Timeless elegance. A journey on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express will remain in your heart for a lifetime. Travel in luxury with exquisite dining, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Alps on a golden-era train. To add to the experience, Belmond has now unveiled new luxurious cabins on board, bringing new heights of luxury and comfort to the original legend of the rails.

A recent discovery of two original 1920s and 30s carriages has led to the commissioning of eight new suites, set to launch in June 2023. Each of the carriages will be lovingly restored and re-imagined by expert French designers and craftsmen.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy with Venice-Simplon Orient Express extension

Spacious luxury

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 The new luxuriously appointed suites will blend the train’s iconic history with modern comfort. Double and twin bed areas convert into a spacious lounge, complemented with an ensuite marble bathroom. Wrap up in your kimono and slippers and relax, knowing that your personal 24-hour cabin steward is available to attend to your every need

Related content more: In 2022, why we do we crave the New Golden Era of Travel more than ever before

Inspired by four regions

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The new suites on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express each pay homage to the sensational European landscapes through which the train passes. Inspired by four regions: La Campagne (the countryside), Les Montagnes (the mountains), Les Lacs (the lakes), and La Forêt (the forest). Nature’s landscapes will be celebrated through the design of the interiors, with plush furnishings and fabrics reflecting famous Art Deco designers, such as Dufrene, Rousseau, Prou and Lalique.

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Reflecting the Alpine scenery outside your window, Les Montagnes Suites mirror the peaks of Austria’s Arlberg massif. This mountain range serves as a backdrop on the train’s route to Venice. Les Lacs Suites reflect the beauty of Lake Como in Italy and Switzerland’s Lake Zug.

Celebrating all that is best of the wilderness and countryside, La Campagne Suites show off velvet greens and delicate floral designs. A nod to the vineyards and pastures of Italy and France’s Cȏte d’Azur. And, La Forêt Suites channel the majesty of the Black Forest, seen when traveling from Prague to Paris.

For inspiration: France travel guide

Existing Accommodations

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The new suites will be offered in addition to the two existing cabin categories, Historic Cabins and Grand Suites. The Historic Cabins provide exceptional comfort in the Art Deco carriages,  and transform from a day-time lounge to upper and lower beds at night.

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The Grand Suites feature private ensuite bathrooms with showers, double beds, and a living area, with underfloor heating, for private dining experiences. Guests in a Grand Suite also enjoy 24-hour cabin service and free-flowing champagne.

Read more: A real life Orient Express mystery has just been solved, thanks to YouTube

On board dining

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The exquisite menu is seen to by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert. Dishes include gourmet Beef Wellington, roasted turbot and the famous lobster brunch. Inspired by vintage Venice-Simplon Orient Express menus, Imbert’s dishes celebrate quality, seasonal ingredients, like morels, peaches and figs.

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Keeping the legend and mystery of the world’s most famous train alive, Imbert reimagined the full dining experience, from the menus and canapes to the opulent restaurant cars themselves. Guests onboard the VSOE train have the choice of three elegant restaurant carriages from which to dine.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Timeless train journeys

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Channeling the nostalgia and glamour of bygone days, the Golden Age of luxury train travel evokes old-world images of opulent surroundings and slow-moving scenery as your canvas.

If you are nostalgic for the romance of train travel and keen to take an Orient Express trip, take a look at our limited edition luxury train journeys. Step onboard and back in time for some very special train tours across Europe, South Africa and North America, where we partner with luxurious trains that perfectly complement our guided tours.

Travel from Venice to Paris aboard the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Take an unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands aboard the Royal Scotsman. Be amazed by the scenery from your glass-domed coach on the Rocky Mountaineer in the Canadian Rockies. And journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls in South Africa, aboard the spectacular Rovos Rail.

Discover our limited-edition luxury train journeys

Related content: This is what it is really like to travel on South Africa’s Rovos Rail

With the world at our feet, travelers are spoiled for choice of luxury holiday destinations. Maybe you feel nostalgic for some old-world glamour, or are searching for something a bit different like a burst of culture or a more off-grid experience.

