![\"Mr.](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Gary-Franklin-Art-of-Travel-Belmond.jpg\")
I began by asking Mr. Franklin about the beginnings of the Belmond brand. What was the reason for expanding from hotels to include trains? He explained that Belmond was born with the acquisition of the Venetian landmark, Hotel Cipriani, back in 1976. The following year, the visionary founder of their company, the late James B. Sherwood, bought two sleeper carriages at an auction in Monaco with the ambition to revive the golden age of travel with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and transport guests to Hotel Cipriani in style. The legendary train launched in 1982 and has been an integral part of the brand ever since. This acquisition allowed Belmond to gain expertise, leading to further expansion of their train portfolio globally. \u201cTo date, we operate six trains\u2014from the UK to Europe, Peru, and Southeast Asia\u2014and lead the way in this growing market,\u201d added the Belmond executive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Art of Travel : Move slower<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hotel-Cipriani-Exterior-Betsi-Ewig-Belmond.jpg\")
Hotel Cipriani
Photo: Betsi Ewig for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nConsidering that 1976 is more than 45 years behind us, why is it still relevant to maintain this orientation of linking different modes of transportation to hotels? Mr. Franklin added, \u201cLuxury is no longer only about purchasing tangible objects\u2014it is about travelling more slowly, sustainably, and meaningfully, collecting cultural moments, and taking the time to declutter one\u2019s mind and create new memories with family and loved ones. Our train experiences perfectly respond to this demand, with more and more discerning travellers falling in love with the rails again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Venice](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Exterior-Maureen-Martinez-Evans-Belmond.jpg\")
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Photo: Maureen Martinez Evans for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIntegrating the hotel experience into transportation can seem challenging, as hoteliers with these properties now need to manage tight schedules and moving facilities, which can encounter risks. How is the hotel experience translated onto the rails and boats, I asked? \u201cOur trains and boats offer the same five-star experience that guests can find at our hotels and safaris: excellent but never impersonal service, sophisticated cuisine (Editor\u2019s Note: which in some cases can be with Plaza Ath\u00e9n\u00e9e\u2019s<\/a> renowned chef Jean Imbert) rooted in the destination and championing local produce, and experiences that allow our guests to discover hidden gems and meet local ambassadors and knowledgeable guides who will give them access to special locations, often not open to the general public,\u201d added the Belmond representative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Andean](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Andean-Explorer-Exterior-Richard-James-Taylor-Belmond.jpg\")
Andean Explorer
Photo: Richard James Taylor for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy still pursue this direction of the art of travel, I questioned? \u201cThe trains have always been an integral part of the Belmond brand and still play a key role in our development strategy. Today more than ever, discerning travellers are looking for slow-paced experiences and unhurried holidays whose sole purpose is rest and relaxation. Focusing on our train products is key from a brand perspective, but it is also a commercial decision, answering a resounding call from what global luxury consumers are seeking and how they are choosing to spend,\u201d added the VP of Trains and Cruises at Belmond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The added value of a seamless transition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Bar-Car-Interior-Louis-Vest-Art-of-Travel-Belmond.jpg\")
A martini at the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express bar
Photo: Louis Vest for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou might think it can be complicated to switch from the train to the hotel to the boat to create this art of travel, as you would in a regular destination. I truthfully asked what the added value of having a means of transport linked to the hotel was. Mr. Franklin responded, \u201cHaving an unparalleled portfolio of luxury trains and intimate boats is what makes Belmond unique in the luxury hospitality sector. While travelling on our trains and boats is an experience and not just a way to get from A to B, owning such special hotels in beautiful destinations allows us to be creative with the journeys that we offer. For instance, this year we have created a three-night summer sojourn including an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Portofino, followed by a weekend at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel\u2014the jewel in the crown of the Italian Riviera. The experience also features a gala dinner by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express\u2019s chef Jean Imbert and access to \u2018cinema in Piazzetta,\u2019 an open-air movie screening in Portofino\u2019s iconic square,\u201d added the hotelier executive.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"At](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Royal-Scotsman-Table-The-World-from-a-Window-Belmond.jpg\")
At the table of the Royal Scotsman
