23 February, 2026

1. VILLA SAN MICHELE, A BELMOND HOTEL: FLORENCE'S MOST LEGENDARY RETREAT MAKES ITS MUCH-ANTICIPATED RETURN AND UNVEILS ITS FIRST-EVER SPA – APRIL 2026

An emblem of Renaissance architecture and a serene haven with the most majestic view of Florence, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel reopens on 28 April 2026 following an extensive 18-month renovation led by Florentine-based architect Luigi Fragola. The reimagination sees an emphasis on Tuscan craftsmanship, cultural curation, and harmony with nature. The former 15th-century monastery with its 40,000 sqm cascading gardens and woodland will reveal 39 completely redesigned suites and rooms. Executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino will introduce a new culinary voyage through Tuscan flavours. Long a place of mindful living, the legendary property will proudly introduce its first-ever spa, Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, along with nature-immersive experiences and an energy-raising programme led by La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin. Mar.. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

2. COPACABANA PALACE, A BELMOND HOTEL, RIO DE JANEIRO: A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE CARIOCA LEGEND – NOVEMBER 2026

Following its centenary in 2023, the legendary Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro will reveal the renovation and reinvention of its Pool Wing and pool area in November 2026. The Pool Wing, originally launched in 1948, overlooks the iconic pool and lounging terrace, the hotel's vibrant social heart. The interiors will be inspired by Brazil's rich materials and artisanal techniques, infusing the Carioca legend with a renewed sense of place, cultural cachet, and Brazilian creativity. The Pool Wing will become an all-suite experience, each featuring a balcony, and most overlooking the famed pool and the illustrious Copacabana Beach. The wing will also debut one of the most incredible wellness destinations in Rio, with five floors dedicated entirely to wellbeing. This new chapter will also see the reimagination of the pool area by architect Ivan Reze.. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

3. VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS, A BELMOND TRAIN, EUROPE: VILLEGGIATURA BY TRAIN – UNITING GLOBAL TRAVEL LEGENDS VIA RAIL, INCLUDING A FIRST-EVER ROUTE FROM PARIS TO POMPEII – SPRING 2026

In 2026, Belmond launches its 'Villeggiatura by Train' series, linking the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to four celebrated Italian properties: Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence; Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino; Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast; and Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice. The curated journeys combine the magic of slow travel with the essence of Villeggiatura, the art of the leisurely Italian summer holiday. Each itinerary extends the train's timeless glamour into refined cultural and culinary immersion at storied destinations: Florence and its Renaissance heritage; Portofino and the Italian Riviera; Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast in a first-ever route for 2026; and Venice's iconic lagoon. Every four-day journey begins with a one-night cinematic sojourn aboard the train, travelling in magnificently restored Art Deco carriages through Italy's coastlines, villages, and mountains, before continuing with a two-night stay at each hotel. Bespoke experiences anchor each stay, from cooking masterclasses and live music to arts or archaeology visits, scenic boat tours, and wellness rituals... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

4. THE BRITISH PULLMAN, A BELMOND TRAIN, ENGLAND PRESENTS CELIA, A DAZZLING PRIVATE DINING AND EVENTS CARRIAGE DESIGNED BY BAZ LUHRMANN AND CATHERINE MARTIN – SUMMER 2026

The British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England, is set to unveil Celia, a luxurious private dining and events carriage launching in early summer 2026. Designed by acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin, Celia transforms an original 1932 Pullman carriage into an intimate, cinematic venue for up to 12 guests. Inspired by the glamour of 1930s London theatre, and the whimsical world of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Celia features a cocktail bar, lounge, pantry, private kitchen, and dedicated stewards. On request, a private chef will design customised menus using the finest British seasonal produce. The interiors showcase exquisite British craftsmanship, with handpicked artisans contributing marquetry, custom furnishings, and elegant tableware. Every detail weaves a narrative of theatrical romance and creativity, inviting guests to celebrate life's special moments in unparalleled style. Celia offers a unique space for grand banquets, performances, and private celebrations, seamlessly blending vintage charm with modern luxury... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

5. VILLA TIMEO, GRAND HOTEL TIMEO, A BELMOND HOTEL, TAORMINA: A SICILIAN NOBLE HOME REENCHANTED BY LAURA GONZALEZ – SUMMER 2026

Honouring vibrant Sicilian heritage through a soft, contemporary lens, Villa Timeo is an exclusive 21-room residence opening its doors in Summer 2026, following a redesign by interior designer Laura Gonzalez. Just steps from the legendary Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina, it offers exceptional views over the Mediterranean, Taormina, and its ancient Greek amphitheatre. Its 21 rooms, mainly suites, can be booked individually or for complete buyout, for private getaways or larger gatherings. Complete with an opulent indoor bar, private infinity pool, terrace bar and lounge. Guests have full access to the palatial hotel's amenities, including the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant and terraced gardens. Building on this spirit of refined escape, Grand Hotel Timeo will reveal a glamorous new Dior Spa, a sanctuary of serenity with Bio-Energising therapies, Haute-Couture facials, and curated half-day Wellness Villeggiaturas, each capturing the essence of Dior Wellness with a touch of Sicilian art de vivre... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

