OCTOBER 2023 – Launching this month, Belmond unveils the second chapter of its contemporary photography series, ‘Belmond Legends’: celebrating 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, the series strengthens Belmond’s long-standing commitment to creative expression, which sees the luxury brand brought to life in the contemporary photography space, on a global scale. 

The exceptional talents of Jalan and Jibril Durimel, Thomas Rousset, Rosie Marks, Jeano Edwards and Jack Davison, each carefully chosen for their distinctive approach to light, space and colour, were invited to capture the essence of five ‘Belmond Legends’ including: Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire; Mount Nelson, Cape Town; Cap Juluca, Anguilla; and Maroma, Riviera Maya. 

With camera in hand, the photographers immersed themselves in each iconic residence to encapsulate intimate, dynamic and authentic moments that provide a glance into genuine guest 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.  

CHAPTER TWO: LAUNCHING NOW 

Twin brothers and photographer duo Jalan and Jibril Durimel capture the hedonistic past and present of Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. Born to French-Caribbean parents in Paris, their international career has seen them shoot campaigns for the likes of Wales Bonner and Louis Vuitton, drawing inspiration from their diverse upbringing and exposure to different cultures and cinematic influences. Each image in the series is an ode to Copa’s storied history: the people that make Copacabana Palace are the protagonists of the composition and the palace is their playground. The Durimel brothers’ portrayal of the Copa is relaxed, refined and seductive, their palette imbued with sandy browns and a sun-kissed haze, evocative of the city. 

Artist Thomas Rousset depicts the symbiotic relationship between the exterior and interior world at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. A constant exchange of ideas and storytelling – with a surrealist twist – is reflected in every photograph. Rousset, who lives and works between Lausanne and Paris, blurs the boundary between photography and painting, highlighting the abundant gardens and playful gastronomy synonymous with Le Manoir. Rousset’s approach is avant-garde and innovative, reflective of the property’s spirit, as he flirts with the limits of everyday life and imagination; fairy tales and realism; work and play. 

British photographer Rosie Marks reveals the hidden details and lesser-known rituals that take place at Mount Nelson with a palette abundant in colour. She has created imagery and films for Martine Rose, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs and at Mount Nelson, she presents the viewer with a series of micro-dramas that unfold in the luscious grounds: her subjects unguarded, trusting and genuine. Marks’ lens gives a depth and soul to the iconic pink hotel, with an almost Alice in Wonderland-like intrigue. 

Jamaican-born filmmaker and photographer Jeano Edwards’ images of Cap Juluca are an ode to nature and tranquility, where the ephemeral light of Anguilla is a focal point. His photography captures the dynamic, ever-changing light on the island: from the vivid hues of midday sunshine to the soft, hypnotic tones and metallic notes of dawn and dusk. Throughout the photos, Cap Juluca’s Moorish architecture is abstracted and bathed in light: each image is a peaceful moment. Edwards, a sensitive documentarian, presents a quietly mesmerizing tribute to Cap Juluca and the island of Anguilla. Edwards has collaborated with Wales Bonner for many years, exploring the notion of home and belonging. 

British photographer Jack Davison brings his deft use of light and shadow, almost painterly in quality, to Maroma. The notion of ‘feeling versus seeing’ drives Davison’s interpretation of the property. Corn is elevated to something majestic; the carved stucco architecture is playfully explored; and the faces of Maroma take centre stage, welcoming the spectator in. Davison contrasts bold, saturated colours with silvery, monochrome notes, reflecting the synergy between the jungle, the ocean and the spiritual experience of the Riviera Maya. His documentation of Maroma is sensual and jovial, and the viewer feels the energy of the newly-reinvigorated property coming back to life, its beating heart vibrating in every image. Largely self-taught, Davison has collaborated with Marni and published several books that are testament to his curious spirit. 

CHAPTER ONE 

The inaugural Belmond Legends launch in April 2023 showcased the work of Francois Halard, Chris Rhodes, Letizia Le Fur, and Coco Capitan who photographed six timeless European properties: Hotel Cipriani, Venice; Splendido, Portofino; Villa San Michele, Florence; La Residencia, Mallorca; Caruso, Amalfi Coast and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe. 

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. 

A COMMITMENT TO ARTISTIC EXPRESSION 

Earlier this year, Belmond unveiled the vibrant photography series, ‘Fotografía Maroma’, to celebrate the much-anticipated August 2023 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; ZONAMACO in Mexico City; and Photo London where Belmond was proud to be the Presenting Partner.   

This year also saw the return of ‘MITICO’, a partnership with internationally acclaimed art gallery Galleria Continua, fostering meaningful dialogue between art and landscape through inspiring large-scale installations. This series took place at La Residencia, Mallorca; Villa Sant’Andrea and Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina; Castello di Casole and Villa San Michele, Tuscany; and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire.  

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