We’ve all heard the cliché: it’s about the journey, not the destination. But is it possible for the journey to matter more than the destination? Belmond’s latest venture, The Britannic Explorer, might just answer that question. Launching in July 2025, this is Britain’s first luxury sleeper train, and it’s a masterclass in the art of slow travel.
Departing from London, The Britannic Explorer offers three distinct journeys over the course of three nights—through Cornwall's rugged coastline, the Lake District's poetic vistas, and Wales' dramatic landscapes. For the insatiable wanderer, journeys can also be paired for an extended six-night adventure.
But let's talk about those cabins. London design studio Albion Nord has created 18 rooms that somehow manage to feel both thoroughly modern and tragically nostalgic. The three Grand Suites offer unparalleled opulence with king-sized beds and private en-suite bathrooms, but the 15 Suites aren’t slumming it either. Each room balances charm with comfort, with picture windows that frame the landscape of Britain like living works of art.
When Belmond enlisted British culinary icon, Simon Rogan, to helm the train’s dining program, expectations soared, and rightfully so. Rogan, whose restaurant empire boasts eight Michelin stars, infuses his menus with his signature farm-to-fork ethos and has created a menu that’s a love letter to Britain’s regional flavours.
“I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavours but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey,” Rogan says.
Once you’ve savoured Rogan’s food, head to the bar car, a botanically inspired space that channels the spirit of Victorian apothecaries. Its convivial atmosphere serves as the train's social nucleus. Here, mixologists craft botanically inspired cocktails alongside a carefully curated selection of artisan gins and craft beers. And because it’s launching in 2025, there's even an onboard wellness spa—because what's a luxury journey without a massage as you roll through the Cotswolds?
In a world obsessed with speed and efficiency, The Britannic Explorer is proof that there's still room for something that moves at a more considered pace—something that understands that sometimes the greatest luxury isn't reaching your destination quickly, but savouring every moment of getting there.
First introduced by American entrepreneur, James Sherwood, the private luxury train—the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express elevated rail travel. The iconic train wasn't just celebrated for its destinations but also for its journey and has since spawned several other services across the world.
Under the purview of the new owner, Belmond Limited, earlier in the year, it was unveiled the Eastern & Oriental express, which runs through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The Eastern & Oriental Express now boasts a Dior Spa in its car.
After concluding its tenure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond inaugurated its first permanent Dior Spa aboard the Royal Scotsman in April 2023. This will be Belmond's third Dior Spa on rails with the Eastern & Oriental Express.
House in one of the train's 16 plush Art Deco-inspired carriages, the interior is adorned with the House of Dior's cane work and furniture decorated in the iconic Toile de Jouy print. Crafted with hand-selected tropical woods, the spa's design seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings where the train winds through.
Given the beautiful interior, it's befitting that the treatments match its splendour. Exclusive to the Eastern & Oriental Express, guests can enjoy tailor-made therapies devised by the French Maison's wellness experts.
Experience Dior Spa's signature treatments like the D-Jungle treatment. A face and body therapy blending Asian traditions with rhythmic muscle massage. There's the Constellation massage which relieves body tension with a mix of techniques. While the D-Tissue massage offers deep, soothing movements to ease your pain.
For those with refined tastes, opt for the Kobi-Dior Facial. Steeped in Japanese Kobido tradition whilst combining Asian techniques with the Dior Prestige skincare line. The treatment sculpts the face, leaving you with a radiant and youthful appearance.
Finally, the Le Soin de Minuit treatment promises deep relaxation and skin rejuvenation, complemented by fine teas and nourishing delicacies.
To book a train ride and a facial with Dior Spa, visit belmond.com
