Defying the Ordinary: Belmond's Curated Journeys of Luxury
In a world where travel transcends mere destinations to embrace the experiences that define them, Y Travel is proud to collaborate with our preferred partner, Belmond, to curate once-in-a-lifetime journeys that defy the ordinary. Home to legendary hotels and travel experiences around the world, each Belmond encounter is designed to leave a lasting impression on the heart of each traveller. Y Travel’s partnership with Belmond is enriched by their worldwide portfolio of unique, luxurious, and unforgettable experiences on land, by rail and by boat along Europe's most scenic waterways. Belmond’s values align perfectly with our Y Factors of Adventure, Artistry, Culture & Community, Generosity, Nature & Sustainability, Taste and The Unexpected.
Where Belmond truly distinguishes itself is with its iconic trains and bespoke river cruises, journeys that transcend mere methods of getting from Point A to Point B to become transformative ‘slow travel’ experiences harking back to the Golden Age of travel. On routes like those of the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Eastern & Oriental Express, travellers are immersed in Artistry, where each carriage and suite is a masterpiece of design, showcasing intricate wood marquetry, lavish fabrics, and period details that evoke the romance and glamour of a bygone era. These artistic details are carefully curated to reflect the cultural richness of their respective European and Southeast Asian homes, turning each journey into a moving gallery of style and elegance. Beyond these legends of luxury rail travel, Belmond also offers a further selection of “grand hotels on wheels” in the UK and South America, promising guests the ultimate in scenic journeys combined with the luxury and style that is synonymous with the Belmond brand.
In the United Kingdom, the Royal Scotsman and British Pullman offer a taste of Adventure, Culture, Nature and the delight of the Unexpected in their unique onboard experiences and off-board excursions. The British Pullman comprises a series of whimsically named carriages, such as Vera, Audrey, Gwen, and Cyrus (reimagined by film director Wes Anderson in 2021 in his distinctive colourful, symmetrical style), each elegantly refurbished and brimming with their own historical tales of travellers past - ranging from royalty to movie stars to heads of state. Leaning into the grandeur of its history and the legacy of the golden age of train travel, the British Pullman surprises and delights with The Murder Mystery Experience, where guests are encouraged to embrace their inner Agatha Christie and transport themselves back in time to the 1950s for this fun and immersive experience to catch the “villain” in their midst.
Further north, the Royal Scotsman begins its journey into the heart of the misty Scottish Highlands with the sound of bagpipes bidding travellers farewell from Waverley Station in Edinburgh. Warm and sophisticated, its elegant decor, consisting of dark woods, leather, and sophisticated tweeds, creates a cosy ambience. Whether dining by candlelight or sipping on a warming Scotch whisky, the Royal Scotsman’s interior experience contrasts with the ruggedly beautiful (and often chilly) external environment it journeys through, with experiences in nature being at the forefront of excursion options for guests. From fly-fishing for salmon in the River Spey to a refreshing cold water plunge in Loch Drumintol, a round of golf, or stargazing under one of Europe’s darkest expanses of sky with the guidance of an expert astronomer, to the more extreme wilderness adventures of packrafting, tackling assault courses, and cooking over an open fire, the Royal Scotsman offers wilderness adventures to suit every traveller.
Belmond The Royal Scotsman
Across the Atlantic, the Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury train, and the Hiram Bingham, which journeys from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the doorstep of Machu Picchu, embody our Y Factors of Artistry, Culture & Community, Nature & Sustainability, Taste and The Unexpected. Both trains feature decor including hand woven Peruvian fabrics created by local artisans, mouth-watering culinary options integrating local flavours, and put into play environmentally conscious practices aimed at preserving the breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes and ecosystems of Peru.
As the world’s highest altitude rail route, the Andean Explorer caters to the comfort of its guests by providing built-in oxygen systems, as they enjoy exquisite local cuisine (and a Pisco Sour or two in the Cocktail Car) during their journey through Peru’s vibrant cultural and natural panoramas. The Hiram Bingham, with its scenic open-air observation carriage, begins it’s journey in Cusco, travelling through the Sacred Valley, and arriving in style at the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu. This bucket-list experience culminates in a guided tour through these spectacular ancient ruins in the heart of the Inca Empire. On its return to Cusco, the Hiram Bingham’s carriages are filled with the sound of live Peruvian music, creating a vibrant party atmosphere that matches the culture of the destination.
Belmond's commitment to Culture & Community and Nature & Sustainability is also showcased through their fleet of seven luxurious river barges, Les Bateaux, navigating France’s picturesque waterways each summer. These cruises offer intimate experiences that encourage a profound connection with the surrounding natural landscapes and local communities. By sailing gently along serene rivers and canals, these journeys foster ecological responsibility, allowing guests to explore the rich biodiversity and engage with cultural heritage sites, promoting sustainable tourism and cultural immersion in an enchanting setting, and experiencing a quieter and more authentic side of regional France not often explored by its millions of annual visitors.
Belmond Les Bateaux
In a world increasingly driven by the desire for authentic and meaningful experiences, Y Travel and Belmond stand aligned at the forefront of luxury travel, offering journeys that are as enriching as they are unforgettable. Whether by rail, water, or land, our curated adventures promise not just to take you to a destination, but to immerse you in our Y Factors that make each journey truly extraordinary.