Taking a train journey on the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express just got a whole lot more luxurious, thanks to three new Grande Suites that have just been completed. Baroque Travel finds out all the details
It’s no surprise that traveling in luxury on a train has made such a comeback recently. Not only do we get to experience luxury in its original form, but we have the bonus of being able to step back in time to a slower, more tranquil pace. On the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express, time stands still. The cabins are as luxurious as ever, the champagne flows as freely as it always has, and the views never change… they are unbeatable.
Owners of the this legendary train, Belmond, who also boast numerous plush hotels around the world that are as legendary as the train, have just released three brand new ‘Grande Suites’ on the Venice Simplon Orient Express, which will be available to guests from March 2018. The train, which travels between London, Paris and Venice from March to November every year, and from Paris to Istanbul once a year, will now boast even more plush accommodations than ever.
Each of the brand new Grande Suites is decorated in 1920s Art Deco style, with an en suite private bathroom with shower. The bedroom features double beds and there’s also a living area so that guests can relax in privacy. London’s Wimberly Interiors are responsible for the restoration of these three exceptional Grande Suites. They have taken the concept of luxury travel to a new level which retaining the history of the train. The cabins have been transformed into even more luxurious iterations of their previous selves and the results speak for themselves – hand-carved wood, embossed leather and Venetian glass all combine to create the perfect symmetry.
On the iconic Orient Express, your vacation starts the moment you step onto the train. The three new Grand Suites, named after the destinations that the legendary train visits every year – Venice, Paris and Istanbul – also offer special privileges to their guests. They enjoy private transfers to and from the train, are welcomed by a personal cabin steward and then left to enjoy themselves by slipping into complimentary Art Deco bathrobes with a glass of champagne to enjoy the view. This is the golden age of travel reinvented in the 21st Century. And it’s everything you would imagine it to be.
Each of these three Suites has been individually designed. The Paris Suite features a light, crisp color palette that pays homage to Paris’ haute couture and gastronomy. This is channelled through delicate fabrics and Lalique crystal panels. In the Istanbul Suite, one finds exquisite marquetry panels that reflect the richness of the Ottoman Empire and the patterns found in the Topkapi Palace. The Suite features amber crystal-ware, embossed leather and mother of pearl to evoke a feel of this exotic destination. Finally, in the Venice Suite, damask silk, Murano chandeliers and blue and silver hues evoke the magic of the city of canals and the Venetian mirrors and antique tapestry reflect a Baroque and Renaissance history.