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.

What is jet lag? 

What is jet lag? This common sleep disorder for long-distance travelers affects your internal sleep clock (or circadian rhythms) and can make those first couple days in your destination a foggy blur. Fortunately, there are options for jet lag treatment that can help you enjoy every moment at your destination. We’ve gathered our top five jet lag gadgets to help you leave the fog behind.

Apps to fight jet lag

One popular and inexpensive category of jet jag cure are apps that regulate your sleep. For example,  TimeShifter was developed by a doctor at Harvard Medical School to personalize how you fight jetlag. You enter information such as your gender, age, the times you usually fall asleep and wake up, if you use caffeine or a sleep aid, and if you’re a night owl or early bird to help shift your sleeping rhythms before and after you fly. You’ll then receive notifications with recommendations on adjusting light, sleep and drinking caffeine. Similar technology has even been used by NASA astronauts. 

Similar apps such as Entrain help to regulate your light and darkness exposure. Simply enter your current and new time zone and the app will create a personalized light schedule for you. Jet Lag Rooster app also monitors your light exposure to help in adjusting to your new time zone and sends similar notifications as TimeShifter on light exposure and sleep times. Since you can create your personalized jet lag plan before you fly, why not get ahead of jet lag with one of these easy-to-use apps?

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Light therapy wearables

Another cutting-edge jet lag remedy is light therapy you can wear. Because light is one of the top cues for our brain to adjust to a new time zone, focusing on light exposure is a natural way to combat jet lag. Light therapy, such as bright tabletop lights you may have seen to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder, is used in the morning to simulate the morning sun to kick off your body’s natural rhythms. 

One example of a light therapy wearable is Re-Timer, a portable light device worn on your face. This battery powered device looks like a large pair of glasses. They work by emitting a green light that provides the same benefits as sunlight to regulate sleep and waking patterns. You can wear them day or night – ideally for 50 minutes three times a week – to adjust your body clock. You can even use Re-Timer to help with insomnia, Seasonal Affective Disorder or other light deprivation issues.

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Sleep masks

Similar to light therapy wearables, traditional sleep masks are a beneficial low-tech solution to limit light exposure. While a high-quality blackout mask is best, even the airplane’s complimentary sleep mask can help. Some sleep masks have padded eye cups, making them extra comfortable. 

Or, you can take your sleep mask to the next level with a mask that works with a mobile phone app to adjust light and help you regulate your sleep patterns. The mask syncs with the app and tells you when to seek light before your flight and helps you adjust to your new time zone during your flight. Neuron sleep mask measures brainwaves to gather sleep data, develop advanced sleep staging and get personalized sleep tips. Topoint Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones includes built-in wireless so you can also enjoy sounds and music of your choice.

Noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds

Sound therapy, and management, can also help regulate sleep. Loud airplane cabins can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. So, while earplugs and standard headphones are beneficial, investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can enhance your sleep quality. Not only will these block out noise but can give you the auditory experience of your choice from white noise and meditations to music from the app of your choice. 

Portable White Noise Machines

On the topic of sound therapy, you can continue to treat your ears to soothing sounds and regulate your sleep in your destination with a small, portable white noise machine. These easy-to-pack devices mask the background sounds in your room that can be particularly distracting in a new environment. Many machines offer a range of choices from bright or deep white noise to the sounds of the ocean. Should you prefer to pack light, there are many apps offering a wealth of white noise or soothing sounds. 

Check out more of our travel trips and plan your next journey with Luxury Gold.