Many uncompromising luxury travellers have been through Waverley Station, the embarkation point for Belmond’s iconic Royal Scotsman sleeper train. The UK version of the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train has been around since 1985 but now the Royal Scotsman is up for a substantial refresh in the train’s premium offerings, with plans to introduce two new Grand Suites in May 2024.
The upgrade has been spearhdead by interior designer Tristan Auer where each suite has its own private living area as well as an en-suite with a double bed all framed by a regal aesthetic built with rich wood panelling and rich tweeds. Scottish materials will play a big part in the overall interior of these suites. The dressing table and dining table will both be made of Scottish Larch while there’s plenty of local Pictish stone and wood used for the bathroom.
The Grand Suites looking like classic Edwardian country manors on wheels, offering a sophisticated private sanctuary for guests while the Royal Scotsman treks through the heart of the Scottish Highlands across itineraries that range from two to seven nights. Each trip departs and finishes at Edinburgh Waverley station and most of the expeditions come with themes like whisky tours, of course, and a more heritage-themed one that visits various clans and castles
Guests forking out for a Grand Suite will also get private transfers to and from the train, a private butler service with in-room dining and one complimentary spa treatment per guests. That spa, by the way, is also on the train. The Royal Scotsman has a dedicated spa carriage, which according to Belmond is the only one of its kind in Europe.
Two nights on an all-inclusive Highland Journey on board The Royal Scotsman in a Grand Suite will set you back €6,000 (AU$9,444) per person.
