Latest news with #HeinzBeck
The National
08-05-2025
- The National
Eight luxury train journeys for slow travellers, from Maharajas Express in India to Andean Explorer in Peru
In January, Saudi Arabia added a luxury train to its growing list of tourist attractions. Set to be the Middle East's first super-luxury train, Dream of the Desert will allow travellers to explore the kingdom's heritage and natural sites through its 1,250 kilometres from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat in the north of the country, close to the Jordanian border. The 14-carriage Dream of the Desert will house 34 luxury suites and one restaurant, and will aim to cater to the growing slow travel trend as more and more people opt for longer, more sustainable journeys. With the popularity of the age-old leisurely train travel once again picking up speed, here are some of the world's most luxurious trains to hop on for an experiential journey. The newest kid on the block, this 12-carriage luxury train launched in April and transports up to 62 passengers for one, two or three nights around Italy, with the journey beginning and ending in Rome. Passengers can pick from two cabin classes: Deluxe, which comes with a sofa bed, and Suite, which has a double bed, sofa, and desk. Each cabin comes with an en suite bathroom and an in-room call button for a dedicated steward, who will answer to all of the guests' needs. Outside the cabins, passengers can also lounge in the bar cart or the restaurant cart, with a menu put together by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. There are eight itineraries to choose from currently, from a one-night Shores of Italy trip (€4,990 for two passengers in a deluxe cabin) to a two-night Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards journey, starting at €8,320 for two passengers in a deluxe cabin. One of the most luxurious – and expensive – train journeys in the country, the aptly named Maharajas Express or Kings Express takes guests through historic north India, with stops including the Taj Mahal and the grand palaces of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The 14-carriage trains can accommodate up to 88 guests per journey, who can choose from Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite or the lavish Presidential Suite, which spans an entire carriage and comes with two bedrooms, a dining room, a spacious living area, and a modern private bathroom with a bath tub. Dining options include two restaurants as well as a lounge and bar cart, serving Indian as well as international cuisines. Four itineraries are on offer, of which three – Indian Splendour, Heritage of India and Indian Panorama – are seven-day trips, while Treasures of India is a four-day journey. Prices start at $7,800 per person for a Deluxe Cabin occupancy, with additional charges per extra guest. Passengers can also add on a journey with Golden Chariot, another luxury train that services southern India. Owned by Belmond, which operates a number of luxury trains around the world, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers three-night journeys across Malaysia, from royal towns to rice plantations. The 31-carriage train features luxury cabins, two restaurants, a piano bar, an observation car and a Dior Spa. Guests can choose from three cabin types – Pullman, Deluxe and Presidential Suite – with prices starting at $4,650 per person for a three-night Wild Malaysia journey in the Pullman Cabin. There's also a six-day Tiger Express journey, starting at $8,500 per person, which begins in Singapore. Organised in partnership with Save Wild Tigers, the trip includes stops in ancient rainforests where guests can learn about conservation efforts to protect the Malayan tiger. Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang, whose restaurants in Singapore and Taipei have multiple Michelin stars, is in charge of the menu. This long-running luxury train offers journeys across the African continent, from South Africa to Namibia and Zimbabwe. Comprising 36 suites, it can accommodate up to 72 passengers per journey. Passengers can choose from a variety of tours, from a two-night safari tour in Durban to a 15-night trip across Southern Africa, starting in Cape Town and ending in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Three cabin classes are on offer – Pullman, Deluxe and Royal – with prices starting at $2,200 per person for a two-night tour. On board, guests can also enjoy a meal in the dining cars or lounge car (±26 seats) or views from the observation car with an open-air balcony. There's also a gift shop and smoking lounge. Another Belmond train, South America's first luxury train takes guests through Peru's breathtaking landscapes, from Lake Titicaca to the ruins of Raqch'i and high into the Andes. On board, passengers can indulge in Peruvian cuisine, relax in the Spa Car and take in the scenery from the lounge car. The 35 cabins are all air-conditioned and come in three options: Bunk Beds, Twin Beds and Suite. The Andean Explorer offers numerous journeys; Spirit of the Islands, Spirit of the Valley, Spirit of the Water and Spirit of the Andes are one-night routes. Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery and Peruvian Highlands both span two nights. Prices start at $3,238. Promising to offer 'parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to,' this luxury train journey takes guests through the country's outback and beyond. Passengers can pick from a number of cabin options – Gold, Gold Premium, Platinum and Aurora Australis Suites – or enjoy the journey from two lounge cars and two restaurants. There's also a Platinum Club, exclusive to Platinum and Aurora Autralis Suites guests. The Ghan offers four journeys, including a one-night trip from Darwin to Alice Springs, starting from $1,100 per person. A two-night trip from Adelaide to Darwin starts at $1,800 per person. Ancient Silk Route meets modern luxury in this train journey, which ceased operation in 2019 and is now accepting bookings for 2026. Three journeys are currently on offer: Ancient China by Private Train (12 days), China and Tibet Rail Discovery (13 days) and The Grand Silk Road (22 days). On board are two dining cars, one serving an international menu and the other serving Chinese cuisine. Guests can choose from two cabin options – Superior Cabin and Han Dynasty Suite – both with modern and luxury amenities. The bathrooms in the suites also come with their own bathtubs. Prices start at $19,900 per person for double occupancy. You'd be lucky to get a seat in Japan's first luxury train, demand for which is so high the company employs a lottery system for bookings. The all-suite train takes passengers across the mountainous island of Kyushu, and has only 10 guest rooms, of which two are Deluxe Suites. On board is a restaurant, a lounge bar, a salon and a small shop. Trips include a one-night Kyushu Tour Journey, a three-night Unzen Journey and a three-night Kirishima Journey, each highlighting different aspects of the island, from its traditional handicrafts to food and culture. Prices start at $5,400 per person.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-04-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
On board the world's most luxurious new train
An ambitious programme of eight one and two-night itineraries covering 14 Italian regions has been devised, most starting and ending in Rome and the most elaborate entailing a transfer of the train across the Straits of Messina on a privately chartered vessel to Sicily for visits to Taormina and Palermo. Some thought two nights was the right duration, others wanted longer, but all agreed that more time at our destinations would have been welcomed, and that will be reflected in tweaks to tours. As invariably happens on hotel trains, guests from half a dozen countries soon bonded in the lounge car, where the bar and piano were placed between an area of sinuous banquettes and seats arranged in twos and fours. The youngest in the surprisingly wide age range were a couple from South Korea, evidently on their honeymoon. Other passengers included an investor who had been successful enough to retire early and become a professional bridge player, and a couple from Delhi in the legal profession. Most of us matched the glad rags of the pianist, saxophonist and singer entertaining us after dinner. The near extinction of proper dining cars on so many railways has increased the pleasure of eating in one, and we began lunch to views over a glittering bay to the island of Napoleon's first incarceration, Elba. Our creative and high-quality six-course tasting menu with paired wines was created by Heinz Beck, who runs Rome's only three-Michelin-star restaurant, and produced by one of his protégés, Walter Canzio. The train stops for four or five hours every night, and over breakfast it was evident that the world divides into those who can sleep on moving trains, and those who can't – however comfortable the bed. Italy had the wit to retain many of its cross-country railway lines, which often venture into its equivalent of la France profonde, so it was a pleasure to reach Siena by the single-line route from Montepescali through remote countryside. Between woods, an avenue of slender cypresses led to a characteristic Tuscan farmhouse with arcaded veranda on the upper level, surrounded by fields of artichokes, vines and apple orchards. On distant hilltops, a jumble of pale brown houses rising above wooded slopes recalled a turbulent past, when villages were safer on high ground. Another form of endemic rivalry was the subject of our visit by minibus to meet the winning jockey of last year's Palio at his stables and training fields just outside Siena. Remarkably self-effacing for the man who had become the city's hero until the next