April 2023 - Belmond unveils a new contemporary photography series, ‘Belmond Legends’, to celebrate the unique stories and rich heritage of its remarkable properties and their inspiring destinations, as seen by internationally-acclaimed photography artists. Deeply rooted within the arts community, this new series strengthens Belmond’s long-standing commitment to creative expression, which sees the global luxury brand brought to life in the contemporary photography space, for the first time on a global scale.

For the opening chapter of this new campaign, the exceptional talents of François Halard, Chris Rhodes, Letizia Le Fur and Coco Capitán, each carefully chosen for their distinctive approach to light, space, and colour, were invited to capture the essence of six timeless European ‘Belmond Legends’ including: Hotel Cipriani, Venice; Splendido, Portofino; Villa San Michele, Florence; La Residencia, Mallorca; Caruso, Amalfi Coast and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train.

With camera in hand, the photographers lived the life of the guest – immersing themselves in the heart of each iconic residence to encapsulate intimate, dynamic and authentic moments that provide glances of genuine experiences. The photographs offer a progressive and personal perspective on these already iconic destinations - showing each property in a new light. 

 AS SEEN BY: A NEW LENS ON A TIMELESS EXPERIENCE

For over four decades, Belmond has been crafting exceptional travel experiences with a pioneering spirit and a passion for authenticity. Each property has a story to tell, now captured in a visual journey to rediscover some of Belmond’s most legendary properties, as seen by some of the world’s greatest photography artists. 

British artist Chris Rhodes delved into the daily life of Hotel Cipriani in Venice, capturing a world of timeless glamour and bold energy, where fascinating people indulge in life's pleasures. At the Splendido in Portofino, Rhodes showcases the hotel's exquisite Ligurian glow and effortless elegance, highlighting the enigmatic nonchalance of an ancient monastic retreat turned light-infused sanctuary.

Renowned photographer François Halard's expertise in architecture and interior design shines through in his photographic work at Villa San Michele in Florence. Halard's images evoke the Renaissance majesty and cinematic vistas of this dreamlike destination, while at La Residencia in Mallorca he has captured the hotel's organic energy, sensuous atmosphere and true celebration of island light.

Photographer Letizia Le Fur's mastery of light and colour are on full display in her images of Caruso in Ravello, Italy, creating a bold new take on the hotel's  sense of height and elevation. Her transcendent colours provide a strikingly modern perspective of the Amalfi Coast, balancing the ethereal and graphic to create authentic moments of dreamlike serenity.

Lastly, artist Coco Capitán's photographic journey on the timeless Venice Simplon-Orient-Express captures the intimate and decadent experience of slow travel. Her playful style showcases the opulence and adventure of this legendary train, renowned for its mystical journey through the cultural gems of Europe.

Later this year, the second chapter of the campaign will reveal a further six properties shot through the eyes of more talented photography artists. These include Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina; Mount Nelson, Cape Town; Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Cap Juluca, Anguilla; Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire; as well as soon to reopen Maroma, Riviera Maya. 

 A COMMITMENT TO ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Earlier this year, Belmond unveiled the vibrant photography series, ‘Fotografía Maroma’, to celebrate the much-anticipated summer re-opening of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya in Mexico, in partnership with co-curators Fariba Farshad, co-founder and director of Photo London, and Patricia Conde, founder of Patricia Conde Galeria in Mexico City. Capturing the beguiling beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula by four Mexican artists, ‘Fotografia Maroma’ has exhibited at some of the most important annual art fair events: Art Basel, Miami and ZONAMACO in Mexico City, ahead of its final upcoming appearance at Photo London (11 - 14 May 2023, where Belmond is proud to be the Presenting Partner). The works will end their tour at Maroma, where they will be displayed once the hotel reopens. 

This year will also see the return of ‘MITICO’, a partnership with internationally acclaimed art gallery Galleria Continua, which in 2022 fostered meaningful dialogue between Art and Landscape through inspiring large-scale sculpture. Following the success of the inaugural edition in Italy, new installations will debut at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire; La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca; Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro - and shall return to Belmond properties in Tuscany and Sicily.

To explore the ‘Belmond Legends’ through the visionary artists’ lenses, watch as the visual journey unfolds @Belmond.