Discover Belmond’s Year-End Enchanting Getaways

As the seasons change, reignite your wanderlust and treat yourself to some escapism, discover Belmond’s year-end enchanting getaways. Run away to a place where the evenings sparkle and the sun shines gold. Where buildings, rich with a century of stories, ring with laughter against the lap of the shore. Read on and be inspired by some of Belmond’s most enchanting hideaways. Then contact an Avenue Two Travel advisor to plan your getaway, and live your legend in truly timeless style.

Belmond Reid’s Place

WINTER IN MADEIRA

Beautifully warm year-round, Madeira is the perfect place to celebrate a year-end getaway with some winter sun.

Belmond Reid’s Place has a whole roster of seasonal activities, menus and offers that will entertain the whole family. Join them for a sparkling festive season marked by moments of timeless glamour.

Festivities at Reid’s are taken seriously. From mid-December, the hotel magically transforms into an authentic Christmas wonderland. Every day there’s reason to cheer with Christmas carols, story time under the tree for little ones and cookie-making classes to give guests some festive spirit.

FESTIVE DELICACIES

Warming, hearty treats are on the island’s menus in the cooler months. Keep an eye out for ‘Carne Vinha d’Alhos,’ a festive specialty made with garlic, wine and pork. A spicy honey cake, ‘Bolo de mel,’ is also a seasonal favorite.

Don’t miss the Cozido à Portuguesa. This stew is one of Portugal’s most famous, featuring meats, sausages and vegetables slow cooked to perfection. Why not wash your meal down with homemade liqueur, such as the wine-based ‘tin tan tum’?

A DAZZLING NEW YEAR’S EVE

Funchal’s mountainous setting provides the perfect stage for one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in the world. The pyrotechnic show lasts for about eight minutes, with fireworks being set off from several points in the city. This magnificent spectacle was internationally recognized in 2006 by the Guinness Book of Records as “the largest fireworks show in the world”.

Belmond La Samanna

THE FESTIVE SEASON

From Hanukkah through to New Year’s Day, Belmond La Samanna hosts a series of unmissable festive events. Experience French joie de vivre in the balmy-night air, Christmas Creole delights and beach-bohemian celebrations. Welcome to the holiday season in our heavenly slice of St Martin.

Belmond Cap Juluca

Discover quintessential Caribbean cool at Cap Juluca

Savor a colorful rum punch with a holiday twist under the golden Caribbean sun at Belmond Cap Juluca. Take part in unique Anguillan traditions that trace their roots back through the centuries. Cap Juluca’s calendar of festive feasts and activities a season of celebrations in style.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

APE CALESSINO CHRISTMAS TOUR

Hop into Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo’s festively decorated Ape Calessino—one of Italy’s most iconic vehicles. They’ll escort you on an enchanting tour of Taormina in your contemporary sleigh. As you approach the idyllic hilltop town of Castelmola, a spectacular scene awaits. Gaze out as a magical nativity tableau unfolds along winding medieval roads. This unmissable display is prepared by creative locals every year. Pause at tempting food stalls along the route, where you can sample irresistible festive delicacies.

British Pullman – A Belmond Train

Celebrate the festive season with a luxurious train journey aboard the British Pullman to Winchester’s famous Christmas market

Prepare to take a journey back in time as you relax into the sumptuous surroundings of the iconic British Pullman‘s art deco carriages. Admire the intricate marquetry, woven brass luggage racks and silken lampshades that transport you back to the golden age of travel. Your journey takes you to the medieval city of Winchester, famed for its magnificent cathedral and other historic attractions. Settle into your comfortable seat and enjoy a delicious brunch with a Bellini as the train journeys south.

On arrival in Winchester you are met by your guide, who will accompany you on a short walk takes you to the site of the city’s Gothic cathedral where the Christmas Market and ice-rink are located. Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets, the pretty wooden chalets are full of ideas for Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods. Take time to explore the market and this historic town at this magical time of year.

As you embark on your journey back to London, your welcomed back on board with a glass of champagne. Now it’s time to savour a delectable four-course dinner, accompanied by half a bottle of wine, with coffee shortly before arrival in London.

About Belmond

Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for over 45 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.

Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travellers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 46 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian hideaways such as Splendido in Portofino, or unrivalled gateways to world natural wonders such as Hotel das Cataratas inside Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. From trains to river barges, safari lodges to hotels, each unique property offers an incomparable experience with its own story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.