Belmond launches ‘First Light’ experiences to celebrate the magic of dawn

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Belmond reveals ‘First Light’ experiences in partnership with Leica Sport Optics; introducing exclusively curated nature walks at dawn. Launching in 2018 at Belmond hotels, trains and cruises in some of the world’s most outstanding areas of natural wonder, including Cape Town – South Africa, Iguassu Falls – Brazil and Deiá, Mallorca. The First Light experiences invite travellers to explore Belmond through the Leica lens.

“The mornings are a magical time of day that we rarely have the chance to enjoy in our frenetic, everyday lives. At Belmond, we want to celebrate the mornings – and introduce our guests to new and unexpected views of a destination. Everything sparkles at first light; the ancient buildings, beaches and mountains – the start of the day is full of possibilities and we want to seize them all,” comments Arnaud Champenois, SVP brand & marketing, Belmond.

Magical mornings Leica Sport Optics’ nature photography experts have created stunning dawn walks at Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca; Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town and Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls. There are three options for guests, who can choose to join a Leica expert, a local wildlife expert or head off on a self-guided walk, aided by a map, using Leica Binoculars to spot flora, fauna and other highlights along the route. Wonders of nature in Cape Town In Cape Town, photographer and ornithologist Michael Edwards has created a dawn walk from Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, to discover the flora and fauna of Table Mountain National Park, with sweeping views of False Bay and Robben Island. Along the route, Orange-Breasted Sunbirds can be seen perched on a Protea tree and the Cape Grey Mongoose can often be spotted. Tropical beginnings at Iguassu The hidden paradise of Iguassu Falls is revealed by National Geographic Photographer Luke Massey on an awe-inspiring nature trail from Belmond Hotel das Cataratas to Devil’s Throat, in the heart of the powerful falls. Hummingbirds can be seen drinking the nectar of Brazil’s national flower, the Ipe, as flocks of Great Dusty Swifts swoop through the rosy hued falls. Serenity in Deia Sebastià Torrens shines a dawn light on Deia’s hidden paradise from Belmond La Residencia with a coastal walk between carob and olive trees. Stroll past azure waters towards breath-taking sea views and the early morning enchantment of Cala Deiá with its clear waters and rock pools. New dawn awakenings First Light experiences will soon available at Belmond Hotel Caruso, Amalfi Coast, where guests will be able to immerse themselves in the splendour of nature on Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula; from Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru with early morning walks alongside Lake Titicaca, a haven for birders and in Botswana as the sun rises across the Okavango Delta, from Belmond Khwai River Lodge.

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