender at the Kohaku Bar.

For off-property excursions, a private car can whisk guests to areas off the beaten track, recommending “hidden” temples, shrines, gardens, and more.

AM/PM News / January 2024

2023 might be behind us, but we are mindful that global news will continue to have an impact locally and beyond borders. We hope that the new year brings health, peace, happiness – and if we can add a bit of joy through travel, that would fulfill our wish for 2024.

We will continue to focus on news from our favorite destinations, hotels, resorts, trains and ships. Have ideas, thoughts and opinions on what you’d like to read more (or less) about? Drop us a line and let us know.

Destination of the Month: London

Visiting Britain’s capital is exciting no matter what time of year, but this year, the city bursts into 2024 with particular panache, especially when it comes to art and culture. The acclaimed show “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” (through Feb. 25 at the V&A) is sold out, but The Kensington has a special package that grants guest two tickets, as well as a coffee table book about the style icon who famously said, “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” One presumes the late French designer Thierry Despont would have agreed with this sentiment. Under his tutelage, The Beaumont, one of Mayfair’s most stylish addresses with 29 new rooms and a revamped top suite, The Roosevelt, with gorgeous, Art Deco-inspired interiors.

Across town in the heart of Chelsea, meanwhile, at the Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, star pâtissier Benoît Blin has infused that classic tradition of British tea with signature French flair and a focus on seasonality and unique flavor profiles (look for a la religieuse, cream-filled choux buns that have, incidentally, been a favorite challenge on The Great British Bakeoff). For arguably even more intrigue than even a competitive baking show, L’oscar, the Michel Reybier Hospitality Collection’s boutique property, takes the concept of hotel-as-theater to a new level. Housed in a Baroque-style, Grade-II listed former church, the hotel was reimagined by impresario Jacques Garcia, a lover of dark velvets and mirror-gilded interiors.

If more high-drama is what you’re after, then get thee to the Donmar Warehouse where David Tennent (Dr. Who for fans of his big-screen persona) is busy bringing down the house in the Scottish play. For guaranteed tickets to this show, check in at The Bloomsbury, housed in a redbrick Edwin Lutyens-designed building and infused with literary spiritedness, particularly in the Seamus Heaney Library, home to many first editions and 20th-century classics. The “Macbeth Package” (available until Feb. 10) includes dinner and bubbly for two—useful fortification prior to seeing this intense production.

And if all this urban stimulation has you hankering for a jaunt into the British countryside, mark your calendars: in February, the lovingly restored British Pullman, A Belmond Train, will reprise its extremely popular Moving Murder Mystery experience (calling all sleuths) and, later in the month, travel to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire for a sumptuous lunch at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant there.

ampr Quiz: And the Oscar Goes To…

…well, we don’t know yet but for movie buffs, these film lore–infused hotels should be on your radar. Can you guess the hotel or resort described in the hints below?

1. This property is where Bob Marley recovered following his attempted assassination in the 70s, an event that will be depicted in the soon-to-be-released movie, One Love.
2. This languorous movie released in 2003 was set largely in a designer hotel and put director Sofia Coppola and the actress Scarlet Johannson on the map.
3. The top suite at this hotel on the Italian Riviera honors Ava Gardner, who stayed here while filming Barefoot Contessa.

[A: Island Outpost’s Strawberry Hill in Jamaica B: Lost in Translation, shot at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. C: Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, in Portofino]

Newsflash: Global Hotel Guide for Design Lovers

A new year equals new design resolutions, and where better to gather inspiration than on the road, at those brilliant hotels that pull off that delicate balance between comfort and style. Here are four to keep top-of-mind as you re-envision the places you call home.

• For Cool Hunters: UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa | Brazil

This passion project of Wilbert Das (the former Creative Director of Diesel) has grown in scope since it opened in 2009, but at its core, the 13-casa property remains true to its founding principles, committed to sustainability and community impact, as well as cutting-edge design. Its “five-mile radius” philosophy includes all materials, resulting in ultra-creative, locally made furniture and fixtures. Case-in-point: the much-copied eucalyptus shower heads that are stylish and sustainable.

• For Art Lovers: NEW Hotel | Athens

Designed by powerhouse Brazilian duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, this hotel is a marvel of modernity. Look for artworks by heavyweights such as Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger (owner Dakis Joannou is one of the world’s leading collectors of contemporary art) as well as the Campana Brothers’ iconic furniture designs, including their Favela chair.

