Belmond presents a kingdom of breathtaking contrasts

THE CADOGAN - A STYLISH RETREAT IN LONDON’S CHELSEA NEIGHBOURHOOD

A storied hideaway in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel is situated in the heart of Chelsea with effortless connections to popular districts of Knightsbridge and Mayfair, as well as Central London shopping hot-spots such as Oxford Street and Bond Street. Once a playground for socialites and bohemians like Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry, today The Cadogan celebrates its heritage while offering modern, understated luxury - from a world-class restaurant and tranquil private garden, to quirky design details and in-room libraries, The Cadogan is London living perfected.

On 22 May, The Cadogan launched a long-term partnership with LVMH group’s online platform for vintage luxury fashion - Heristoria. Guests are invited to browse and shop a carefully curated collection of 30 vintage fashion, jewellery and accessories pieces from LVMH Maisons, including Fendi, Christian Dior, Kenzo and Fred. A new ‘Treasure Hunter Service’ has been launched, whereby guests can task the HERISTORIA team to find their loved one a vintage gift that resonates with an important moment, whether it’s a designer piece of jewellery from the year of birth, a timepiece once on the wrist of a loved one or something ‘old’ for their upcoming nuptials. The HERISTORIA team will search for incredible objects with a strong emotional value.

Highlights of The Cadogan’s cultural and events calendar include Chelsea in Bloom, London’s annual botanical festival which decorates the neighbourhood during the famed RHS Chelsea Flower Show week (22-27 May). The Cadogan’s facade will be adorned by a floral tribute to the theme of ‘Film’, by florist to the royal household, Simon Lycett. 

LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS - MICHELIN-STARRED GARDEN GASTRONOMY

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel is a characterful 15th Century manor house hotel surrounded by the rolling Oxfordshire countryside, reached in under an hour from London Heathrow Airport by car and in 1hr 40 mins by train from London Marylebone Station. The British pioneer for outstanding garden gastronomy has been awarded two Michelin-stars for the 39th consecutive year - as well as the Green Michelin star for its commitment to sustainability. The hotel's extensive kitchen gardens, created and developed by founder and Chef Patron, Raymond Blanc OBE, are certified organic by the Soil Association and provide the restaurant with highly seasonal, nutrient-rich, zero food mile ingredients throughout the year. 

In January, chef Luke Selby returned to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons following success at his own Michelin ranked restaurant, Evelyn’s Table, after starting his highly successful career at Le Manoir in 2009. Returning to work with his mentor, together Raymond and Luke have redefined Le Manoir’s classic dishes with a fresh outlook. Alongside his brothers Theodore and Nathaniel, Luke is creating an inspiring, inclusive training ground for young chefs keen to develop their skills in one of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. 

MITICO, an artistic collaboration between Belmond and internationally renowned art gallery Galleria Continua, launches onto the global stage for its second season, presenting works by seven contemporary artists in seven of Belmond’s captivating grounds in Spain, Italy, Brazil and the UK. This July, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons presents Arborexence (2023) a sculptural installation by Loris Cecchini, composed of a lattice of stainless steel that spreads harmoniously over the façade of the hotel. The property is distinguished for its impeccable and idyllic gardens, transforming seasonally, an emblematic representation of nature’s cycles. The artists’ sculptural piece highlights science through its molecular composition, branching out and expanding on the building’s facade, mirroring the ivy’s natural propagation. The sculpture becomes a second skin, tracing, restoring and renewing the building itself.

For 2023, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons will be hosting a series of extraordinary classes and events at both of its acclaimed educational facilities: The Raymond Blanc Cookery School and The Raymond Blanc Gardening School,  which extends its series of half and full day classes for guests and residents to include An Audience with 'No Dig' Guru Charles Dowding, and new classes in cultivating botanicals for cocktail-making and edible flowers to give dinner party dishes an extra flourish, as well as sessions for Little Seed Explorers to get all ages engaged with growing.