Palio, Dino Pes took us through the Byzantine rules that govern the world's oldest horse race and the highlight of the Siena calendar since 1283. So fierce is the rivalry between the contrada, neighbourhoods traceable back to medieval guilds, that he has to be protected against malfeasance by four bodyguards from the moment he is selected until he enters the bareback race around the Campo. The three circuits took him just 75 seconds. Before lunch in the kind of unpretentious restaurant that Italy does so well, we had time to admire the jewel in the city's glorious Gothic cathedral, the Carrara marble pulpit sculpted in the 1260s by Giovanni Pisano, with its seven narrative panels of Christ's life and a cast of almost 400 figures. He also sculpted the statues encrusting the lavish facade, which still looks astonishingly crisp and unweathered. Because the train has to dovetail with passenger and freight trains or replenish water tanks, there are occasional longueurs in stations, but that is all part of slow travel. The train never exceeds 120 km/h, and – unlike on high-speed services – this lack of velocity makes it possible to actually admire the landscapes. As we headed back to Rome, morning mist was rising over the broad plain flanking the Tavere river. A long double avenue of umbrella pines shading a farm track spoke of the forethought of past generations. We skirted the lagoons enclosed by the peninsula of Monte Argentario, where the rackety life of Caravaggio came to an end in 1610, and as we approached Ostiense station, a large section of the Roman walls still stands beside the line. All this luxury and exclusive access comes with a steep price tag, of course: a single-night itinerary costs from $5480 per person. But strong forward bookings suggest there is healthy demand for this sort of five-star experience, and I was told some celebrities have booked the whole train. Arsenale certainly expects it to continue – a second train will be finished later this year, intended for a Rome to Istanbul journey, among others, and it is building a train for Saudi Arabia with plans for others in Egypt, UAE and Uzbekistan. The sweet life is going global, for those who can afford it.
The Age
22-04-2025
- The Age
On board the world's most luxurious new train
An ambitious programme of eight one and two-night itineraries covering 14 Italian regions has been devised, most starting and ending in Rome and the most elaborate entailing a transfer of the train across the Straits of Messina on a privately chartered vessel to Sicily for visits to Taormina and Palermo. Some thought two nights was the right duration, others wanted longer, but all agreed that more time at our destinations would have been welcomed, and that will be reflected in tweaks to tours. As invariably happens on hotel trains, guests from half a dozen countries soon bonded in the lounge car, where the bar and piano were placed between an area of sinuous banquettes and seats arranged in twos and fours. The youngest in the surprisingly wide age range were a couple from South Korea, evidently on their honeymoon. Other passengers included an investor who had been successful enough to retire early and become a professional bridge player, and a couple from Delhi in the legal profession. Most of us matched the glad rags of the pianist, saxophonist and singer entertaining us after dinner. The near extinction of proper dining cars on so many railways has increased the pleasure of eating in one, and we began lunch to views over a glittering bay to the island of Napoleon's first incarceration, Elba. Our creative and high-quality six-course tasting menu with paired wines was created by Heinz Beck, who runs Rome's only three-Michelin-star restaurant, and produced by one of his protégés, Walter Canzio. The train stops for four or five hours every night, and over breakfast it was evident that the world divides into those who can sleep on moving trains, and those who can't – however comfortable the bed. Italy had the wit to retain many of its cross-country railway lines, which often venture into its equivalent of la France profonde, so it was a pleasure to reach Siena by the single-line route from Montepescali through remote countryside. Between woods, an avenue of slender cypresses led to a characteristic Tuscan farmhouse with arcaded veranda on the upper level, surrounded by fields of artichokes, vines and apple orchards. On distant hilltops, a jumble of pale brown houses rising above wooded slopes recalled a turbulent past, when villages were safer on high ground. Another form of endemic rivalry was the subject of our visit by minibus to meet the winning jockey of last year's Palio at his stables and training fields just outside Siena. Remarkably self-effacing for the man who had become the city's hero until the next Palio, Dino Pes took us through the Byzantine rules that govern the world's oldest horse race and the