Royal Scotsman Belmond train unveils new luxury suites

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(CNN) Already one of the most luxurious locomotives around, The Royal Scotsman Belmond is about to become even more glamorous with the launch of two beautiful new suites.

Designed by Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer, the suites have been developed in the style of a grand country house, complete with classic nods to Scottish culture. They will be introduced on a familiar train in May 2024.

The elegant interior includes hand-crafted wall coverings and upholstery that reflect the rich colors of the Scottish Highlands landscape, as well as dark wood paneling adorned with elaborate marquetry.

Grand suites

In the lounge area, guests will find an armchair and sofa decked out in a bespoke tartan design incorporating three of the train’s most iconic journeys, as well as a 37-thread checkbook. There is one for each year the train, which has been running since 1985, has toured the Highlands.

“The bespoke tweeds and tartans that we created for the Royal Scotsman are all woven in rural mills in Scotland and reflect the unspoilt beauty of the country as well as the astonishing history of the train,” says Araminta Birse-Stewart, founder and creative director of Araminta Campbell, the Scottish brand behind the unique chairs.

“Every detail is painstakingly curated to inspire travelers to embrace the magic of the Highlands.”

Meanwhile, the opulent bathrooms stand out with ancient Scottish stone motifs and Celtic symbolism.

Luxury train ride

Travelers who book the two-night Highland Journey in a Grand Suite, priced from around $7,212 per person for an all-inclusive stay, will benefit from private transfers to and from the hotel or airport, as well as one treatment per person on the famous train’s movable spa — the only one of its kind in Europe.

The train’s on-board bar also happens to be stocked with more than 50 types of whisky, while the journey itself includes visits to distilleries, excursions to castles and wild swimming and foraging.

The unveiling of the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland’s new grand suites follows the launch of Orient Express La Dolce Vita, created by the Accor Hotels group, an 11-car train with a bar car with live music and games, 12 luxury cabins with wooden and 18 master suites.

Meanwhile, Belmond will also launch eight new suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train later this summer.