Restricted cash - Major balances in restricted cash (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 4,256	$ 13,636
Cash deposit held with a bank pending completion of sale of Belmond The Inn at Perry Cabin
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	0	4,000
Cash deposits required to be held with lending banks as collateral
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	1,299	8,391
Escrow deposits and other restricted cash at Porto Cupecoy
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	0	355
Prepaid customer deposits which will be released to OEH under its revenue recognition policy
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	2,747	681
Security required under the European Union Package Travel Directive
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	210	209
Other assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash, long-term	$ 1,299	$ 7,633