Belmond Shifts Leadership: Renata Portes Takes the Helm at Maroma

Announced December 2, 2025, Belmond has appointed Renata Portes as the new General Manager of Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, with her tenure beginning November 24, 2025. Portes will oversee strategic management and operations, with a mandate to elevate guest experiences while reinforcing Belmond’s 'Slow Luxury' philosophy, integrating guests with the Riviera Maya's culture and natural environment. She will report directly to Tiago Sarmento, Belmond's Area Managing Director, Mexico.

Portes brings two decades of luxury hospitality experience, all within Belmond. She began her career as a trainee at Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Palace, progressing through spa, guest relations, and events. After gaining international experience in the Maldives, she returned to Copacabana Palace, serving as Rooms Division Manager and later as Assistant Manager, Rooms.

Early in 2023, Portes became Hotel Manager at Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel, and was promoted to General Manager in 2024. During her leadership at Hotel das Cataratas, the property launched Y Restaurant, maintained its status as the only Forbes 5-Star hotel in South America, was recognized on the World's 50 Best extended list, received Three Michelin Keys, and appeared on the Forbes Edge list, as Hospitality Net notes.

Beyond her operational achievements, Portes is also recognized for her community and team engagement. At Hotel das Cataratas, she notably supported the "Onças do Iguaçu" jaguar conservation project in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. This commitment to local initiatives aligns with the broader 'Slow Luxury' ethos she is now tasked with implementing at Maroma.

Our take: Belmond has a clear succession plan, rewarding internal talent and leveraging deep institutional knowledge. Portes' consistent rise through the ranks, coupled with her demonstrated success in operational excellence and community engagement, positions her well to lead Maroma. Her experience with Michelin accolades and Forbes ratings underscores a focus on top-tier guest experience and luxury standards, which will be critical for Maroma in the competitive Riviera Maya market.