highlight of the Siena calendar since 1283. So fierce is the rivalry between the contrada, neighbourhoods traceable back to medieval guilds, that he has to be protected against malfeasance by four bodyguards from the moment he is selected until he enters the bareback race around the Campo. The three circuits took him just 75 seconds. Before lunch in the kind of unpretentious restaurant that Italy does so well, we had time to admire the jewel in the city's glorious Gothic cathedral, the Carrara marble pulpit sculpted in the 1260s by Giovanni Pisano, with its seven narrative panels of Christ's life and a cast of almost 400 figures. He also sculpted the statues encrusting the lavish facade, which still looks astonishingly crisp and unweathered. Because the train has to dovetail with passenger and freight trains or replenish water tanks, there are occasional longueurs in stations, but that is all part of slow travel. The train never exceeds 120 km/h, and – unlike on high-speed services – this lack of velocity makes it possible to actually admire the landscapes. As we headed back to Rome, morning mist was rising over the broad plain flanking the Tavere river. A long double avenue of umbrella pines shading a farm track spoke of the forethought of past generations. We skirted the lagoons enclosed by the peninsula of Monte Argentario, where the rackety life of Caravaggio came to an end in 1610, and as we approached Ostiense station, a large section of the Roman walls still stands beside the line. All this luxury and exclusive access comes with a steep price tag, of course: a single-night itinerary costs from $5480 per person. But strong forward bookings suggest there is healthy demand for this sort of five-star experience, and I was told some celebrities have booked the whole train. Arsenale certainly expects it to continue – a second train will be finished later this year, intended for a Rome to Istanbul journey, among others, and it is building a train for Saudi Arabia with plans for others in Egypt, UAE and Uzbekistan. The sweet life is going global, for those who can afford it.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Forbes
Choose Your Own Sardinia Adventure
A world of excitement awaits at Forte Village. You can get from the northern tip of Sardinia down to the bottom, where capital city Cagliari sits, in about four hours. And while some of that stretch on the Italian island is a quiet bit filled with quaint houses on olive tree-flanked roads, there's enough adventure to fill a vacation itinerary — if you know where to look. Forte Village is one of the reasons we can say that so confidently. A playground of near-limitless possibilities, this 116-acre South Sardinia resort has eight hotels, more than 700 rooms, 35 dining and drinking options, a 4,000-seat arena, boutiques, a sparkling beach and much more. This expansive Mediterranean-kissing resort caters to all kinds of travelers, whether you're an athlete looking to up your game with a professional or a parent who needs to entertain the kids. Reserve a room in Hotel Il Castello's contemporary elegance. The fun begins the moment you choose your accommodations. With so many room, suite and villa options across the campus, the choice depends on you and your vacation goals. Get a neutral-toned Prestige room in Hotel Il Castello if you and your partner want to be near the beach. Try one of the bungalows in the foliage-filled Villa del Parco Hotel & Spa if you prefer to be close to the spa. Or splurge on one of the 13 magnificent villas when the romantic getaway calls for a private pool, butler service and nearly 3,000 square feet of personal space. No matter where you lay your head, though, Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa is where you'll find the most relaxation together. The 2022-renovated sanctuary's menu is filled with unique services like the honey-and-salt massage, but couples may get the most joy from the thalassotherapy course. The six-part cycle is Forte Village's interpretation of how ancient Romans used sea water at different temperatures and varying saline densities to benefit the body. You'll bond with your significant other as you both tussle with 100-degree temperatures in the high-saline pool and get covered in the circuit's sticky sea oil. Catch at least one meal at Fish Market. Heinz Beck is one of the world's foremost gastronomic geniuses. When the German chef puts his stamp on a resort restaurant, it's understood that certain culinary standards will be met. When he puts his name on two establishments at the same property, like he does at Forte Village's Heinz Beck Restaurant and Beachcomber by Heinz Beck, it's safe to say that address exceeds every epicurean expectation. At Heinz Beck Restaurant, the chef's European sensibilities shine through in an amazing turbot with black truffle and a lime-marinated cacio e pepe we haven't stopped dreaming about. Your