There's nothing like seeing the world from a luxury railcar, and the legendary train that does it best is getting a makeover.
Belmond will debut three new redesigned Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train in March, and the transformation is unique.
"This is a one-of-a-kind restoration project," said Gary Franklin, managing director of trains and cruises for Belmond.
"We are going to completely transform the individual classic cabins into three exceptional suites. This is such an exciting project and one where we can offer guests spacious accommodation with private bathrooms and showers. The designs are sensitive to the original history of the carriages and each cabin is inspired by the city it represents," Franklin added.
Each suite features private bathrooms with showers, double beds and a living area. The new accommodations are named for the romantic cities to which the train travels: Paris, Istanbul and Venice.
Though individually designed to showcase the spirit of the city for which it is named, the new suites stay true to the overall 1920's art-deco theme of the train.
"It was extremely important when developing the design concept, that we embraced the unique story and history of the brand," said Rachel Johnson, vice president and studio director at London-based Wimberly Interiors, which conceptualized the designs.
"To capture the epitome of classic luxury travel that the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express exudes, we focused on moments within each city, inspiring visual cues and the overall Belmond guest experience. It was an exciting challenge to use this inspiration to recreate the essence of art-deco glamour in an elegant and timeless design," Johnson added.
Signature touches include hand-carved timber and embossed leather that encompass the opulence and romance of Istanbul; chic and elegant furnishings that depict the haute couture of Paris; and silk fabrics, hues of silver and gray and hand-crafted Venetian glass encapsulate the grandeur of Venice.
Guests traveling in the new Grand Suites will enjoy a number of added luxuries, including private transfers to and from the train where they will be welcomed by their personal cabin steward. Onboard services also include free-flowing champagne and private in-suite dining.
The suites will make their official debut on March 21, 2018, and are priced at $7,275 per person.
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