• For Artisans: Royal Mansour Marrakech | Morocco

Located inside the walls of the medina, this hotel remains a show-stopper of a master class in Moroccan architecture, artisanship and gardens. 2024 will see a sister property opening in Casablanca, creating an exciting duo destination for style aficionados and culture seekers.

• For Modernists: The Parker Palm Springs | California

Mark your calendars for February’s Modernism Week (Feb 15-25) when the city of Palm Springs will host a show with more than 100 dealers, as well as open up iconic homes for tours, talks and events. There is no better place to stay than The Parker Palm Springs, the Jonathan Adler–designed desert oasis set on 13 acres. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a 1960s-era movie set, with throwback glamor, a fabulous restaurant and sexy adults-only swimming pool. In short, a great spot from which to ponder all your design goals for 2024.

Trending: Worth the Long Flight

Let’s face it – the days of glamorous air travel are long gone (unless you can secure a seat in the revamped first classes of a handful of airlines). Luckily, there are also those destinations that transport you as soon as you step off the plane, blissfully overwriting the memories of any discomfort in the getting there. Here are five of these memory lapses.

Bhutan: Go for…the newly opened andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, with six tented suites and incredible access to experiences like rafting, kayaking and hikes with a backdrop of the Himalayas. Getting There: Direct flights from New Delhi, Bangkok (and others)

Maldives: Go for…Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, an eco-luxe resort with a serious angle on sustainability, as evidenced in chef Hari Govindaraj’s comprehensive plant-forward menus. Thanks to a proliferation of activities as well as serene spaces (like the stunning spa), Gili Lankanfushi is great for honeymooners/couples and families. Getting There: Direct flights from Dubai, London, Frankfurt, Bangkok (and others)

Japan: Go for…some of the world’s best snow and skiing, including thirty miles of trails. The ultimate ski-in/ski-out hotel — Park Hyatt Niseko — has suites with terraces and private onsens (hot springs) for soaking in the panoramas. Getting There: Sapporo (the closest airport) is serviced directly from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul Taipei and Hong Kong (among others)

South Africa: Go for…rediscovering what’s new in Cape Town, an evolving art and fashion city, and check in at the soon-to-turn 125 years Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. The hotel’s afternoon tea is legendary, in part thanks to Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first expertly-trained tea sommelier who helps select among 60 different varieties. Getting There: Direct flights from New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, London, Frankfurt (among many other)

Singapore: Go for…catching the relaunch of the fabled Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, with 15 restyled carriages that feel more like hotel suites than train compartments. Departing from Singapore and with an itinerary that includes snorkeling in Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a trip to the Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s most ancient rainforests at 130 million years. Getting There: Direct flights from London, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo (and many others)

Great Expeditions: Slow Travel

Exploring the world’s most delicate ecosystems requires a light touch, which is why Aqua Expeditions embraces a slow, thoughtful way of travel. Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong travels at a speed of 6-7 knots, allowing for a slow-paced experience. A three-night Mekong Discovery sailing will either head upriver in Cambodia by exploring the Tonle Sap River, or downriver between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh, while a four-night Explorer cruise will sail upriver from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, past floating villages and gilded pagodas. For a deep-dive into the destination, the seven-night Mekong Expedition cruise includes more time on the Cambodia stretch of the Mekong, which is virtually untouched by tourists.

AM/PM Newsflashes:

• Costa Rica: Nayara Gardens, the first hotel of the Nayara Resorts group, will reopen in January 2024 following a complete rebuild of all the accommodations. Newly-named Arenal Casitas will feature a private deck and a plunge pool, with indoor and outdoor showers enveloped in the lush surrounding rainforest (which also happens to be a sloth sanctuary). A spa renovation is also in the works.
• Nantucket: 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 the island’s rich seafaring history dating back to the 19th century, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into 29 Cottages, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom lofts. A dozen of the accommodations, dubbed “Woof Cottages,” will continue to welcome those traveling with pets.
• Greece: Furniture wunderkind Rick Owens has entered into his first-ever hotel partnership with Kalesma, a suite and villa-only property in Mykonos, Greece. Owens’s effortlessly cool work is displayed in the lobby, while the rooms feature original artwork by Serbian artist Aleksandar Vac, whose ceramics evoke traditional Cycladic minimalistic forms.

