L
ong-haul train travel is back in
vogue and there are now more
luxury operators than ever offering to
pamper you as you trundle through remote
landscapes. Away from the hurly-burly of
airports, trains provide a chance to truly
relax and enjoy the journey. Instead of
focusing on the destination, attention shifts
to savouring the moment.
Here are four fantastic train trips – each
in a different country and offering a unique
cultural experience, but all committed toluxurious accommodation and an adventure
you are unlikely to forget.SCOTLAND / BELMOND
ROYAL SCOTSMAN / THE
WESTERN JOURNEY
Expansive landscapes, vast mountains, a
latticework of lochs and pristine beaches- the remote west of Scotland is achingly
beautiful. And there can be no better way
to explore this corner of the world than on
the Royal Scotsman, one of the finest luxury
trains. Beautifully appointed and with no
shortage of tartan touches, the train has been
called a country house on wheels.
The four-day journey begins at
Edinburgh’s Waverley Station with a
handsome kilted bagpipe player leading
the way to the burgundy train. With just 40
passengers in 22 cabins it is certain to be
an intimate experience. Guests are greeted
with a flute of champagne, the first hint of
the indulgences to come.Tr avelDestination
102 AsiaSpa November/December 2017