Belmond, operator of Venice Simplon Orient Express, has grand plans for 2o25 and will this month launch its first sleeper train in the UK, Britannic Explorer, a first for England and Wales.
It will offering three- or six-night journeys with a selection of three routes through the spectacular landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales.
Fine dining experiences will be designed by acclaimed Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan. Wilderness will be enjoyed through open-water swimming and invigorating hikes. The train, built in England with interiors by Albion Nord, will feature 18 cabins (15 Suites and 3 Grand Suites), a wellness suite, two restaurant cars and a bar located in the Observation Car.
Meanwhile, The Royal Scotsman, will introduce a majestic seven-night new journey, the Grand Tour of Scotland, a new Grand Suite carriage named Heron in July 2025 and chef Tom Kitchin will be back onboard for a unique gastronomic experience on the rails.
“Our properties’ identity is rooted in slow luxury,” Belmond CEO Dan Ruff said. “In 2025, we will elevate this further by inviting guests to discover a new pace of travel, allowing for deeper connections with the destination. They can embark on the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, or indulge in our first private summer residence in Portofino. We continue to build a new legacy as we enhance our properties, focusing on celebration, epic journeys, wellness in nature and creative terroir.”
Belmond already offers experiential rail journeys on three continents, where it operates its six – and soon seven – luxury trains that blend glamour, enchantment and adventure. Elsewhere, on river boats in France, curated itineraries offer a delightful exploration of unique terroir.
In March 2025, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe’s most extraordinary new carriage will redefine modern luxury rail travel. L’Observatoire by artist JR is the train’s first carriage designed by an artist, and is its most exclusive and spacious accommodation type, encompassing an entire carriage. The interiors flow through several micro-environments, from the bedroom featuring a free-standing bathtub, a bathroom, a lounge with a daybed, library, hidden Tea Room, with never-seen-before oculus-shaped skylights.
This artwork in motion pays tribute to the train’s rich history of timeless craftsmanship and its myriad mythical journeys: inspiring wonder and curiosity, it adds a new dimension to time travel and invites travellers to reconnect with their creative selves.
Pair a rail journey with lavish stay
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express will continue to launch new itineraries pairing the Art Deco journey on board with a lavish stay in a Belmond Italian properties to convey a sense of time-travelling grandeur.
The highly acclaimed Paris to Portofino route launched in 2024 will return and can be combined with a stay at Splendido in Portofino. In spring 2025, a Paris to Tuscany route will launch and the journey can be extended to Castello di Casole, in Tuscany.
Les Bateaux Belmond, France, a fleet of seven luxurious floating villas will enhance its epicurean itineraries through the tranquil French countryside of Burgundy, Champagne and Southern France with the debut in 2025 of Michelin-star chef Dominique Crenn as Les Bateaux Belmond’s first culinary curator.
On offer are two signature menus highlighting local produce and the region’s rich heritage. From July 2025, a new journey through the characterful winemaking waterways of the Bordeaux region will invite guests to explore vineyards and visit revered châteaux: highlights include the celebrated Saint-Émilion vineyards, the Sauternes haven of Château d’Yquem and a trip to the Caudalie Spa. This new itinerary will complement existing spectacular journeys, including a “12-Star Michelin Cruise”, “La Semaine des Grands Crus” in Burgundy or “Grand Champagne Voyage” in Champagne.
Grand reopening Splendido, Portofino
This year will also mark the grand reopening of Portofino’s global icon: Splendido, following a multi-year renovation by renowned designer, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
The restoration of this former 16th-century monastery captures the spirit of local craftsmanship and will feature newly renovated rooms and suites, a redesigned cocktail bar and a Dior Spa.
This month will also see the opening of Villa Beatrice, one of the most scenic villas on the Italian Riviera, perched on a private spit with views over the bay. Acquired by Belmond in 2021, this three-storey palazzo has been restored and restyled by Martin Brudnizki.
The majestic residence, once known as Castello Odero, will offer five suites and offer guests seclusion and intimacy, sea access, a secret subtropical marine garden and a plunge pool whilst benefiting from all the services of the Splendido hotel, just a short walk away.
