Underfloor heating, free Champagne and private bathrooms with showers: Three new ‘grand suites’ for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express unveiled (with tickets from £6,200 per person)
- The three suites are named Vienna, Prague and Budapest after three cities the train travels to each year
- The suites will be available for the 2020 season and come with private in-cabin dining and a 24-hour steward
- The three new suites will join the current award-winning grand suites that are called Venice, Istanbul and Paris
The altogether grand Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is about to get even grander – thanks to the creation of three new ‘grand suites’.
The suites, Vienna, Prague and Budapest, are named after three iconic European cities the train travels to each year and will hit the rails in 2020.
Each will be created with ‘scrupulous craftmanship’ and will offer underfloor heating, marble en-suite bathrooms with showers, double beds, a private living area and ‘free-flowing Champagne’.
A rendering of the new Prague suite, which is coming soon to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Belmond, which owns the train, says this suite is inspired by the Baroque and Gothic architecture of Prague
The imperial nature of Vienna will be reflected in the Vienna suite’s ‘ornate and classical design’ (pictured)
The Budapest grand suite, pictured, aims to ‘capture the essence of both sides of the Danube river, taking inspiration from both the Gothic and Ottoman architecture’
Belmond, which owns the luxury service, says the Baroque and Gothic architecture of Prague will be encapsulated in the Prague grand suite through rich golds and maroons.
It said: ‘The balance of ancient and modern will be captured through layers of hand-embroidered cushions and Cubist-inspired mosaic patterns. The marquetry will be adorned with hints of red garnet.’
The imperial nature of Vienna, meanwhile, will be reflected in the Vienna suite’s ‘ornate and classical design’.
It explains that rich hues of gold and emerald green will ‘reflect the romantic details of the city’ while a feature curved headboard with silk fabric panels will ‘give a feminine feel together with touches of dark wood’.
Meanwhile, the Budapest grand suite aims to ‘capture the essence of both sides of the Danube river, taking inspiration from both the Gothic and Ottoman architecture’.
Belmond says the suite will be adorned with ‘intricate detailed marquetry’ and ‘sumptuous silk embroidery patterns’.
The suites, Vienna, Prague and Budapest, are named after three iconic European cities the train travels to each year
Gary Franklin, vice president, trains and cruises at Belmond, said: ‘As with everything on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the design and careful restoration that goes into each suite, whilst respecting the original 1920s art-deco design, is extraordinary’
The three new suites will join the current grand suites – Venice, Istanbul and Paris.
The suites will also feature a personal 24-hour cabin steward, private in-cabin dining, a complimentary bathrobe and private transfers to and from the train.
Gary Franklin, vice president, trains and cruises at Belmond, said: ‘As with everything on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the design and careful restoration that goes into each suite, whilst respecting the original 1920s Art Deco design, is extraordinary.
‘Each meticulous suite will draw inspiration from the romance, adventure and style of each great European city we travel to.
‘The suites evoke the individual city experience whether it is walking along the Charles Bridge in Prague or exploring the contrasting Gothic and Ottoman architecture of Budapest.
A classic one-night journey in a grand suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starts from £6,200 per person
‘They are a real tribute to the romance and glamour of Europe and the golden era of rail travel.’
The first set of grand suites won several esteemed design awards including the Ahead World’s Best Suite accolade, the best speciality design title at the Gold Key Awards and the historic renovation category in the Contract Interior Awards.
The suites were also nominated at the Inside Awards, Civic Culture & Transport Awards and the Blueprint Awards.
Wimberly Interiors will be conducting the new design project. Rachel Johnson, senior vice president and studio director at Wimberly Interiors London, said: ‘We are thrilled and honoured to work with Belmond again on this important design project.
‘It is imperative that the design reflects the train’s history and supports the ultimate experience of glamour and prestige that any experience on the train delivers.
‘We have worked closely with the Belmond team to ensure that the train’s iconic cities are reflected in the suite design.’
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels throughout Europe from March to November and stops in Istanbul once a year
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels throughout Europe from March to November and travels to Istanbul once a year.
A classic one-night journey in a grand suite starts from £6,200 per person.
A journey from Venice to Vienna, Prague or Budapest in a twin cabin starts from £2,200 per person. A journey from Vienna, Prague or Budapest to Paris or London in a twin cabin starts from £2,573 per person.
For more details on Belmond visit www.belmond.com.
Source: Read Full Article