6. HOTEL CIPRIANI, A BELMOND HOTEL, VENICE: A RENEWED WELLNESS AND GASTRONOMY DESTINATION DESIGNED BY PETER MARINO ARCHITECT – APRIL 2026

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice continues its masterful multi-phase renovation by Peter Marino Architect, capturing Venice's multicultural spirit and dolce vita allure. The initial phase successfully unveiled a luminous double-height lobby, that seamlessly connects the fountain garden to the iconic pool area, and 13 exquisitely redesigned suites. In Spring 2026, the hotel will reveal two major debuts designed by Peter Marino: the first Dior Spa in Venice and a reimagined Michelin-starred Oro restaurant. The new Dior Spa will invite guests into an atmosphere of refined well-being, inspired by the grandeur of Venetian balls and Christian Dior's passion for art, beauty, and celebration. Guests can choose from signature treatments, including advanced high-technology facials and beauty rituals, as well as holistic treatments and wellness therapies. Alongside the spa, the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant, reimagined by Peter Marino as an homage to Venice and the element of gold, will open for lunch for the first time, offering an elevated all-day dining experience with a new menu curated by Chef Vania Ghedini under the culinary direction of Massimo Bottura. The experience will be further enhanced by bespoke custom-made plates and elegant gold table decorative elements recalling the allure of Dolce Vita... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

7. THE CADOGAN, A BELMOND HOTEL, LONDON LAUNCHES A NEW RESTAURANT HONOURING BRITISH FLAVOURS AND THE SPIRIT OF BISTRO DINING – SPRING 2026

The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, a storied townhouse at the heart of the capital's most distinguished neighbourhoods; Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Belgravia, will unveil a new British bistro restaurant and bar in Spring 2026. With bespoke modern interiors and a distinct British aesthetic, the elegant bistro will showcase Executive Chef Michael Turner's meticulously crafted menus that honour classic recipes and the finest seasonal produce from around the U.K. Signature dishes will include; Sourdough crumpets with chicken and duck liver parfait and damson jam, Orkney scallop scampi with tartare sauce, Sutton Hoo chicken pie, mash potato and gravy. The new concept will also introduce a dedicated pudding counter and confectionary trolley to celebrate the adored British classics... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

8. LE MANOIR AUX QUAT'SAISONS, A BELMOND HOTEL, OXFORDSHIRE, WELCOMES THREE MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF ARNAUD DONCKELE AS CULINARY DIRECTOR

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire proudly announces the appointment of visionary French chef Arnaud Donckele as its new Culinary Director, ushering in a bold new chapter at one of Britain's most iconic gastronomic destinations. Le Manoir's transformative next chapter will see the introduction of new culinary concepts across the estate, where each experience will reflect Donckele's commitment to nature, craftsmanship, and emotional storytelling through food. Guests can expect a renewed expression of Le Manoir's heritage – featuring bold creativity, immersive artistry, and a deep connection to the Oxfordshire landscape. Under the creative direction of Arnaud Donckele, Le Manoir enters an exciting new era; where British terroir meets F.. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

9. NOW OPEN: MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL AND THEBE MAGUGU UNVEIL THE THEBE MAGUGU SUITE AND MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, continues to redefine slow luxury with visionary launches celebrating cultural exchange and immersive storytelling. At the forefront is its landmark collaboration with acclaimed South African designer Thebe Magugu, whose newly unveiled Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House Cape Town, marks his first interiors project. Transforming a historic wing through his signature Afro-modernist lens, Magugu blends British and South African design, art, and craft to create a living platform for global creativity and Africa's next generation of visionaries. Complementing this cultural dialogue is the opening of Amura by Ángel León, the Michelin-starred chef's first restaurant outside Spain. Known for his pioneering ocean-focused cuisine, León presents a menu rooted in marine biodiversity and sustainability, forging a culinary exchange between Andalucía and the Cape. The restaurant is set within a cinematic, sea-inspired space designed by South African architect Tristan du Plessis.. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link

Small Tip To Landing Good Senior-Level Hotel Management Positions in 2026

Many of our members have remained with us since the inception of our job lead service seven years ago. They continue to renew their memberships, staying on board even after securing new positions, and for good reason.

Daily, our editors dispatch bulletins detailing new job vacancies, projects, and industry shifts, including hotel launches, expansions, strategies, and market trends.

We recognize that numerous long-standing, senior-level members utilize these bulletins as conversation starters, reaching out to hotel chains and potential employers, sometimes with unsolicited applications and messages. LHN endorses such proactive engagement. It's an excellent, informal method to gain early interest from prominent hotel groups and upcoming projects, indicating your interest and broadening your opportunities for intriguing interviews or discussions about potential roles, particularly at the upper echelons of management.

Our editors also keep these proactive efforts in mind, shaping many bulletins to cover "new openings, new projects, and new market developments."

While membership spots for 2026 are limited, it's not too late to renew.- Read more her

The Team

at LEADING HOTELIERS NETWORK / JOB LEAD SERVICE

Read more about Leading Hoteliers Network - here

To gain immediate access, you can either renew your membership or sign up by choosing membership here: 3 Months / 6 Months / 12 Months / Premium Membership