smartly dressed table can nosh on dishes from a terrace overlooking the sea. Beachcomber by Heinz Beck is even closer to the waves, giving you an assortment of salads and seafood to enjoy by the sand. No matter what you're in the mood for — pepperoni slices (Pizzeria Bellavista), prawns (Fish Market), grilled pork (Brasiliano) or popsicles (Snack Oasis) — there's likely a restaurant specializing in it around the Village. A rotating assortment of top chefs (when we visited, talented toques like Giuseppe Mancino and Andrea Aprea were cooking) adds its own flavor to kitchens. But for those meals when you can't quite tell what you're in the mood for, Cavalieri elevates the all-you-can scene with fresh lobster and house-made gelato. Afternoons are literally a circus at this resort. You could argue that the littlest guests get the best care at Forte Village. There's a literal circus on the campus with rotating shows filled with clowns and magicians. There's also a kid-centric restaurant (complete with mini chairs and tables), an arts camp, a tiny train choo-chooing around and a children's village composed of tyke-sized buildings. And for those times when parents want to nap or get a body wrap, there's a full-time day care service. And even if your kids are too old for a sitter, they'll have a blast here. At the Acquapark, you'll find seven slides for the older ones and a pirate ship for younger siblings who begged to tag along. There's also a bowling alley and a go-kart track that they can bike to. Speaking of pedaling, we saw plenty of teens and tweens riding around the property, simply taking in the quiet — between selfie takes, of course. Forte Village is always game for a little competition. At press time, Jannik Sinner was the top-ranked male tennis player in the world. Guess where he did some training? Of course, Forte Village's tennis club can't promise you similar grand slam-winning results (though full-time coach Pat Cash is the 1987 Wimbledon champ), but it can guarantee a good time on one of the 13 courts. The same world-class standards apply in padel tennis and on new pickleball courts, too. This resort's accomplishments go well beyond paddle sports, however. From the Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic to academies in sports like swimming, fencing and field hockey that are all led by former Olympic medalists, if it's best-in-class training within a specific discipline that you seek, there may not be a more well-rounded team of instructors than what you'll find at Forte Village. And if you or a loved one has a hobby outside of the traditional sports, there's a good chance there's a course for it here, too. Want to learn how to spin records like a top DJ? Sign right up. Have a kid with dreams of becoming the next Ryan Coogler? The Cinema Academy may be perfect for him. Think you might be related to a future Judit Polgár? See for yourself at the Chess Academy. The new Nature Eco Park expands the resort's reach even more. There is a world to explore at Forte Village. An afternoon of walking or biking will allow you to spot oleander, mastic trees and more than 3,000 other native plant species around the property. For those who want to take their botany lesson to the next level, Forte Village Nature Eco Park is a wildly entertaining option that debuts this spring. The 17-acre green space is home to native foliage, mammals (like alpacas, emus and Sardinian sheep) and birds (such as pheasants, turkeys and Mandarin ducks). You'll also find a walking and cycling path, a vegetable garden and stable filled with horses and donkeys. Discuss what you see over a bite and beverages at the onsite restaurant. Explore the ancient ruins of Nora. Should you want to step away from Forte Village for a few hours, concierge will happily arrange a day trip for you to nearby sites. Where the resort sits, you're just a 20-minute drive from the Capo Spartivento Calabro Lighthouse in one direction and only a 15-minute ride to Pula in the other way. Pula's tiled walkways and colorful flags dangling overhead only hint at the stories this town could tell. After strolling around the charming squares and stores, stop by S'Osteria, a shop that not only sells hundreds of olive oil varieties, but it has wooden pot mats and other handmade items that make for wonderful mementos. Just 10 minutes from Pula you'll come to the sea, where the ruins of Nora are found. The active archaeological site was once the first Phoenician city in Sardinia, thriving in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. You can still spot mosaic floors and irrigation remnants from that time. Nearly as fascinating is the fact the site is still used today for spectacle, most notably in July 2024 when fashion powerhouse Dolce & Gabbana erected a runway that had Nora's ancient remains and renowned artist Phillip K Smith's reflective installation 'Nora Mirage' as show-stopping backdrops.
