Train travel has always held a certain romantic allure. The gentle rhythm of the journey, paired with ever-shifting scenery, creates an atmosphere of timeless beauty. Upgrading the journey to first-class gives your passport to a world where luxury knows no bounds. It’s an experience akin to staying in a five-star hotel, all while traversing some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Private suites. Gourmet dining. Personalised service. Welcome aboard a world where the journey is as extraordinary as the destination.
Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Experience Scottish history and warm hospitality on an exclusive round trip aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Departing from Edinburgh Waverley Station, this train journey winds through iconic destinations like the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond, and the Isle of Skye. Within these luxurious carriages, the Grand Suites offer the pinnacle of indulgence.
Spacious interiors showcase Edwardian elegance blended with local materials, while the bespoke tartan designs tell a story of the train’s legacy and the surrounding landscapes. Guests in the Grand Suites enjoy privileges like in-suite private dining, personalised butler service, a complimentary spa treatment, and a curated mini-bar.
For more information, log on to the official website here.
Andean Explorer, Peru
The luxurious Andean Explorer takes passengers on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, traversing one of the highest rail routes on the planet. This exclusive train offers one or two-night journeys between Cusco, Puno (on the shores of Lake Titicaca), and Arequipa, showcasing breathtaking Andean landscapes and Incan ruins.
Settle into refined comfort within the Andean Explorer’s Suite Cabins, thoughtfully designed with authentic Peruvian touches. These generously sized cabins, spanning approximately 13 square metres, feature plush double beds and cosy seating areas ideal for relaxation or journaling your travel highlights. Each cabin also includes a private bathroom with a shower, providing convenience throughout your journey. Expansive windows showcase breathtaking Andean scenery, even at altitudes of up to 4,000 feet.
For more information, log on to the official website here.
Deccan Odyssey, India
Deccan Odyssey is also known as India’s Blue Luxury Train due to the exterior design of the train. Journeys extend beyond Maharashtra to Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, showcasing India’s rich heritage. Step back in time to an era of regal train travel with the Deccan Odyssey’s Presidential Suites.
These well-appointed suites feature a large double bed, a separate sitting room with a comfortable sofa and a desk, and the added convenience of two private bathrooms. Guests who book a Presidential Suite will also enjoy exclusive benefits, including a private car and guide for many off-train excursions, complimentary drinks from the bar car, laundry service, and room upgrades at select hotels, ensuring a truly pampered journey.
For more information, log on to the official website here.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Experience the charm of a bygone era aboard the Rovos Rail, where refurbished wood-panelled coaches and five-star dining transport you back in time. The Pride of Africa offers journeys ranging from 48 hours to two weeks, linking some of the continent’s most remarkable destinations. Travel from Cape Town at the southern tip of Africa to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, experiencing diverse landscapes along the way.
For a truly indulgent experience, consider the Royal Suites on the Rovos Rail. These spacious suites, spanning half a train car and measuring 172 square feet, offer exceptional comfort and privacy. You’ll have the choice of a king-size bed or twin beds, and a private bathroom with a Victorian bathtub and shower. A separate lounge area offers a quiet space to work or simply enjoy the passing South African scenery with a glass of wine.
For more information, log on to the official website here.
Kyushu Seven Stars, Japan
The Seven Stars offers an immersive journey through the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness. It departs from Hakata Station in Fukuoka and travels through all seven prefectures of Kyushu, including stops at iconic locations such as Aso Volcano, Kagoshima City, and the hot spring town of Yufuin.
The train itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with only 10 suites for a maximum of 20 guests. Each suite blends Japanese and Western design, offering a luxurious and comfortable space. Two exclusive Deluxe Suites provide even more indulgence, with the Deluxe Suite A showcasing a panoramic view through its wall-to-wall window. Guests in this suite can unwind with a private projector for enjoying their favourite DVDs. Further, the en-suite bathroom features a cypress-panelled shower and Arita porcelain wash basin crafted by the late Sakaida Kakiemon XIV.
For more information, log on to the official website here.
Photos courtesy of the respective official train websites
