Belmond has revealed plans for a new cabin category aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe – eight new Suites will join the rake from June 2023, bringing new heights of luxury and comfort to the original legend of the rails.
Joining the two pre-existing cabin categories, the Suites add a new expression of opulence to the train, steeped in history and cared for with the utmost respect to retaining the craftsmanship of the 1920s and 30s.
Two original carriages have been restored by expert French craftsmen and designers, who have reimagined the spaces on board the train whilst maintaining their golden era of travel look and feel.
La Forêt
The lavish new Suites will elevate the train’s existing accommodation, to now offer a trio of cabin categories to suit every traveller. With all the beauty of a Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Historic Cabin, the new Suites have the added benefit of a private marble ensuite bathroom, as well as a lounging area by day, converted to either double or twin beds, by night.
For the epitome of luxury, a stay in a Grand Suite comes with a private en-suite bathroom and shower, double beds that can convert into twin beds, as well as a living area from which to enjoy the delights of private dining experiences, 24-hour cabin service and free-flowing champagne. Whilst the Historic Cabins exude timelessness, magically transforming from day time lounge into cosy upper and lower berth beds at night.
Les Lacs
Inspired by European landscapes
The Suites celebrate the dramatic landscape unfolding through the train’s picture-windows. With this as the starting point of inspiration, the French craftsmen are influenced by four different designs: La Campagne (the countryside), Les Montagnes (the mountains), Les Lacs (the lakes), and La Forêt (the forest).
Paying homage to the exceptional journeys of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, La Forêt inspired Suites echo the Black Forest, immersed in the mountainous southwest region of Germany, a route taken when travelling from Prague to Paris.
From wilderness to countryside, La Campagne inspired Suites are adorned with vivid velvet greens and intricate flower marquetry. Here the most scenic voyages come to life through the design, from the pastures and vineyards of Northern Italy to the picturesque vista of the South of France and along the Cȏte d’Azur.
Austria’s Arlberg massif is witnessed on the train’s classic route to Venice and Les Montagnes design mirrors the impressive ever present mountainous peaks.
From land to water, Les Lacs motif reflects the beauty of many spectacular lakes passed en route, from Zurgersee in Switzerland to Lake Como in Italy.
Each Suite will immerse guests in diverse European scenery through colours, patterns and textures. Plush fabrics and furnishings will channel famed Art Deco designers, such as Majorelle, Dufrene, Leleu, Rousseau, Prou and Lalique. The interiors are a celebration of European landscapes and the surrounding abundance of nature; the arable plains with their swathes of vineyards, the ancient forests of central Europe, the sharp rise of mountain ranges and smooth glacial lakes.
La Campagne
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels through Europe – Czech Republic, Prague; France, Paris and Cannes; Italy, Florence, Venice, Rome and Verona; Austria, Vienna and Innsbruck; Hungary, Budapest; Romania, Bucharest; Switzerland, Geneva; Belgium, Brussels and the Netherlands, Amsterdam – from March to November, as well as the iconic route from Paris to Istanbul once a year.
Lead in rate for Suites is £5,500, including a personal 24-hour cabin steward, marble en-suite bathrooms, bespoke amenities, a complimentary kimono and slippers.
Extended season for 2022
Meanwhile, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will offer December journeys for the first time ever. This year sees the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express strengthen its presence in Europe, inviting guests to rediscover some of its most enchanting cities this festive season.
The world’s most famous train will journey to its classic destinations of Paris and Venice, as well as Florence and Vienna – inviting guests to discover the atmospheric festive markets and joyous traditions of each city, before stepping aboard to be enveloped by the glamour and razzmatazz of the historic carriages.
Guests can relax into the warmth of their private cabin with a glass of champagne in hand, gazing out of the picture-windows at the passing frosted forests and sparkling winter wonderland of some of Europe’s most untouched countryside.
Taking a seat in the exquisite jewel-coloured dining cars, Chef Jean Imbert will serve winter-inspired seasonal menus – demonstrating his skill and care with local ingredients, expertly prepared and presented with creative flair.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, will travel the Classic Journey from Venice to Paris on 2 and 12 December, and from Paris to Venice on 20 December. The train will stop in Florence on 7 December (Venice to Paris) and 8 December (Paris to Venice). The train will depart from Paris to Vienna on 17 December, and will make the return journey (Vienna to Paris) on 18 December.
Prices for a one-night journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express start from £2,920 per person.