Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Luxury train travel is experiencing a renaissance, offering travelers a relaxing, scenic, and sustainable alternative to flying. Iconic routes like the Eurostar between Great Britain and Europe, and Japan’s Shinkansen, are just a few examples of how trains are becoming more than just a mode of transportation—they are turning into destinations in their own right. In an era where life often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, the slow, immersive experience of luxury train travel has never been more appealing.
Around the world, legendary train journeys top bucket lists. The Rocky Mountaineer, for instance, takes passengers through breathtaking landscapes from Banff to Vancouver and across the canyon country of the U.S.
The Ghan offers a stunning traverse across Australia, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), perhaps the most famous of all, continues to enchant travelers. Under the stewardship of LVMH-owned Belmond, the VSOE is continually evolving. In 2025, it will debut l’Observatoire, a luxurious sleeper carriage designed by French artist JR, featuring a bedroom, ensuite, lounge area, library, and even a secret tea room with a fireplace.
Luxury hospitality brands are also betting big on the revival of train travel. Accor, known for its Raffles and Fairmont properties, is launching its own Orient Express collection next year. This venture includes a portfolio of trains, hotels, and sailing ships designed to bring the spirit of the original.