Whether you are a nature lover or a foodie, a sun-seeker or a history lover, there is a luxury vacation for you. To help you choose your next journey, we’ve highlighted some of the top luxury holiday destinations that you should have on your travel bucket list.

1. New Zealand

For the ultimate nature getaway, New Zealand has it all. Its magnificent landscapes behold a fairytale of majestic alps, glaciers, golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains and views of the Pacific. From enticing cities to boutique wineries, this small but impressive country deservedly rates as one of the world’s best luxury destinations.

Discover this bucket list destination with Luxury Gold and rest and rejuvenate in exquisite wilderness retreats. In Rotorua you are invited to a Māori Hāngī feast, a delicious meal cooked unground with geothermal steam. And in the capital Auckland, be treated to an exclusive dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player. A boutique wine tour of the Craggy Range winery followed by dinner and pairing, is just another delight that lies in store.

Discover this on: The Long White Cloud

Read more: The ultimate nature retreat: welcome to Milford Sound Lodge

2. Japan

Japan is a land of breathtaking beauty that fuses traditions with modern living. It is the perfect destination if you are looking to explore a different culture and a chance to get off the beaten path. Japan has recently opened its borders again to international travelers and is fast becoming one of the world’s top luxury holiday destinations.

From the cutting-edge metropolis of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji, seemingly suspended in time, Japan has something for everyone. Join us on Majestic Japan explore exquisite gardens and enjoy a performance by a Geisha in Kyoto. Learn the delicate art of sushi making with a Tokyo Masterchef and, in the stunning surroundings of Oirase Gorge, meet a Sake Brewmaster and discover the secrets of this sacred drink.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

Read more: A Journey of a Lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

3. France

For a nostalgic getaway, the romance and intrigue of France always delivers. Just picture the turquoise waters and glamorous French Riviera beach resorts of the Côte d’Azur and St. Tropez. Imagine the rich aromas and vivid colors of Provence, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Avignon, blended together with world-famous French gastronomy to make this one of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations.

Travel with us and, in Provence, slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. In Avignon, indulge in a dinner at the Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine.

 Discover this on: Ultimate Southern France

 Read more: In 2022, why we do we crave the New Golden Era of Travel more than ever before

4. India

The Taj Mahal. Vibrant colors. Delicate spices and magnificent palaces. These are just some of the reasons India is an endlessly fascinating destination. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country’s intriguing culture, exceptional hospitality and exquisite cuisine see it emerging as a top luxury holiday destination.

Disocver Insia with Luxury Gold and enjoy a private tour of Jaipur City Palace, including the maharajah’s personal living room normally off-limits to visitors. In Ranthambore, search out the elusive tigers in their natural habitat. You will explore the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs, peppered with palatial ruins and traditional Chhatri.

Discover this on: Essence of India with Ranthambore

Read more: Meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw

5. Italy

Another truly nostalgic destination, Italy takes you on a timeless journey back to the Renaissance and the Roman Empire. Walk through the cobblestone alleyways and ruins of Pompeii and glide on a gondola through the canals of Venice. Admire masterpieces as you tour the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s revered frescos in the Sistine Chapel.

Join us in Italy and sail to the sun-drenched island of Capri, sit down to a Michelin-starred Italian feast with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. In Venice, visit the Doge’s Palace exclusively after hours. And for the ultimate nostalgia trip, choose to extend your tour onboard the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travel to Paris.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Read more: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

6. Dubai

More hotel inspiration: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability

8. Lizard Island, Australia

Photo credit: @lizardisland on Instagram

A pristine and secluded location that offers peace, tranquility, and complete privacy. Some ‘off the beaten path’ hotels embody this concept to the extreme, being so remotely situated that they can only be accessed by plane, boat, or other unconventional means, but the journey is part of the allure. These range from breathtaking wilderness lodges to serene beachfront retreats.