Forbes
07-04-2025
- Forbes
Italy's New Luxury Train: La Dolce Vita Orient Express Debuts
A cabin on the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy. La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first Italian-made luxury train, rolled out of Roma Ostiense Station on April 4, 2025, on an inaugural journey that took passengers on a two-day "Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards" trip to the town of Montalcino. As I discovered while working on my forthcoming book, National Geographic's 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides (which will be published in October 2025), I've observed the growing demand for over-the-top train journeys that cater to small numbers of luxury travelers on trips through some of the world's most scenic locations, excursions that cater to slow travel, nostalgia, and an appetite for the golden days of rail travel. Lounge Carriage on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. The itineraries have been designed to create exclusive travel experiences, ranging from north to south in Italy, providing glimpses of the Alps as well as the southern coastline. The majority of the journeys will depart from Rome and can include cities such as Milan, Florence, and Venice, as well as the island of Sicily, via the world's only passenger rail ferry. Some trains will travel within Sicily, leaving from Catania and Palermo. Two-night journeys include Rome, Venice, and Portofino, as well as Rome, Venice, and Siena. Themed journeys include Eternal Stones of Matera, The Truffle Route, and Rome to Sicily. The itineraries have been created in tandem with Orient Express' first hotels, which will also debut in 2025: the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice. Cabin on board La Dolce Vita Orient Express. La Dolce Vita Orient Express has 12 carriages, with 31 cabins, including 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite. The carriages were originally Z1 Italian model carriages, but they have been reimagined and rebuilt. The train is Italy's first private luxury rail fleet, with plans to have six such trains in the future. They all feature double beds, a sofa, armchairs, and a private bathroom. All cabins will offer room service, and the restaurant car will provide lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. The Bar Car will feature live music, an aperitivo and antipasti buffet, after-dinner cocktails, and Italian wines. Chef Heinz Beck, based at the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, holds three Michelin stars and oversees the dining program of La Dolce Vita, inspired by the regions it traverses. A new Orient Express Lounge at Roma Ostiense Station, created by artist-architect Hugo Toro, is where guests gather before the journey. Dining on board La Dolce Vita Orient Express. The train's design inspiration is La Dolce Vita, 'The Sweet Life,' a name bequeathed to an Italian attitude and lifestyle synonymous with the country's décor, art, and architecture of the 1960s. It was made famous by Federico Fellini's film of the same name. Dimorestudio, an architecture and design studio founded by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran, undertook the design work, drawing inspiration from mid-century Italian design masters such as Giò Ponti, Nanda Vigo, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani. Expect playful geometric patterns and minimalist palettes. A La Dolce Vita Orient Express reservation includes the round-trip transfer to and from the train station, accommodation, the table d'hôte, beverages (such as selected wine and spirits, mineral water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee), onboard entertainment, exclusive experiences, as well as all applicable taxes. There are optional off-board experiences for a fee. Prices do not include insurance and gratuities. Fares start at $3,828 per person per night in a deluxe cabin, based on double occupancy. The Orient Express La Dolce Vita is a partnership between the French hotel group Accor and the Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale S.P.A., with a railway partnership with Trenitalia—Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato—and the Fondazione FS Italiane. Note that Orient Express is a different company from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which is owned by Belmond, a part of LVMH. Details can be found at La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
