This year the list inspires ‘curious culturists’ to seize the moment and experience the ultimate luxury and immeasurable magic of being at the heart of showstopping events, life-affirming adventures and exceptional new hotel openings.
JANUARY – THE VIRTUES OF VEGAN CUISINE
Start the year by sampling Michelin-starred vegan cuisine at the culinary-pioneering Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and discover more on this food phenomenon with masterclasses at the hotel’s Raymond Blanc Cookery School starting from 5th March 2019.
FEBRUARY – A NEW CHELSEA SCENE
Be a part of the Chelsea scene at Belmond Cadogan Hotel where London’s social and cultural calendars converge. Expect rooms with original British artwork, intimate literary gatherings, innovative British cuisine at Adam Handling, Chelsea and private access to Cadogan Place Gardens – a retreat after a day exploring London’s arts and cultural events.
MARCH – SPIRIT OF THE SAMBA IN RIO
Experience the beating heart of the Rio Carnival, one of the world’s most famous street parties, at the fantastical Carnival Ball held at Belmond Copacabana Palace on 2nd March 2019; which this year pays homage to Belmond’s glamorous motherland, Italy.
APRIL – WILD WINDS OF BOTSWANA
Feel alive to the sounds of Saint-Saëns’s much-loved ‘Carnival of the Animals’ in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, where musicians from London Philharmonic Orchestra perform a private concert in the unspoiled wilderness surrounding Belmond Eagle Island Lodge on 20th April 2019.
MAY – BELLE OF THE BIENNALE
Make a grand entrance at the Venice Art Biennale with a journey from London to Venice aboard the private Grand Suites of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, followed by a stay at the artfully stylish Belmond Hotel Cipriani, where antique treasures and local artefacts can be discovered within its enchanting gardens.
JUNE – SPARKLING WHITE NIGHTS
Bathe in the pearlescent all-night glow of St Petersburg from May to early July, whilst staying at the culturally enriching Belmond Grand Hotel Europe where short walks to celebrated landmarks, long alfresco brunches on the hotel terrace and boat tours at nightfall all take place under glistening white skies.
JULY – PISCO TASTING IN PERU
Sample pisco in Peru on National Pisco Day (4th Sunday in July) whilst traversing one of the highest rail routes on earth across the Peruvian Andes onboard Belmond Andean Explorer; completing the journey in Arequipa where the drink is famously harvested.
AUGUST – DAWN CHORUS IN RAVELLO
Be seduced by the melodies and magic of a private dawn concert held only for guests of Belmond Hotel Caruso on 11th August 2019; staged against the backdrop of the iconic Amalfi Coast as a part of the annual Ravello Festival.
SEPTEMBER – TIGER EXPRESS IN BANGKOK
Travel through the historic tiger territories on 8th September 2019 when the Eastern & Oriental Express and Save Wild Tigers launch the ‘Tiger Express’, a fundraising journey from Singapore to Bangkok brought to life by Chinese artist, Jacky Tsai, who will artistically embellish two carriages with tiger stripes.
OCTOBER – TREASURES OF TUSCANY
Uncover the true treasures of Tuscany in October during “vendemmia” (Italian for grape harvest) at Belmond Castello di Casole and taste some of the best wines from the most fabled vineyards in the region, including those from the property’s very own family-run vineyards.
NOVEMBER – A FIESTA FOR THE SOUL
Go soul searching during Mexico’s ‘Day of the Dead’ festivities with a stay at Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada in the heart of San Miguel de Allende – a city famous for its extravagant La Calaca Festival, which brings people together to celebrate life, death and the arts.
DECEMBER – A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Let the festivities over-flow aboard the vintage carriages of Belmond British Pullman during December where a generous Champagne brunch is served before the table is set for a culinary feast in Oxfordshire’s most Christmassy country manor, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
