Belmond has appointed Tiago Sarmento as Area Managing Director, Mexico, effective immediately.
Tiago takes the new role after successfully holding the position of Managing Director, Southern Africa and General Manager at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. During Tiago’s time at Mount Nelson, the hotel was recognised in the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, ranking 28 and was also named 2024's Best Hotel in Africa. Additionally, during his tenure the hotel was awarded a Forbes 5 Star rating in 2023 and 2024.
As part of Mount Nelson’s commitment to fostering creative spaces, the hotel pioneered the annual CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS Fashion Week which spotlights Africa's most accomplished "slow" fashion designers, fuelling meaningful conversations around sustainable luxury emanating from the continent.
Tiago first joined Belmond in 2016 as General Manager of Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls, he moved on to lead the renovation and strategic opening of Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. Tiago started his General Manager role at Mount Nelson in 2021 and in 2023 he was promoted with the additional responsibility of Managing Director, Southern Africa for Belmond.
Before joining Belmond, Tiago worked at several high-profile hotels and resorts, including as Hotel Manager at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico and General Manager at the former W Vieques.
In his new role he will take on leadership of the Belmond businesses in the strategically important Mexico market. Tiago will have oversight of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Casa De Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel De Allende and any future Belmond projects in Mexico.
Tiago will report to Iain Langridge, Vice President of Global Operations & Divisional Leader for North America, Africa & Asia Pacific.
Iain Langridge comments: “Tiago has had a very successful career at Belmond; he is a natural leader whose passion for providing guests with incomparable experiences is renowned and matched by his commercial drive. He has an exemplary track record of leading Belmond teams to new heights, and he will undoubtedly do the same for the Mexico area.”
Tiago Sarmento added: “It has been an honour to have been the steward for Mount Nelson and our safari lodges in Botswana. I am really looking forward to my next role in Mexico, the country is world-famous for its outstanding landscapes, coasts and rich culture. The Belmond hotels in the area are truly iconic, and I will be privileged to work with my colleagues in Mexico.”
Tiago is a Portuguese national who is multilingual and speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Tiago holds a degree in International Hospitality Management from Glion Hotel School.
