Belmond unveils an exclusive photography series with four internationally-acclaimed photographers picturing six of its properties and their idyllic destinations.
If you are an avid traveller who is familiar with Europe, you would know that many of the sights that inspire the romance of European wanderlust come from Belmond properties. From Caruso at Amalfi Coast to Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the elusive wonder these idyllic locations evoke are guarded by its exclusivity — what you see on Instagram feeds are perhaps only half the magic these places actually inspire if you were there in person.
That is until Belmond decided to get the professional help of four internationally-acclaimed photography artists — François Halard, Chris Rhodes, Letizia Le Fur and Coco Capitán — to capture these properties in a light that celebrates the unique stories and rich heritage of these destinations. This sees the global luxury brand being brought to life in the contemporary photography space for the first time on a global scale, strengthening Belmond’s long-standing commitment to creative expression.
Pictured above: Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice by Chris Rodes
Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino by Chris Rodes
Carefully chosen for their distinctive approach to light, space, and colour, these four image-makers 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.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice by Chris Rodes
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.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice by Chris Rodes
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.
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca by François Halard
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.
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast by Letizia Le Fur
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.
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast by Letizia Le Fur
Later this year, a further six properties will be 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.
Now that travel season is more than alive and well, consider this a reminder to chase those sunsets from abroad that you’ve been staring at through a screen.
Once you are done with this story, catch up with the rest of our May 2023 issue here.
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