(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

As the finest cuisine is served in the most opulent of surroundings, the world flies by at a gentler pace on board a growing number of bespoke train carriages that signal a new era of luxury travel.

A once-forgotten mode of luxury transport is making something of a comeback, with fresh new routes or re-polished existing services struggling to keep pace with the surging demand for train travel around the world.

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Passengers can sit back in comfort and watch some of the world's most dramatic landscapes pass by, safe in the knowledge they are also doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions from plane travel.

Epic journeys include everything from a 3,450-mile trip from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania on board Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa to more traditional routes on the world-famous Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, and leisurely journeys through the dramatic landscape of Southeast Asia.

An almost endless choice of escapes through North America, Europe and Asia is breaking new ground in the realms of train travel - albeit in luxurious surroundings rarely seen before.

The Pride of Africa, which stops off in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, is fully booked until 2027, a clear sign of a resurgence of train travel as more options for the discerning traveller emerge.

There are few travel situations that require the formal dress of a bygone era, but for this one rail ride, diners sit dressed in tuxedoes and bow-ties, reminiscent of the many Bond films to reference the exclusivity of train travel.

Departing stations from cities around the world and settling down into a private sleeper cabin or dining cart for a glass of something chilled is far removed from the traditional start to a holiday in a busy international airport. It is a mode of travel where the journey is as important as the destination, and a welcome alternative to the hustle and bustle of an international cruise liner on board a giant floating hotel.

Surge in Dubai-based traveller demand

“The appeal lies in avoiding the hassle of multiple hotel check-ins and waiting through airport formalities,” Vivek Menon of Dubai-based Deira Travel, told KT LUXE, adding that he has seen a“surge” in Dubai residents looking to book holidays aboard luxury trains.“These trains allow you to connect multiple destinations with a single check-in and check-out experience.”

Travellers are offered the best of both worlds, said Menon, the flexibility of a multi-city tour, with the convenience of a single departure and arrival, without the need to constantly pack and unpack, the bane of any seasoned traveller.

It also offers a rare taste of luxurious exclusivity for those willing to pay for this top-end option.

The bygone appeal of rail travel is hard to ignore, and more people are choosing the luxury option of some of the most opulent carriages ever created to enjoy that voyage of a lifetime. Especially as there are more routes available now than ever before.

The Venice Simplon Orient Express launched in 1982 and takes in Paris, Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest and Istanbul. It remains the benchmark of vintage five-star travel, which most operators strive to match. There are beautifully restored art-deco coaches, staffed by white-gloved stewards decked in gold and blue who welcome passengers into a classical rail experience akin to an Agatha Christie novel, with dinner served to exceed the quality found in most high-end restaurants.

The train's respectable cousin, the Eastern and Oriental Express, runs from Singapore to Bangkok and has an imagined vintage style, rather than the restoration heritage seen on the QE2 ocean liner now operating as a floating hotel in Port Rashid in Dubai.

A teak-floored observation car with an open side gives passengers a dream-like view of spectacular passing rural scenes of Thailand and Malaysia.

An upgrade on the 1920s carriages operated during the golden age of luxury rail travel are the hot water showers fitted inside each of the sleeper compartments.

North American ferroequinologists - those with a fascination with the railways - can enjoy the stunning vistas of the wilds of Canada with routes from Calgary to Vancouver.

The Royal Canadian Pacific speeds through the Spiral Tunnels of the Rockies, with three- or four-night stays in the surrounds of luxurious sleeper carriages. It is the stunning views out towards the snow-topped peaks and ice-melt lakes that few other journeys around the world can match, making a window seat a must.

The first guest stepped on board the beautifully restored Royal Canadian Pacific in 2000, but the train's stately carriages were first deployed between 1916 and 1931. The 24-metre steel carriages act as moving monuments of a bygone age that are being enjoyed by a new generation of train aficionados.

One of the most famous rail routes is the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, a clattering journey in style from Moscow to Vladivostok. While that route no longer begins from Russia, it does take in much of the Silk Road.

Branded with the imperial mark of the double-headed eagle, the two-week voyage ventures deep into the belly of Eurasia and the mysterious surroundings of Mongolia, brushing past the enchanting waters of Lake Baikal.

The train's imperial suites offer the most luxurious surroundings and a haven of relaxation, with 11 square metres of privacy, a king-size bed worthy of royalty, as well as a lounge area and dressing table. There is also underfloor heating, a small library and two large windows to watch the wonders of the world fly by.

Service begins with a complimentary bottle of James Bond's favourite aperitif, Dom Perignon champagne.

India emerges as hotspot

India has emerged as a particularly vibrant market for luxury train travel, said Menon, with operators reporting strong demand from UAE-based travellers seeking

cultural immersion.“These trains mainly operate through cultural, heritage and iconic destinations, covering almost all regions in India,” says Menon.“They offer onboard multi-cuisine restaurants, spas, Wi-Fi, and many other amenities similar to a five-star hotel.”

The subcontinent now boasts four major luxury train operators, each offering distinct experiences, said Menon, who offers packages to all four. The Palace on Wheels, which Menon describes as“the most common luxury train used by tourists”, features palace-inspired design and travels from Delhi through Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Agra. Packages start from $5,850 (Dh21,484) per person in off-season, rising to $7,200 (Dh26,442 )during peak periods.

The Deccan Odyssey covers a similar route from Delhi to Mumbai via Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and the Ellora Caves, with cabins“inspired by princess chambers in palaces” and comprehensive spa facilities. At $5,450 to $6,900 (Dh20,015 to Dh25,340) per person, it represents the mid-tier luxury option.

“The Golden Chariot is less expensive compared to others,” explains Menon. Covering South India from Bengaluru through Mysore, Hampi, and Goa, this train offers packages from $5,100 to $6,500 (Dh18,729 to Dh23,871) per person, making luxury rail travel more accessible.

At the pinnacle sits the Maharaja Express, which Menon notes is“the most award-winning luxury train”. Voted“world's leading luxury train” by the World Travel Awards for several consecutive years, it runs from Mumbai through Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Agra to Delhi. With presidential suites and personal butler service, packages range from $5,500 (Dh20,198) to an eye-watering $23,000 (Dh84,467) for the presidential suite during peak season.

“All packages include transportation, accommodation, all meals, sightseeing and taxes,” adds Menon, highlighting the all-inclusive nature that appeals to luxury travellers.

The future of luxury rail

The Middle East could yet provide the final frontier in luxury train travel. Saudi Arabia looks to have won the race to launch the region's first five-star luxury train with the unveiling of the Dream of the Desert, a joint project between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian luxury brand Arsenale S.p.A.

The service from Riyadh to Qurayyat, which is close to the northern border with Jordan, will provide 34 luxury suites for the 1,300km journey, and is due to launch in 2026.

If renderings are to be believed - the 14-carriage Dream of the Desert could offer the most luxurious surroundings ever seen on rail tracks.

Are you ready for your next luxury train ride?

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