Global design news from Belmond 

1. VILLA BEATRICE: THE ITALIAN RIVERIA'S MOST SCENIC PRIVATE VILLA, DESIGNED BY MARTIN BRUNDNIZKI, LAUNCHING IN JULY 2025

Perched on a private spit above Punta Caiega, on the Gulf of Portofino, between the Ligurian coastal hamlets of Paraggi and Portofino, this masterfully restored family palazzo offers a panoramic viewpoint over the Riviera, bringing guests seclusion and intimacy with private sea access. Villa Beatrice was crafted by Tuscan architect Gino Coppedè, blending Gothic Revival with Art Nouveau innovation. Belmond acquired the villa in 2021 and has since overseen its meticulous restoration under Martin Brudnizki’s interior design vision and Marco Bay’s landscape architecture expertise. Villa Beatrice's design identity is a heartfelt homage to Portofino's architectural heritage. The full façade has been carefully renewed to unveil intricate designs and deep terracotta tones, while the villa’s grand arches, windows, and frescoed walls and ceilings have been preserved and uplifted. Hand- blown Murano glass and timber chandeliers hang from the ceiling to add a sculptural quality, and a sense of refinement, alongside antique Ligurian furniture and hand-painted ceramics, adding layers of texture and history.

HOW: Images - Website

3. STUDIO ASHBY REDESIGN VILLA ROBERT GRAVES AT LA RESIDENCIA, A BELMOND HOTEL, MALLORCA, LAUNCHING APRIL 2025

Launching April 2025, internationally acclaimed interior design firm, Studio Ashby embraces the artful spirit of La Residencia in the renovation of Villa Robert Graves, centred on thoughtfully elevating the existing interiors whilst infusing the space with a renewed feeling of spirit and soul. Honouring the Villa’s Mallorcan heritage, select antiques will sit alongside exquisite Spanish pieces and locally crafted elements such as Mallorcan linen drapery, blown glass lamps, and other artisanal pieces. Offering a home to groups of six, with access to La Residencia's amenities only a five-minute stroll away, Villa Robert Graves boasts three double bedrooms, two of which can be reconfigured from double to twin, whilst the dressing room can serve as a nursery. The three floors are fully equipped with kitchen, bar, dining, and living area, complimented by two terraces and a pool. At the heart of Ashby’s work is the art of layering, instilling a medley of strong shapes, vibrant patterns, expressive rugs, characterful antiques and plants across the décor, to make the space come alive.

HOW: Images - Website From £2,920 per night 

4. BELMOND UNVEILS THE BRITANNIC EXPLORER, A BELMOND TRAIN, UK – THE FIRST LUXURY SLEEPER TRAIN IN ENTRAINGLAND & WALES, DESIGNED BY ALBION NORD, LAUNCHING JULY 2025

From July 2025, England and Wales' first ever sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer will celebrate rail heritage, merging tradition with contemporary British culture. The train interiors, led by renowned London-based studio Albion Nord, will set a new standard in luxury design blending British charm, natural hues inspired by the surrounding breathtaking landscapes, heritage motifs and playful details. Each of the train’s 18 cabins will couple sophistication and comfort, offering the three Grand Suites, inspired by British botanicals with playful upholstery, oak panelling, and an apothecary-style bar. Whilst the 15 Suites will be adorned in elegant Rubelli fabric by Luke Edward Hall, reconfiguring from bedroom by night to private dining rooms by day. Each carefully crafted in Britain, with ensuite marble mosaic bathrooms. This is complimented by the vibrant social heart of the train – the Observation, Restaurant and Bar Cars, and England's first and only spa on the rails, the Wellness Suite in collaboration with Wildsmith. Departing from London, the train offers three-night journeys through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

HOW: IMAGES | WEBSITE | From £11,000 for 2 pax, 3-night itinerary.

6. VILLA SAN MICHELE, A BELMOND HOTEL, FLORENCE EMBARK S ON A JOURNEY OF REIMAGINATION, RELAUNCHING SPRING 2026

Belmond is delighted to announce the renovation of Villa San Michele by Luigi Fragola Architects, with a grand reopening for the 2026 season. As an emblem of Italian Renaissance, from its façade attributed to the School of Michelangelo to its surrounding woodlands where Leonardo Da Vinci first attempted flight, this initiative will meticulously safeguard the hotel's historical architecture and gardens. Upon its reopening, 38 completely redesigned, state-of-the-art rooms and suites capture the spirit of the Villa's storied past with renewed elegance and sophistication, elevating the accommodation offering to new heights. At the heart of each room's design lies a celebration of time-honoured Tuscan craftsmanship, thanks to the collaboration with local makers deeply rooted with the heritage of the territory. For the 9,700 sqm gardens, Florentine landscape architecture studio Luca Ghezzi Garden Design will take the helm, restoring and redeveloping the historical aesthetics whilst enhancing the captivating views. The restoration of Villa San Michele underscores Belmond's unwavering dedication to preserving history and culture, once reopen the Villa promises to offer guests an unparalleled sojourn in a timeless retreat immersed in beauty, craftsmanship, and surrounding nature.

HOW: IMAGES | WEBSITE | Bookings live from June 2025 .