The legendary Orient Express is set to make a grand return in 2025, bringing with it a lavish revival that promises to captivate travelers with a blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury. This rejuvenated version of the iconic train, operated by the Orient Express brand and part of the Accor hospitality group, is drawing considerable excitement with its stunning new design and rich historical ties.
A Breathtaking New Look Inside the Carriages
The new Orient Express will feature 17 refurbished carriages from the original Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, discovered in Poland in 2015. This update is expected to offer travelers an extraordinary experience reminiscent of the train’s storied past.
Historic Roots and Revival
The Orient Express began its journey in 1883, connecting Paris and Istanbul (then Constantinople) through a network of trains and ferries. Over the decades, the train has been associated with various operators and routes, including the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, which journeyed from Paris to Tokyo in the 1980s.
Refurbishment by French Designer Maxime d’Angeac
French designer Maxime d’Angeac is spearheading the refurbishment of the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express carriages. His design vision melds nostalgia with modern updates, aiming to transport passengers to a dreamlike realm. “By slipping into the shoes of its creators, from René Prou to Suzanne Lalique, I tried to reinterpret the history of this legendary train,” d’Angeac noted in a release to Travel + Leisure.
Design and Aesthetic Innovations
The Orient Express’s interior design features a blend of historical styles and modern elements. The Bar Car showcases Second Empire-style glass domes supported by bronze columns, while the Dining Car offers a classic art deco ambiance. The suites, featuring a vintage color palette, incorporate modern design quirks and abstract patterns, creating a unique juxtaposition of past and present.
Blending Past and Future
Guillaume de Saint Lager, vice president of Orient Express, highlighted the train’s fusion of historical and modern aesthetics. “Some guests will think that [the train] has been built in the 1930s. Others will see that it’s a modern interpretation, but we like to play with the notion of time and to really blur the line between past and future,” he said.
Upcoming Preview and Future Projects
Before its official launch, the reimagined Orient Express will be showcased in Paris from October 17–21 and at Design Miami in Miami Beach from November 30 to December 4. In addition to this, the Orient Express brand is expanding its offerings with new hotels in Rome, Venice, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, enhancing its portfolio of luxury travel experiences.
With its captivating blend of history and modernity, the revamped Orient Express is poised to offer an unforgettable journey for travelers, reaffirming its place as a symbol of luxurious rail travel.