Sybaritic Single Salutes Belmond
Excitement mounts as the Sybaritic Single drives down Avenida Atlântica towards Copacabana Palace. He is thrilled to be back at the iconic luxury hotel after over a decade and is promptly escorted to the penthouse at the top floor.
Suite 604 looks pristine yet the carpet in the living room is terribly timeworn and faded. Before making a snarky remark, the Sybaritic Single reminds himself that the carpet could as well have seen Queen Elizabeth II, Tom Cruise and Freddie Mercury, who have all stayed here and walked on it before him.
The long rooftop terrace is splendid but what impresses him even more is the incredible attention to detail: a welcome note is placed next to chilled champagne, as are the flowers and the most enormous bowls filled with all kinds of exotic fruit.
What's even more thoughtful is that a fresh bottle of champagne arrives every morning, along with even more flowers, more fruit and brigadeiro, known to be Princess Diana's favourite sweets (apparently, she had them with every meal when staying at the hotel) - Belmond's hospitality is lavish.
A few days later, the Sybaritic Single is already in Lima checking in at the Miraflores Park, where the scenario repeats with even greater generosity. In his top-floor suite, there's not a single flat surface without a vase, hundreds of fresh roses everywhere, including the terrace. During his short stay, he receives a perfectly hand-written welcome card as well as - for the first time - another thoughtfully written card upon his farewell.
And once arrives at the Sanctuary Lodge steps away from the legendary Machu Picchu, he already knows what to expect inside the largest suite (45 sq.m.!) - except the flowers: the bright, colourful bouquet contains the most glorious exotic orchids he has never seen before.
Belmond certainly knows how to impress. And despite some old carpets, seriously dated facilities and petite suites, it's the incredible attention to detail, great people and effortless service that make it all shine.
