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Inside the Opulent New Suites of the Storied Orient Express

Three elegant cabins, designed by Wimberly Interiors, reprise the heyday of luxury rail travel

By Geoffrey Montes
Luxurious vintage train carriage interior with elegant wood paneling, plush seating, a bed, and decorative lighting.
The Istanbul suite. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond

Vintage luxury European train carriage at a station with a glass roof, showcasing an elegant design and classic detailing.
Venice Simplon Orient Express in a train station. Courtesy of Belmond

The world’s most fabled train ride became even more romantic in April.  Thanks to luxury hospitality group Belmond, the storied Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has a ravishing new carriage.

Comprising just three opulent Art Deco–inspired suites, the addition, which was overseen by London’s Wimberly Interiors, features custom work by artisans in glassblowing, marquetry, and mosaics.

Named and decorated after the line’s most evocative stops—Paris, Venice, and Istanbul—the cabins represent the height of luxury rail travel, down to the last detail of their marble bathrooms.

Recommended: The Ultimate Art and Culture Guide to Venice

“Designing within such a confined space was certainly challenging, but we are delighted with the results,” says Wimberly vice president and studio director Rachel Johnson. “Every item and finish has a story to tell.”

Luxurious vintage train interior with plush blue seating, elegant lighting, and rich wooden details.
The bar car with luxe blue upholstery. Courtesy of Belmond

Luxurious vintage train carriage interior with elegant wood paneling, plush seating, a bed, and decorative lighting.
The Istanbul suite. Courtesy of Belmond

Luxury train bathroom with ornate woodwork, marble walls, a gold sink, and mosaic tile floor, reflecting opulent design.
The Paris suite detail shot of the bathroom. Courtesy of Belmond

Luxurious vintage train cabin with ornate wood paneling, elegant decor, and a plush bed with decorative pillows.
The Venice Suite. Courtesy of Belmond

Art Deco style hotel room with a lit bedside lamp, ornate wooden headboard, and crisp white bedding.
Art Deco detailing in the Paris suite. Courtesy of Belmond

A version of this article first appeared in print in our Summer 2018 Issue in the section called The Artful Life. Subscribe to the magazine.