Page 36 - FON Spring Issue

FON LUXURY
For those looking for a more exotic and perhaps adventurous journey embark on the Trans-Siberian Express as guests will experience a very unique feature – crossing through seven time zones. Perhaps its most celebrated train is the Golden Eagle which is pure luxury featuring en-suite bathrooms, laundry services, a medical doctor, and pianist. How incredulous and romantic to hear the music of Tchaikovsky playing while gazing out the window as the scene gradually changes to other parts unknown such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Among the journeys is a trip leaving from Moscow that carries passengers to the Northern Lights in the cold Arctic part of Norway.
In India the Maharajas‘ Express is known as the most expensive luxury train in India. It runs between October and April, offering about ten destinations with five itineraries throughout India though the majority run through Rajasthan with favorite site tours of the Taj Mahal, Agra, and Jaipur. A Presidential Suite can run a traveler $12,900 for 4 days and 3 nights, but the experiences are remarkable. Examples include attending an elephant polo match in Jaipur or meeting members of the royal family. Each cabin has their own dedicated 24/7 butler service so guests can enjoy breakfast in bed if they so choose.
One of the chicest and most elegant trains is South Africa’s THE BLUE TRAIN which actually started in the 1920s, but many of its carriages were restored in the 1970s. The luxury vibe starts even before guests come onboard. First, passengers check into a private lounge at the train station and from there are escorted to their suites on the train. Besides its marvelous design and layout, the observation car is a standout as it showcases the best of nature as it rolls through lush green valleys, national parks, vineyards, and mountainous terrain. Deluxe suites offer a full bath tub and the even more extravagant suites include dedicated personal butler service along with extra room and a high tech entertainment system. Both types of suites include luxury bedding with plenty of detail. Other features include underfloor heating, marble bathrooms, and of course, air conditioning. Enjoy a cigar and cognac in the club lounge. Travel through Victoria Falls and spot Africa’s Big Five as guests can stay at a private safari lodge. The Blue Train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town and is almost a distance of one thousand miles.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of the best ways to see the Scottish Highlands. Travelers depart from Edinburgh and can explore various parts of the Highlands though it might be hard to concentrate knowing that there are more than 50 kinds of
36 FON MAGAZINE / SPRING ISSUE 2021 / FONMagazine.com