This year, Belmond brings to life its world of exceptional travel experiences, through the written word. Cementing its position as an authority on pioneering and inspiring travel stories which celebrate a place and its people, Belmond proudly unveils a series of new publishing projects for 2022: its new in-house magazine, named ‘BELMOND MONDES’, edited by Melinda Stevens, previously Global Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast Traveller, as well as a coffee-table book entitled ‘Villeggiatura’ published by Assouline. 

BELMOND MONDES - THE LEGENDARY WORLD OF BELMOND

‘BELMOND MONDES’ (which translates as ‘Worlds’) draws influence from the company’s distinct pioneering spirit and the richness of its destinations to create an insight to the zeitgeist of today. Tailored to the sophisticated traveller Belmond is shifting the paradigm on what it means to be a travel company, and is expanding our view of what luxury is and how it can be accessed.  

‘BELMOND MONDES’ curates content which breaks through the existing cultural imagination and shifts the paradigm of travel, creating new expectations of luxury. With this, the publication perpetuates the legendary art of travel through share-worthy stories that truly get people talking and inspire the next adventure.  

As the global compass on modern culture, ‘BELMOND MONDES’ taps into the mood of the times through the lens of some of the world’s most renowned creatives. The first edition explores the most captivating and current topics in travel and beyond, with insider analysis and musings from authors such as Geoff Dyer, critic Tom Shone, photographer Henry Bourne, design insiders like Aimee Farrell, writers such as Zanele Kumalo, and actresses like Letitia Clark. Local voices are heard and celebrated for true international coverage, with energy and levity throughout. 

“Belmond’s range and quality is pretty resolute. What’s fun is to encompass that, and push it on into different platforms, helping the brand establish themselves as a publisher with a curious spirit, progressive, fun and uplifting.” writes Melinda Stevens.

The volume of ‘BELMOND MONDES’ will be available complimentary to residents in all Belmond hotels, trains, barges and safari lodge rooms this summer, for guests to pore over during a quiet moment. 

VILLEGGIATURA - ITALIAN SUMMER VACATION

Journey with Belmond to the most-beloved Italian destinations, from Portofino to Florence, from Venice to Taormina, with ‘VILLEGGIATURA : Italian Summer Vacation’. Whether in a state of reverie with sweeping views of the Italian Riviera or wandering the endless rolling hills of Tuscany, this is the intrinsically Italian concept of Villeggiatura - a term defined as a prolonged stay in a single place. An expression at the heart of the Belmond experience, with a deeper meaning, embodying the ability to feel a sense of belonging in a foreign city, an environment for mental and physical regeneration.

Produced by esteemed luxury culture and lifestyle publisher Assouline, ‘VILLEGGIATURA: Italian Summer Vacation’ is a book written for travel enthusiasts in collaboration with lecturer, curator and journalist Cesare Cunaccia. Previously Editor-at-Large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue and the antiques consultant for Architectural Digest Italy. Cunaccia has published a variety of books, particularly on the Italian artistic heritage, which have been translated into many languages.

Cesare Cunaccia writes, “Everyone dreams of living La Dolce Vita: delicious cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, legendary scenes, and cultural treasures. An immersion in a destination in its purest form, a way of life perfectly encapsulated by Belmond’s Italian properties,  where time spent leisurely understanding the local rhythms is of utmost importance. Whether in a state of reverie with sweeping views of the Italian Riviera or wandering the endless rolling hills of Tuscany, this is the intrinsically Italian concept of villeggiatura - a term defined as a prolonged stay in a single place. An expression at the heart of the Belmond experience, with a deeper meaning, embodying the ability to feel a sense of belonging in a foreign city, an environment  for mental and physical regeneration.” 

‘VILLEGGIATURA: Italian Summer Vacation’ invites readers to enter into the Italian spirit of villeggiatura, with Belmond’s Italian portfolio of exceptional, heritage hotels; Cipriani, Splendido, Splendido Mare, Villa San Michele, Castello di Casole, Caruso, Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa Sant’Andrea. “Belmond has drawn a significant map through this kaleidoscopic land of infinite potential. The spirit of these places - their history, wine, craftsmanship, cuisine, music and dialects - underscores their uniqueness and enhances their powers of expression.” - an abridged extract from VILLEGGIATURA. 

‘VILLEGGIATURA’ is available for purchase at Belmond’s Italian hotels, Assouline stores and on Assouline.com.