Highlight dates for the diary include an introduction to the extensive Rothschild wine collection at nearby Waddesdon Manor, a Bastille Day garden party celebration on 14th July celebrating French culture, Hundred Hills vineyard exclusive estate tour with the owners, and musical evening An Audience with Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Plínio Fernandes. The full programme of events and experiences is here. 

BRITISH PULLMAN - A TIMELESS JOURNEY ACROSS BRITAIN

An elegant Art Deco adventure on the rails, the British Pullman, A Belmond Train departs London Victoria Station for memorable day trips and remarkable dining experiences throughout the year. Within the glamorous surroundings of the lovingly restored 1920s carriages, including one re-designed by world-famous filmmaker Wes Anderson, guests can soak up views of the rolling British countryside as they dine on free-flowing champagne, afternoon tea, and seasonally-created menus by Head Chef, Jon Freeman. 

New for 2023, the British Pullman has launched a theatrical, immersive Moving Murder Mystery experience. The journey, entitled 'Dead on Time', carefully intertwines the train’s illustrious heritage and the great British tradition for a whodunnit in a captivating theatrical production, brought to life with actors from London’s famed West End. The British Pullman also introduces a ‘The Garden of England’ journey which tours the county of Kent while guests dine on seasonal produce from the region’s bountiful farms, small-scale producers and vineyards. 

A highly anticipated element of the luxury train’s annual calendar, the British Pullman will host a guest chef series of intimate dinners by some of England’s most decorated and respected chefs. This year an all-female roster includes Lisa Goodwin-Allen (23 June), Anna Haugh (14 July), Angela Hartnett (29 September), Nieves Barragán Mohacho (20 October) and Sally Abé (10 November), and is presented in harmonious collaboration with esteemed champagne house, Dom Pérignon.

ROYAL SCOTSMAN - A SCOTTISH LEGEND IN MOTION

Departing Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh, the Royal Scotsman is the country’s most luxurious sleeper train, traversing the wild landscapes of Scotland’s highlands. Gliding through untouched natural scenery, the Royal Scotsman captures the spirit of the ancient lands through immersive guest experiences, such as wild swimming, star gazing, forest hiking, and live local musical entertainment. 

New for 2023, the Royal Scotsman proudly unveils a partnership with Parfums Christian Dior to create the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman. In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland, where he famously hosted his much-acclaimed fashion show in 1955, the new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman is housed in one of the train’s plush carriages - the only spa on the rails in the UK. A cocoon of serenity on the rails, the carriage boasts two treatment rooms, styled with Dior’s iconic burgundy ‘toile de Jouy’ motif, and offers guests a tranquil space to unwind and rejuvenate as the train snakes through Scotland's awe-inspiring peaks and dramatic valleys. The new bespoke wellbeing menu features three tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s wellness experts to cater to the specific needs of the train’s guests.

This year will see two new journeys join the schedule: Michelin-starred Chef Tom Kitchin will host 'A Taste of Scotland with Tom Kitchin' (4th to 6th September). A thrilling two-night journey which invites guests to delve deeper into the region’s indigenous produce, Tom Kitchin will showcase his ‘nature-to-plate’ culinary philosophy as the train journeys from Edinburgh to Boat of Garten, Inverness, Dundee and back to the capital. In addition, a three-night 'Highland Survival Adventure' in partnership with WILDNIS (30th June - 3 July), has been designed by former Royal Marines Sergeant, George MacHardy, and hunter and survivalist, Eliza Brown for adrenaline-seekers. Created to connect guests with nature far from the stresses of everyday life, during an exhilarating immersion into the rugged Scottish wilderness, guests will discover inner primordial skills and survival abilities as they become one with the elements.

Looking ahead to 2024, the addition of two ultra-luxe Grand Suites will join the Royal Scotsman rake to create an elevated accommodation category - with living space, double bed and en suite, with interior nods to authentic Scottish textiles and a colour palette inspired by the rugged landscapes passing by the picture-windows. 

To discover more of the Belmond portfolio in the United Kingdom or to book, visit Belmond.com.