Lizard Island is a true sanctuary from the outside world. Boasting 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it stands as the most northern resort in tropical Queensland, directly on the Great Barrier Reef within a 1,013-hectare National Park. This island is reserved for the fortunate few who seek an unforgettable vacation unlike any other. Guests can enjoy private picnics and sunset degustations on secluded beaches, savor five-star cuisine at the beautiful Salt Water restaurant, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments at the Essentia Day Spa.

You may also be interested to read: Experience Remote Luxury at These Extraordinary Hotels

9. The Maldives

The Maldives stands as an icon of ultimate luxury travel, offering an idyllic escape with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and opulent overwater bungalows. Unlike the bustling urban luxury of Dubai, the Maldives captivates with its tranquil, natural beauty and seclusion. Each luxury resort is typically located on its own private island, providing exclusivity and intimacy.

Synonymous with extravagant experiences, guests in the Maldives can indulge in underwater dining at restaurants like Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, enjoy bespoke spa treatments in serene overwater pavilions, or take private yacht excursions to explore the coral reefs and marine life. The Maldives is also famous for its luxurious accommodations; overwater villas often come with private infinity pools, direct lagoon access and personal butler service.

Bookmark for later: Secret islands and snowy retreats: 5 hotspots loved by the British Royal family

10. Echo by White Desert, Antarctica

Echo Camp in Antarctica truly lives up to its reputation as the most remote luxury camp on Earth. Inspired by astronauts and the golden age of space exploration, Echo combines an ultra-luxury experience with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and offers exclusive access to the rarely seen interior of the White Continent.

Notable astronauts like Buzz have visited, comparing the infinite Antarctic landscape and its dramatic mountain ranges to those in space, saying their , beauty surpasses Venus and Mars. Guests are pampered by a team of experienced chefsYou can visit the nearby 28,000-strong Emperor Penguin colony or embarking on a bucket-list journey to the South Pole. Like all White Desert camps, Echo is designed to be dismantled, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape.

You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

If you are searching for your next luxury holiday destination, take a look at our collection of limited-edition luxury guided tours. Each journey is specially curated, with exquisite hotels and exceptional cuisine at each destination.

Global diversification. Emotional engagement. Luxury fashion brands are increasingly aligning themselves with experiential hospitality. The media focuses on the star-studded catwalk show and the individual designer’s celebrity and genius. Yet the typical elite fashion house is really a giant corporation. One whose profit derives from the mass production, marketing and consumption of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

And thus, many luxury fashion brands are reinventing themselves. Branching out into delivery of the full lifestyle package. Through hotels, where such packages can be put on display and sold to guests, and through lifestyle experiences. Take a look at these 7 luxury fashion brands that have branched into experiential hospitality.

Palazzo Versace, Queensland

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Opened in Australia in 2000, the Palazzo Versace Queensland is credited as being one of the world’s first fashion brand hotels. With an exclusive waterfront setting on the Gold Coast, the hotel features spectacular architecture, opulent accommodations, and a design distinguished by Versace bespoke furnishings. The chandelier in the foyer of the Palazzo Versace once hung in the State Library of Milan and was originally purchased by Gianni Versace to place in one of his homes. More than $11.5 million worth of marble was imported from Carra in Italy and the driveway mosaic is the second largest in the world.

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A wide range of items from bathrobes to bedheads, all on display and for the use of guests, are also for sale through the lobby shop. However, in this case, the initiative did not come from the Versace organization itself. Palazzo Versace was the brainchild of Gold Coast-based Sunland Group. From the Versace perspective, it was a new step in the journey towards globalization and diversification from the purveyors of high-end designer fashion.

Audemars Piguet, Hotel des Horlogers

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Authenticity, harmony, ingenuity and liberation. These are the values of luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. And the Hotel des Horlogers offers guests all this in the shape of luxurious accommodations. Originally built in 1857, this historic hotel was purchased by Audemars Piguet in 2003. It was renamed “Hôtel des Horlogers” in tribute to the know-how of the watchmakers in the surrounding La Vallée de Joux.

