From 24-hour Champagne service to spa carriages, here are the world’s most luxurious trains

news7g10/01/2022

4 7 minutes read

It’s hard to imagine something sexier than a luxury train ride. Picture it: You’re sipping a glass of Dom Pérignon, sitting on a velvet couch and looking out the window as the train slowly but surely passes by snow-capped mountains, castles and turquoise lakes. blue.

Or, at least that’s how I like to imagine it.

While many of us have suffered from less romantic trains on Amtrak or cheap rail lines, others know exactly what I’m talking about when I refer to luxury trains – trains with crystal chandeliers, butler service and some of the best views in the world. Oh, and did I mention Champagne? Lots and lots of Champagne.

Are from Paris to Prague, across the Japanese island of Kyushu and up into the Andes, here are some of the most luxurious trains in the world.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

One of the most glamorous trains in the world, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express also possibly the most famous. When you think about the golden age of train travel, this experience is exactly what the mind conjures up. But just because we live in the jet age doesn’t mean you can’t experience the glitz of that old fashioned luxury train, as it offers trips all the way through. Europe.

With a year-round rotating schedule, budget-conscious cruise travelers can sleep in historic, 1920s-restored cabins equipped with single beds or bunk beds; The art deco-inspired suites have private bathrooms; or Grand Suites take inspiration from different European cities and offer 24-hour butler service and free-flowing Champagne.

Outside the cabins, there are beautiful dining cars to serve your meal (or you can have breakfast in bed), custom cocktails served at Bar Car ‘3674’ and even a “brunch”. night” offers the chance to enjoy a black man’s lobster roll while listening to a pianist play in the dark.

Just know that a ride on a train as glamorous as the VSOE comes with an equally luxurious price tag. One-night cruises in one of the entry-level cabins start at more than $3,100 per person, while suites are closer to $6,000 per person. Longer trips — like the once-a-year five-night cruise from Paris to Istanbul — cost more than $18,000 per person.

Seven Stars Kyushu

We all know that training in Japan better than what’s available in most places – but usually, we’re talking about the Shinkansen (bullet train). On Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island, Train Seven Stars moves at a much more leisurely pace and is designed to flaunt the beauty of the island (spanning over seven counties) in an ultra-luxurious environment (spanning over seven carriages).

Available for one- or three-night experiences, Seven Stars offers guests the chance to see historic towns surrounded by stunning scenery, plus the option to spend a night off the train in a ryokan (inns). traditional Japanese) in longer experiences. The train features observatory-style windows that make it easier to see the world around you, as well as beautiful wooden interiors, a moody lounge car named Blue Moon, and a Juniper restaurant car, which serves gourmet cuisine. Eat fresh, seasonal Japanese food all day long. .

But even Japan is finally open to tourists, don’t think you can just go online and book a ticket for this train – it’s more complicated than that. With only 14 suites that each can accommodate two guests, space is limited. To make a reservation, you need to register online. If there are too many applications – often there are – then potential guests are entered into a draw for a chance to book an itinerary. A one-night trip starts around $4,500 per person based on two occupants, while a three-night experience will set you back $8,600 per person.

Andean Explorer

Another luxury train from Belmond, Andean Explorer, is a beautiful 16-car train operating on the world’s highest railway line in Peru. With a combination of bright and modern design with Peruvian touches such as bright tassel pillows, the ship feels fresh, fun and accommodating.

With 35 cabins, the ship offers plenty of room to spread out. To keep guests safe and comfortable during their high-altitude journey, each cabin has a special oxygen system.

As for food, visitors can enjoy meals in two dining cars, called Llama and Muña, which resemble a restaurant’s dining room. New York City townhouse more than a train. After your meal, enjoy live music from an in-car grand piano while sipping on a classic Peruvian cocktail, Pisco sour. There’s even a covered outdoor area at the back of the train to enjoy the fresh mountain air along the way.

Itineraries available include a two-night cruise from Cusco to Arequipa via Puno and a one-night adventure from Puno to Arequipa, among other stunning options. Prices vary depending on the itinerary but start around $2,400 for two people on a one-night cruise in a bunk bed cabin.