FROM PARIS TO PORTOFINO: VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS, A BELMOND TRAIN, EUROPE LAUNCHES NEW COASTAL JOURNEY TO THE ITALIAN RIVIERA IN 2024

DECEMBER 2023 – Launching in June 2024, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe will travel to the Ligurian coast for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting the two iconic destinations of Paris and Portofino. This new, annual overnight journey will see the train winding through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Riviera, concluding at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, where guests will reside for two nights. Steeped in history and glamour, Splendido offers a cinematic escape perched in the hills overlooking Portofino. Here, Jean Imbert, the legendary train’s renowned Michelin-starred chef, will host a special culinary evening with a bespoke tasting menu – a gastronomic ode to this new voyage. The three-night experience, June 20-23, 2024, will start at £7,920 (approx. $8,525.09 USD) per person based on double occupancy.

A COASTAL TRAIN RIDE CONNECTING TWO CULTURAL LEGENDS

As the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departs Paris on Thursday, June 20, guests are invited to step aboard and soak up the Art Deco ambiance of their accommodation of choice. With the recent addition of eight new Suites, the train now offers a trio of cabin categories to suit every traveler: the Historic Cabins where a daytime lounge magically transforms into cozy upper and lower berth beds; lavish new Suites offering twin or double beds with marble ensuite bathrooms; and Grand Suites — six vast private suites, each taking inspiration from Europe’s most alluring cities: Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. After settling in and enjoying a French goûter in their cabins, guests will gather in Bar Car ‘3674’ for handcrafted cocktails and live music by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ resident pianist. As the train winds past the cities of Dijon, Lyon and Avignon, a new summer menu by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert will be served in restaurant cars Côte d’Azur, L’Oriental, and Étoile du Nord. Accompanying each course are handpicked wines from the train’s extensive collection, an homage to Europe’s finest appellations. After dinner, it’s back to the iconic livery of Bar Car ’3674′, where drinks will flow and The Uppertones – an energetic three-man-band of trombone, vocals, piano, and drums playing Swing, Boogie and Calypso tunes, will play long into the night.

The next morning, an indulgent continental breakfast will be served in the privacy of the cabins, to the backdrop of spectacular coastal views as the railway connects France with Italy, moving past the famous towns of Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo. As the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express crosses the Italian border, guests can admire the vibrant cities of Ventimiglia, Savona, and Genoa — the former capital of one of the world’s most powerful maritime republics. In this final leg of the journey, a delicious brunch will be served before arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure where the train experience ends and the Italian sojourn continues at Splendido.

HOLLYWOOD SPIRIT MEETS ITALIAN GLAMOUR

A former 16^th century Benedictine monastery perched in the lush Ligurian hills, Splendido offers the perfect continuation of this summer sojourn. From Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23, guests will indulge in the ultimate Villeggiatura — soaking up the sun at the hotel’s recently redesigned salt-water swimming pool, with unrivalled views of the Gulf of Portofino. These vistas can also be admired from the glamorous rooms and suites inspired by the noble Palazzos of the region; the terraced gardens surrounding the hotel; as well as the two resident restaurants – the newly launched Splendido Grill and the renowned open-air, La Terrazza.

On Friday, guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu by Chef Jean Imbert at La Terrazza, specially curated in celebration of the new journey, followed by after-dinner drinks in the cocktail bar, inviting guests to step into the footsteps of legends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart and Liza Minelli.

For the grand finale of this three-night experience, guests are invited to experience the cinematic soul of Portofino with a private film screening under the stars on the iconic “Piazzetta” — the very heart of the port town, surrounded by the vibrant tapestry of colourful fishermen houses, and where Splendido’s sister hotel, Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, resides.

Prices start from £7,920 per person (approx. $8,525.09 USD) based on two guests sharing a Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and a Garden View Room at Splendido. The price includes an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (24h steward service; all meals with sommelier’s choice of wine and unlimited soft drinks), two nights at Splendido on B&B basis, a bespoke dinner by Chef Jean Imbert at La Terrazza, and transfers in Paris and Portofino. For more information, please click here.

ENDS

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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INSTAGRAM: BELMOND VSOE

Beyond the Ski Slopes, Zermatt is Sizzling as a Culinary Destination

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.

BELMOND UNVEILS BLUEPRINT FOR A YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION

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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