Six Belmond properties have been recognised in The 50 Best Hotels 2026, giving the hospitality group representation across several very different luxury destinations. The list includes city icons, coastal resorts and properties closely tied to dramatic natural landscapes.
Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro ranks 29th, Mount Nelson in Cape Town is 34th and Maroma on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is 47th. Hotel das Cataratas, Splendido in Portofino and Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco appear in the extended 51–100 selection.
The strongest hotels are deeply tied to place
Belmond’s portfolio works best when the property is difficult to separate from its destination. Copacabana Palace is part of the visual identity of Rio, while Splendido’s position above Portofino connects it directly with one of the Mediterranean’s best-known yachting stops.
Maroma takes a different approach through the landscape of the Riviera Maya, while Hotel das Cataratas is defined by its relationship with Iguazú Falls. The settings are very different, but the common strength is a strong sense of location.
Slow Luxury remains the group’s central idea
Belmond describes its philosophy as Slow Luxury, encouraging guests to take time over both the journey and the destination. That is an increasingly useful counterpoint to travel itineraries built around constant movement and a long checklist of places.
For yacht owners, the idea is familiar because the most enjoyable cruises are often the ones that allow enough time at anchor or ashore. The quality of a trip can improve when the itinerary stops treating distance covered as the main measure of success.
The selection stretches across four continents
The recognised properties cover South America, Africa, North America and Europe. That geographic range makes the list useful for travellers who want a consistent level of service without choosing destinations that feel interchangeable.
Properties such as Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco and Mount Nelson in Cape Town demonstrate how historic buildings and local context can remain central to a luxury hotel. The experience depends on the destination rather than trying to shield guests from it.
Several properties connect naturally with yacht itineraries
Portofino, Rio de Janeiro and the Riviera Maya all have obvious relationships with coastal travel and yachting. A strong hotel can serve as a pre-cruise base, a night ashore or simply a place for dinner and spa time during a longer itinerary.
The Belmond recognition therefore provides more than a hotel ranking for LYG readers. It highlights properties where the setting, journey and hospitality can complement time on the water instead of competing with it.