The Vietage

While most luxury train journeys are more about the onboard experience than the stops you make along the way, The Vietage in Vietnam Slightly different.

Created as a luxurious way for travelers to travel between Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, The Vietage is a private car, reserved only on a train that makes daily round trips between Da Nang and Quy Nohn. But don’t think it’s exclusive to guests of those resorts. Anyone can experience the most luxurious train in Vietnam.

With space for only 12 guests across six booths, The Vietage offers guests many opportunities to enjoy a three-course meal with Vietnamese and French flavors, and enjoy a cocktail specially crafted from an expert bartender. of the carriage, enjoy a shoulder massage or simply sit back in the plush chairs. and enjoy the scenery of Vietnam zip by. During the return journey in the evening, sleeper stalls are available for reservation.

To book a one-way journey on this premium train, you have to pay 350 USD per person.

Eastern & Oriental Express

In Southeast Asia, there’s no better train experience than Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Expresstravel between big cities like Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With a rich interior that includes wood paneled walls, silk furnishings and subtle nods to Asian design, the ship itself couldn’t be more perfect.

There is a luxury dining car with a table covered with white linens where guests can enjoy dishes such as Nyonya curry and pan-seared scallops. In the bar’s car, sip signature cocktails in golden pineapple cups topped with music while a pianist fills the space with music. Or, for a quieter experience, head to the observation car at the back of the train to get outside for some fresh air.

Accommodations range from bunk bed cabins to Presidential Cabins, all with en suite bathrooms and windows. Currently, the Eastern & Oriental Express train has been discontinued but will return with new itineraries for 2023 in the near future.

Dai Nam

While AustraliaJourney Beyond’s railroad company offers a number of cross-country train experiences, TPG’s Eric Rosen personally experienced The Great Southern journey. Traveling on a three-night journey from Brisbane to Adelaide, Rosen opted for an enhanced Platinum class, which includes a room with a private bathroom. It was very comfortable, although he found the shower on the small side.

For Rosen, “the train is like a destination by itself.” That makes sense given it has multiple lounges and restaurant cars where meals and cocktails are served to guests as Australia passes outside the window. (Just remember, access to these cars depends on the service level you book.)

In addition, visitors have many opportunities to disembark to enjoy activities such as wine tasting tours at the vineyard and even dolphin watching excursions.

Fares for the 2023 trip in Dai Nam starts at $2,345/person for the Gold Twin cabin, though we recommend booking the Platinum, for $4,495/person.

Royal Scots

Train travel different access in Scotland, conjures up images of picturesque bridges such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous for its appearance in the “Harry Potter” series. Although the train to Hogwarts is fictional (or so we talked about muggles), Royal Scots from Belmond is just as magical. With itineraries ranging from tours of Scotland’s scenic wonders to multi-day Scotch malt whiskey experiences, this train is the way to see – and be seen – in Scotland.

It may not be a castle in itself, but think of this train as a castle on wheels that will take you to a few places along the way. With single to double wood-paneled rooms, plus a drawing desk, a writing desk and a private bathroom, this train is made for comfort.

As for the onboard experiences, they are nothing short of amazing either. Guests can enjoy traditional Scottish food and whiskey in the dining car while seated in plush seats next to tablecloths and fine china. Even more magical is the spa car, which features a signature ritual that includes a Swedish back and foot massage, belly and face massage for around $145.

Ticket prices for the Royal Scotsman start around $4,300 per person and sell out fast.

British Pullman

Afternoon tea is quintessentially British – but imagine enjoying it on a glamorous 1920s restored train. And don’t worry if traditional tea isn’t your thing. You can skip it and have a drink of – OK, several glasses of – Champagne surrounded by tile mosaics as the English countryside rolls by. Both experiences are available on British Pullmana train fit for royalty.

This train, that The late Queen Elizabeth II self-drive, specializing in one-off events where guests board for a meal, party or special occasion. In fact, Agatha Christie fans can see the train’s regularly scheduled murder mystery that made the dream come true. Or, for those interested in England’s iconic castles and palaces, there are regular day trips from London to go out and experience those places in style.

The various itineraries on British Pullman sell out quickly, so be sure to plan your trip in advance. Expect to pay around $425 per person.

news7g10/01/2022

4 7 minutes read