Luxury Train Travel

• Elegance
• Luxurious
• Hotel on tracks
• Slow pace
• Beautifully scenic

“There is something about the sound of a train that’s very romantic and nostalgic and hopeful”.

Paul Simon

Content

Why you Should Choose Train Travel

It epitomises a connection between unseen places.

Life, as we mature in age, appears to get faster and faster! Having a vacation on a luxury train brings the soul back to a steady pace. It does not matter what the weather is like outside, whether rainy, sunny, cold or hot, the experience on the train is constantly pleasant.

After a train vacation, the longing for that consistency and clickety-clack of the track remains with you for ages, making Adventure Travel, come alive. Read my article to understand this concept. Another one to confirm that you need this vacation is Reasons Why YOU Need a Vacation

How long is a Train Vacation

How long is a piece of string, but generally these can vary from 1 to 15 days? I would suggest a trip longer than one day, as thousands of miles or kilometres can be voyaged on one journey, without you feeling the mileage you are covering. 

Boarding the train

Prior to your departure, you will go to a private section of the station that is allocated to that pacific brand of luxurious trains.  From the moment you arrive, you will be treated like royalty and assisted.  Often you will be presented with a glass of sherry to welcome you, then once the introductions are over, you will be escorted onto the train as if you are a dignitary.

Why is Train Travel Luxurious

“If a train is large and comfortable you don’t even need a destination,”

Paul Theroux

Bedroom

This quotation by Theroux defines train travel to perfection! What flabbergasted me are the bedrooms! I cannot believe how comfortable and grand they are. (When I used to travel by train to boarding school as a teenager, we slept on unpleasant green bunk beds.)  Far from the opulence of the modern yet historic rooms of the luxury trains today, the rooms are warm or cool depending on the season.

You can either have double or single beds in your room, with each room having a television and Wi-fi. On the Blue Train in South Africa, “you can even tune into a  conductor’s-eye-view camera and watch the track ahead of the train”. The linen and duvet covers are expensively immaculate, snuggly and cosy. A desk ornates with the decor of the room is perfect for you to fill in your journal.

Bathroom

The bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom, and yes with a bath! A gorgeous restroom makes my vacation extra special! I do revel in having an infusing, soaking, relaxing long bath, enjoying soft plush towels, luxury soaps and bath oils. Extra spectacular fittings decorate the room.  Floors are normally tiled with marble or other stunning finishes.

Train Dining

Food is universal and is one of the most talked about topics in the world! On a luxury train, they serve 3 meals a day. High tea is also on presentation, incorporating coffee, cappuccino, tea and whatever the heart desires. Each meal is presented as an art piece and is totally delectable.  The qualified chef and waiters, treat you as if you are the queen herself. Modern trends of international cuisine are served in each sitting. 

Lounges

Decorated for pure majestic comfort!  Each luxury train is specially and exclusively decorated to the theme that is portrayed throughout the train. Relax on an armchair and gaze out of the glorious windows at the passing meandering landscape. Order a cup of tea, or whatever beverage you require. Take out your book and enjoy the pure bliss of relaxing in luxury.

Engage in intimate conversations with other passengers, or play a board game that is readily available. Catch up on a bit of a movie on the television. The art on the walls or tables has been expressly chosen to give a feeling of comfort and homeliness. 

Bar Lounge

Relax on board while visiting the bar. Entertainment and chatter allow you to socialize a bit and meet people from all parts of the world! Enjoy a bit of music! Bars will only close once the last person leaves. Again unique snacks are served or placed in hand reach.

Open Air to view the Landscape

Often at the back of the train on the last car, there is seating that is open, with protection but where you can view the tracks that you are leaving behind. Get different sights of your journey, and wave at people standing in stations that you pass by.  I find this car is my favourite!

Stopping at different Stations

The luxury train will not stop at all the different stations, other than a few, but it is delightful to combine your travel to other destinations first. You have a bit of time to go on a bit of a tour, sightseeing and view the destination and its glories, then continue to your final destination. Here you can spend a couple of days in that paradise. Often the packages that the luxury trains offer, cater for this. You will spend a few nights on either side in a marvellous hotel. 

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome”

Arthur Ashe

Deciding on which Luxury Train to Book

Luxury trains are all over the world.  I personally have been on two in South Africa, so I will list these from personal experience. The reason being I highly recommend them and I most certainly will travel on them again. Have a look at all your options.

Rovos Rail Pride of Africa

This is a 5 Star Luxury Train holiday. They have been going for 30 years and the Pride of Africa is affirmed as the most luxurious train in the world.” The below text is from guests on the Rovos train, Mr and Mrs Hume, who ventured from Pretoria in South Africa to Victoria Falls. “Rovos Rail was simply transporting. In so many ways. Born of the dreams of a tall, handsome visionary who dreamt of having a private refurbished train on which to take his family on a tour of South Africa, it soon evolved into one of the most luxurious trains in the world.”

Rohan Vos (pronounced “Foss”) founded Rovos Rail. He is a devoted owner and comes to shake your hand personally and give you a talk about the train’s origins and history, prior to you departing on the most incredible experience you will have in your lifetime.

Have a look at the different route maps where the Rovos Rail will travel. So many different exciting options.

What I like about Rovos Rail are the different specials they encourage during the year. Winter specials, discounts and packages. For senior travellers, the exchange rate with the South African rand is so beneficial and if you do the convergence, you can have a 5 Star holiday that will NOT blow your pocket.

The Blue Train

Many have regarded this train as a Palace on Wheels! Blue it is and it will take you to places and on a journey, you cannot behold! 

On arrival at the Blue Train station, you are presented with drinks and snacks. Your butler will show you to your room. 

Excursions off the train have been organised so you can view and encounter different parts of South Africa on your voyage to Cape Town or Kruger National Park.  These trips are two and three days, so it is wise to make your stay longer in these destinations and have a true vacation in two of the most beautiful and marvellous localities in the world.

Poem by Robert Louis Stevenson – From a Railway Carriage

Faster than fairies, faster than witches

Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;

And charging along like troops in a battle

All through the meadows the horses and cattle:

All of the sights of the hill and the plain

Fly as thick as driving rain;

And ever again, in the wink of an eye,

Painted stations whistle by.

Here is a child who clambers and scrambles,

All by himself and gathering brambles;

Here is a tramp who stands and gazes;

And here is the green for stringing the daisies!

Here is a cart runaway on the road

Lumping along with man and load;

And here is a mill, and there is a river:

Each a glimpse and gone forever!

Have you been on a luxury train or would you like to go on one? Let us know your experience or desires in the comments section below.