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The hotel aims to break down the boundaries between nature and architecture, creating a space of harmony. In the true essence of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands, the spirit of innovation inspired by watchmaking roots extends to the architecture and overall guest experience. The hotel features its own watch exhibition and the opportunity to visit the nearby Audemars Piguet watchmaker’s museum. It might lead you to place your name on the list for one of these distinguished timepieces.

Related content: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a chic 24 hours in St. Moritz

Armani Hotels, Milan & Dubai

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The exclusive collection of Armani Hotels & Resorts are styled to reflect elegance, simplicity and sophisticated comfort. Designed in collaboration with Mr. Giorgio Armani and his in-house interior design team, the hotel embody his signature style and aesthetic. Each hotel promises “uncompromising attention to detail” and stunning views along with world-class services and award-winning cuisine.

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Set in the Armani style, “a way of being and presenting oneself, certainly incorporating clothing and accessories, but also including gestures, ways, behaviors and attitudes; a style that goes beyond the sum of its parts, and well beyond what one wears.” Restaurants offer gourmet dishes created by some of the world’s leading chefs. Luxurious spas offer the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.

Tiffany & Co’s Blue Box Café, Harrods, London

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Opened in 2020, on the ground floor of Harrods in London, customers get yet another way to immerse themselves in the world of Tiffany. Guests can literally enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With afternoon tea and dinner also on the menu. Dine surrounded by Tiffany jewelry, with surroundings that feel like one of the brand’s famed blue boxes. Dishes are served on the Tiffany & Co bone china, as part of a beautiful Tiffany tablescape. For Tiffany & Co, one of the most iconic luxury fashion brands, this makes for an ideal and classy Instagram opportunity.

Have your very own Audrey Hepburn moment and dine on New York-style pancakes dusted with sugar, served with maple syrup, strawberries and whipped vanilla cream. Or try a signature crab muffin, with Cornish crab and cheddar rarebit. Sip on Tiffany cocktails such as Velvet Lychee, with Harrods Brut NV, lychee, egg white and vanilla vodka. Or a White Gold and Rose Gold B, with Harrods Brut NV, rose peach puree and raspberry.

Why not visit whilst in London on our Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour?

Dior and Belmond Hotels

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In the summer of 2022, the high-end hospitality group Belmond Hotels partnered with Dior to offer a pop-up spa experience on the Italian Riviera. Located in the gardens of Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, in Portofino, the Jardin des Rêves Dior (Dior’s Garden of Dreams) featured two spa treatment spaces offering signature face and body rituals.

Dior’s creative director reimagined the fashion house’s iconic Toile de Jouy fabric to dress up the cabanas. A temporary concept store offered a wide range of clothing options from the fashion house’s Dioriveria capsule collection, as well as the limited Splendido Edition of its Escale à Portofino perfume.

As well as hotels, Belmond leads the way in luxury train travel as owners of the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.

Related content: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Ferragamo, the Lungarno Collection

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Created by the Ferragamo family the Lungarno Collection consists of seven boutique properties.  The Ferragamo footprint runs through all the fashion brand hotels, with five in Florence, one in Rome, and one in Milan. Branded beauty products adorn every bathroom. Picasso and Caravaggio paintings direct from the family’s private collection are displayed on the walls.

Frequented by an international jet-set crowd of art enthusiasts, expect to see fashion seekers and well-heeled weekenders. The Ferragamo family’s values of quality, service and lifestyle permeate every second of your stay.

Related content: 7 ways you’ll experience Tuscan food when traveling with Luxury Gold

Aston Martin and the Waldorf Astoria

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Not just luxury fashion brands, high-end car companies too have entered into exclusive partnerships with hotels to expand their market share and cultivate a richer brand image. Waldorf Astoria, for many years has paired with Aston Martin Lagonda to present hotel guests with Aston Martin’s latest models and offer guests VIP hospitality at automobile shows and international races. Tapping into each other’s clientele, exciting driving opportunities were offered at hotels worldwide along with exclusive trackside access at top racing events.

 For the ultimate luxury journey, take a look at the Luxury Gold collection of limited edition guided tours.