Photo: The World form a Window for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nYou might see yourself already there, like me, don\u2019t you? But how do these voyages either complement each other or stand out from others, you may ask? The Belmond veteran added that travelling on a Belmond train is a unique experience that takes passengers back to a bygone era. \u201cWe offer journeys to a wide range of destinations, meaning that our guests can experience a multitude of landscapes\u2014from the lush palm plantations of Malaysia to the Andes, from the European plains to the Scottish lochs\u2014before continuing their journey once they arrive at their destination of choice,\u201d concluded Mr. Franklin.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hiram-Bingham-Interior-Richard-James-Taylor-Belmond.jpg\")
The Hiram Bingham bar
Photo: Richard James Taylor for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTo me, it is the ultimate refinement in terms of art of travel. Not having to think, having fun, discovering new countries. You might also be interested in reading about the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys<\/a>, an exclusive experience in three phases with Belmond.<\/p>\n\n\n
Photo: Betsi Ewig for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Considering that 1976 is more than 45 years behind us, why is it still relevant to maintain this orientation of linking different modes of transportation to hotels? Mr. Franklin added, \u201cLuxury is no longer only about purchasing tangible objects\u2014it is about travelling more slowly, sustainably, and meaningfully, collecting cultural moments, and taking the time to declutter one\u2019s mind and create new memories with family and loved ones. Our train experiences perfectly respond to this demand, with more and more discerning travellers falling in love with the rails again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
Photo: Maureen Martinez Evans for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Integrating the hotel experience into transportation can seem challenging, as hoteliers with these properties now need to manage tight schedules and moving facilities, which can encounter risks. How is the hotel experience translated onto the rails and boats, I asked? \u201cOur trains and boats offer the same five-star experience that guests can find at our hotels and safaris: excellent but never impersonal service, sophisticated cuisine (Editor\u2019s Note: which in some cases can be with Plaza Ath\u00e9n\u00e9e\u2019s<\/a> renowned chef Jean Imbert) rooted in the destination and championing local produce, and experiences that allow our guests to discover hidden gems and meet local ambassadors and knowledgeable guides who will give them access to special locations, often not open to the general public,\u201d added the Belmond representative.<\/p>\n\n\n Why still pursue this direction of the art of travel, I questioned? \u201cThe trains have always been an integral part of the Belmond brand and still play a key role in our development strategy. Today more than ever, discerning travellers are looking for slow-paced experiences and unhurried holidays whose sole purpose is rest and relaxation. Focusing on our train products is key from a brand perspective, but it is also a commercial decision, answering a resounding call from what global luxury consumers are seeking and how they are choosing to spend,\u201d added the VP of Trains and Cruises at Belmond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might think it can be complicated to switch from the train to the hotel to the boat to create this art of travel, as you would in a regular destination. I truthfully asked what the added value of having a means of transport linked to the hotel was. Mr. Franklin responded, \u201cHaving an unparalleled portfolio of luxury trains and intimate boats is what makes Belmond unique in the luxury hospitality sector. While travelling on our trains and boats is an experience and not just a way to get from A to B, owning such special hotels in beautiful destinations allows us to be creative with the journeys that we offer. For instance, this year we have created a three-night summer sojourn including an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Portofino, followed by a weekend at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel\u2014the jewel in the crown of the Italian Riviera. The experience also features a gala dinner by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express\u2019s chef Jean Imbert and access to \u2018cinema in Piazzetta,\u2019 an open-air movie screening in Portofino\u2019s iconic square,\u201d added the hotelier executive.<\/p>\n\n\n You might see yourself already there, like me, don\u2019t you? But how do these voyages either complement each other or stand out from others, you may ask? The Belmond veteran added that travelling on a Belmond train is a unique experience that takes passengers back to a bygone era. \u201cWe offer journeys to a wide range of destinations, meaning that our guests can experience a multitude of landscapes\u2014from the lush palm plantations of Malaysia to the Andes, from the European plains to the Scottish lochs\u2014before continuing their journey once they arrive at their destination of choice,\u201d concluded Mr. Franklin.<\/p>\n\n\n To me, it is the ultimate refinement in terms of art of travel. Not having to think, having fun, discovering new countries. You might also be interested in reading about the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys<\/a>, an exclusive experience in three phases with Belmond.<\/p>\n\n\n
Photo: Richard James Taylor for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe added value of a seamless transition<\/h2>\n\n\n
Photo: Louis Vest for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Photo: The World form a Window for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Photo: Richard James Taylor for Belmond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![\"Tea](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express-Turkey-Interior-Maureen-Martinez-Evans-Belmond.jpg\")