ultra luxury
5 properties in our collection.
Belmond
The Mount Nelson stands as Cape Town's grande dame, a powdery pink colonial masterpiece that casts an undeniable spell on guests. From the moment you arrive at this garden oasis beneath Table Mountain, the hotel's legendary afternoon tea service alone justifies the pilgrimage — complete with tea sommelier Craig and an army of expertly trained staff who remember your preferences after day two. The sprawling grounds offer genuine sanctuary in the city center, while the adult-only pool provides a refined escape. Service here operates at a different level entirely, with staff like Michael and Wellington delivering the kind of personal attention that transforms a stay into something memorable. While rooms showcase classic elegance rather than cutting-edge design, and some operational hiccups occasionally surface, this remains one of those rare properties that luxury travelers never want to leave.
Villa San Michele delivers Belmond's signature blend of historical grandeur and contemporary luxury in a former 15th-century monastery perched above Florence. The extensive 18-month renovation completed in 2026 has refreshed this Tuscan icon while preserving its Renaissance soul. The panoramic views across Florence are genuinely breathtaking, and the terraced gardens create an idyllic sanctuary just 20 minutes from the city center. Service reaches exceptional heights with staff who anticipate needs and create memorable moments, though a few isolated missteps prevent perfection. While the shuttle service requires planning and dining can feel limited, this remains one of Italy's most romantic luxury retreats.
Perched dramatically above the Amalfi Coast in Ravello, Caruso delivers the kind of soaring views and old-world Italian grandeur that justify the Belmond premium. The restored 11th-century palace centers around one of Europe's most spectacular infinity pools, where the horizon dissolves into endless Mediterranean blue. Service consistently impresses — staff remember names, anticipate needs, and handle everything from wedding logistics to emergency olive oil stain removal with genuine warmth. The property's elevated position provides blessed refuge from coastal crowds but requires commitment to the shuttle or lengthy drives for exploration. While rooms vary in renovation quality and dining can feel uneven between venues, the core experience remains undeniably magical.
Hotel Cipriani stands as Venice's most complete luxury experience — a Belmond sanctuary on Giudecca that trades proximity for tranquility. The 1958 property gets everything fundamentally right: manicured gardens that feel impossible in Venice, the city's largest and finest pool, and service that balances Venetian warmth with international polish. The location across the lagoon from St. Mark's initially feels inconvenient until you realize it's the hotel's greatest asset — private boat transfers whisk you away from tourist chaos to a world of poolside Bellinis and sunset aperitivi at Cip's Club. While some rooms show their age and service occasionally lacks the intuitive anticipation of newer ultra-luxe properties, Cipriani delivers the Venice fantasy that honeymoon dreams are made of.
The Copacabana Palace stands as Rio's undisputed grand dame—a 1923 Art Deco masterpiece that captures the essence of Brazilian glamour better than any competitor. Its prime Copacabana beachfront location is unmatched, offering guests exclusive access to one of the world's most famous stretches of sand. The hotel's historic charm and impeccable service create an experience that feels authentically carioca, from the personalized attention to local touches like mate Leão tea amenities. However, the dining falls short of expectations for a property of this caliber, with several guests noting overpriced, mediocre food that doesn't match the hotel's otherwise stellar reputation. Recent construction noise has also impacted the pool experience, though the hotel's legendary New Year's Eve celebration and iconic status continue to draw discerning travelers seeking Rio's most prestigious address.
