International Women's Day - Celebrating Women of Belmond

In honour of International Women’s Day 2024 – we’re shining a spotlight on seven special women who are exceptional leaders within Belmond.

They were chosen as Belmond’s Women of the Year because they act as true sources of inspiration within our company and the wider industry, they embody passion, dedication and hard work in each of their roles around the world.

We sat down with each of them to hear about their lives and careers that led up to this moment.

Thapelo Motswetla, Savute Head Chef at Savute Elephant Lodge

After first learning to cook by watching her father prepare meals for her family, Thapelo pursued her passion for food and is now the Head Chef of Savute at Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana. In her role at this incredible safari lodge, she brings authentic Setswana cuisine that epitomizes farm-to-table eating to guests throughout their stay. A leader amongst her team, she is constantly praised for her joy and dedication.

What are you most proud of in your career?

“I’m most proud of how I get to fuse fine dining with local and traditional cuisine for our guests. Celebrating Botswana’s ingredients and cuisine is very important to me as it creates a platform to share our culture with the world. Our background and experiences with this food carry nostalgic moments from my own upbringing”.

Do you have any advice for women who one day would like to be where you're standing?

“The advice I give especially to women who want to be chefs is to establish a pioneering mindset. It helps to build your confidence and your ability to listen to and trust your instincts.”

Natascia Vivaldi, Divisional Director of Brand & Marketing for Southern Europe

As a passionate ambassador of Italian culture at Belmond, Natascia has pioneered iconic campaigns such as Il Dolce Far Niente and Villeggiatura and helped the property teams around Italy bring the essence and spirit of Italian culture to life. Natascia has been with Belmond for over fifteen years and has been a constant leader and innovator over her time here.

What's a moment that you feel has defined your career?

“The reopening of Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel in 2021 was such an emotional and incredible project to launch. Coming out of the difficulties of the pandemic, being able to create a hype for this property with such strong team spirit behind it was a defining moment for sure. In those moments everything seemed impossible but it all happened so beautifully!”

What do you wish you knew at the start of your career that you know now? “Never take things personally - every disappointment is always a chance to learn something new - and you'll often find that things might turn out even better than you thought.”

Raja Badizza Badrul, Guest Experience Ambassador at the Eastern & Oriental Express

In the months leading up to the relaunch of the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train Badizza became a source of inspiration and admiration for her colleagues with her contagious can-do-attitude. Led by her love for bringing guests an authentic local experience amidst the total luxury of the Eastern & Oriental Express, she has been an invaluable member of the team.

What brings you the most joy day-to-day in your job?

“Witnessing the delight on the guest faces as they experience the magic of this iconic journey. Knowing that we’ve played a part in crafting cherished memories is truly fulfilling, whether it anticipating their needs or exceeding their expectations.”

What do you wish you knew at the start of your career that you know now?

"The importance of embracing change, experience and adaptability. The hospitality industry is dynamic and ever-evolving, and being open to new challenges and perspectives is essential for personal and professional growth. By embracing change early on, I could have navigated my career with greater flexibility and confidence, seizing opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement along the way.”

Ximena Moreno, Mixologist at Maroma

As a world-leading specialist and certified Mezcal sommelier, Ximena brings the magic of this artisanal Mexican spirit to guests at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel . Her tasting sessions that help to educate people on the rich tradition of mezcal production and the iconic cocktails that she creates are the highlight of many guest stays. Over the last eight years, Ximena has become an expert mixologist and is a leader at Maroma in developing local connections to the drink offerings.

What's a moment that you feel has defined your career?

“When I discovered the world of hospitality and everything that entails creating guest experiences. The feeling of creating a cocktail that can generate a memory or an atmosphere is incredible, this is something that I decided to dedicate myself to — I want to create moments through drinks.”

What brings you the most joy day-to-day in your job?

“I really enjoy everything about my job which has always been a very important factor. However, living in a place as beautiful as the Mexican Caribbean and working at Maroma which has one of the best beaches in the world is a great comfort to the soul. To be able to be in front of the sea and to appreciate the sunsets or the full moons is incredible”.

Abbi Hunt, General Counsel

As a senior leader in the Belmond executive committee, Abbi has been with Belmond since 2007 where she first started as a solicitor. Throughout her Belmond journey, Abbi has climbed through the ranks, inspiring other women within and outside her team with her positive energy and spirit. Within her role, she leads her team with her unique ability to inject her creativity into every day. Recently proven in the award-winning Chez Belmond code of conduct training programme that her team developed into a gamified animation.

Do you have any advice for women who one day would like to be where you're standing?

“Develop your personal brand and don’t stop asking questions until you 100% understand something. If you don’t get it, you won’t be the only one”.

What's a moment that you feel has defined your career?

“Being accepted into the Bar (law, not cocktails). I had always wanted to be a lawyer but my end of school exams weren’t what I hoped for so I didn’t think it would be possible. I still believed that I could do it — and I did.”

Bárbara Ferreira, Financial Controller at El Encanto

Barbara's career in the hospitality industry started in 2015 at the Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel and in 2019 she became the Financial Controller at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel . This move was not just a change of role but a leap into a new country and culture, marking her first experience living outside her home country. Continuing her journey in 2022 Barbara moved to El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel in Santa Barbara, California. This marks her third position within Belmond where is continuing to astound her teams with her remarkable adaptability and global perspective.

What do you wish you knew at the start of your career that you know now?

“I do not wish I knew anything different: I would not have been here if I knew more back then. Life is a journey.”

What skill are you most proud of in your role?

“I truly see the forest rather than the trees. I am able to make decisions that ultimate will benefit the company and my department in the long run.”

Ni Komang Sri Depi Andayani, Income Audit & Account Receivable Supervisor at Jimbaran Puri

Hailing from Ubud, Depi joined the team as an Income Auditor and swiftly ascended to the position of Income Audit & Account Receivable Supervisor. Although Depi’s role is within Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel finance department, her artistic talents are abundant and led to her volunteering to paint murals in the staff restaurant, Jepun. She is also the leader of Woman Support Committee at Jimbaran Puri and is an indispensable asset to her team.

Do you have any advice for women who one day would like to be where you're standing?

“Cultivating a strong sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn creates a powerful combination for growth. Embrace opportunities alongside risks to embark on your journey confidently.”

What do you wish you knew at the start of your career that you know now?

“Looking back, I wish I had understood the importance of taking more responsibility and providing guidance to my team from the outset. Recognizing this early on would have allowed me to develop stronger leadership skills and fostered a more supportive work environment.”