‘My Love Letter to Italy’ by Francesco Carrozzini

This week, Belmond begins to reopen its iconic Italian portfolio and launches a campaign to inspire a new love affair with Italy. The ‘My Love Letter to Italy’ is a film written, directed and narrated by Emmy award-nominated Director,Francesco Carrozzini – a truly personal reflection on what makes his home country so special, with a romantic nostalgia for rekindling fond memories and inviting viewers to fall in love with Italy, again.

Commenting on the film, Francesco Carrozzini says: “I have been staying at Belmond hotels for as long as I can remember and, as an Italian, I always felt they captured the true spirit of Italy. During lockdown I kept dreaming of the Italian summer and I was longing to go back home. Now more than ever, I appreciate what I had too often taken for granted about Italy – its food, its beauty and of course, its people. I made this film to capture that feeling, to make us Italians fall in love with Italy all over again.”

With Belmond Hotel Cipriani and Belmond Hotel Splendido, opening on 19 June with others to follow from July, Belmond has created a series of experiences that celebrate a new Italian renaissance, from romantic encounters for ‘Amore Cortese’ to escapes in the beauty of nature and the welcome embrace of human virtues.

For the lovers

As loved ones can finally reunite, Belmond offers the most tempting settings for romance – from enchanted picnics under the golden light of Tuscany at Belmond Castello di Casole; to candlelit evenings on the terrace of Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – where DH Lawrence penned the novel, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, to dinner on a private terrace at Belmond Villa San Michele with the magical view of Florence below.

Lost in nature

As the world re-awakens, it is time to discover the beauty of nature like never before – from hiking the rugged hills of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe known for its surreal lunar landscapes where the summit offers breathtaking views on Sicilian coast, or discovering hidden islands of Venice on a bike tour of Sant’Erasmo Island or travel with the eyes on a magical journey across stars, planets and constellations under big skies in Tuscany. Belmond has curated exceptional experiences to escape into the natural world.

Warm embrace

At Belmond, it is the people and communities who shape the world of travel experiences – from the Amalfi fisherman in Cetera who source the magical ingredient

for the famous spaghetti sauce, to the boat builders in Venice who for generations have kept the art of traditional boat building alive and the Portofinese farmer who is pioneering a sustainable eco-farm overlooking the famous “Cala degli Inglesi”. Thissummer, guests will have the opportunity to meet these great characters, the maestros of the new renaissance and share in their passion and knowledge for their craft.

Opening dates

The iconic Italian portfolio re-opens its doors this week beginning with Belmond Hotel Cipriani and Belmond Hotel Splendido on 19 June, followed by Belmond Hotel Caruso and Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo on 1 July, Belmond Castello di Casole on 2 July and Belmond Villa San Michele on 23 July . Across all hotels, guests will be able to find their own exclusive space to enjoy the reassuring warmth and hospitality for which the brand is renowned.

About Francesco Carrozzini

An Emmy Award nominated film director and internationally renowned portrait photographer with film credits including music videos for artists including Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Lenny Kravitz. As a photographer, Francesco has shot portraits of icons of fashion, film and music including Naomi Campbell, Robert De Niro and Keith Richards with many photographs featured on the covers and pages of international media including Vanity Fair; L’Uomo Vogue, The New Yorker.

About Belmond Ltd.

Belmond Ltd. part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has been a pioneer of luxury travel for more than 40 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations.

Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to push industry boundaries, taking discerning global travellers on surprising and unforgettable journeys spanning land, water, adventure and relaxation, with international acclaim. The portfolio of 46 properties extends across 24 countries, encompassing three luxury safari lodges, two river cruises, seven luxury trains, including the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and the legendary ‘21’ restaurant in New York.

From historic city landmarks like Belmond Cadogan Hotel and Belmond Copacabana Palace to hidden retreats at Belmond Cap Juluca and Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, each incomparable property has its own timeless story to tell, yet the hallmarks of the brand thread through them all: heritage, craftsmanship, and a reputation for genuine, unscripted service in an unrivalled location, create exceptional experiences that stir the soul.

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