1
CHEF ANDRÉ CHIANG APPOINTED CULINARY CURATOR
The Eastern & Oriental Express is proud to announce the appointment of Chef André Chiang as its new Culinary Curator. With two Michelin stars and a placement in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants under his belt, Chef Chiang will bring his innovative touch and expertise to curate a dining experience that captures the diverse terroir of Southeast Asia. Remaining true to the region’s biodiversity and the kaleidoscope of cultures, Chiang's menu will feature dishes like Laksa Bouillabaisse, Black-bone Chicken Consommé and Jungle Spices Cacao Ganache. At the Piano Bar Carriage and Observation Car, guests can sip on botanical-inspired libations and vintage cocktails conceptualised by global creative hospitality consultancy, The Cocktail Professor, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, local craft beers and artisanal Malaysian coffees.
Click here for the full press release, and here for the images
2
VEUVE CLICQUOT SOLAIRE JOURNEY ON BOARD THE EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
The Eastern & Oriental Express and leading Champagne Maison, Veuve Clicquot invite travellers on a bespoke Solaire Journey inspired by the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot and the joie de vivre embodied by the champagne's yellow label. This railway experience blends champagne and culinary excellences with a dash of adventure as guests whiz through the wonders of Malaysia and explore the 130-million-year-old Taman Negara National Park. Only on this trip, guests will have access to Veuve Clicquot's Cellar Master, Didier Mariotti, who will lead champagne tastings, as well as the train's Culinary Curator, André Chiang, who will design bespoke dishes to be paired with the maison's most prestigious vintages, including La Grande Dame series.
HOW: Veuve Clicquot's Solaire Journey runs from 22 - 25 April 2024. Click here to book.
3
ROUTES OF CHANGE
Launching in March, the Eastern and Oriental Express' new Wild Malaysia itinerary, includes an excursion into the Taman Negara National Park, where guests can choose between three activities: an educational tour of the park to learn about the endangered Malayan Tigers, a wildlife photography class or an exploration of the rainforest's ancient caves. This May, a special Tiger Express journey designed with the train's partner, Save Wild Tigers, aims to raise awareness of the conservation efforts to save the Malay Tiger from extinction, contributing to the fight against illegal poaching and habitat loss. This unique journey incorporates the Wild Malaysia itinerary, concluding with two nights at The Datai in Langkawi.
HOW: The Wild Malaysia journey runs every week from March to October, click here to book. The six- night Tiger Express in collaboration with Save Wild Tigers runs from May 5 to 11 2024.
4
NEW DESIGN AND ELEVATED ONBOARD EXPERIENCES
The revamped Eastern & Oriental Express boasts eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants, a Piano Bar, and the open-air Observation Car. The cabins – Pullman, State, and Presidential – are air- conditioned, cherry-wood panelled sanctuaries whose designs reflect the different landscapes the train travels through. The Pullman cabins draw inspiration from Kuala Lumpur, featuring red and blue accents resembling the city's skyline, the State cabins reflect Penang's marine locale with a blue and green palette, and the Presidential Suites exude opulence with hues of gold and embroidered elements. The new in-cabin experience stimulates all senses with customisable elements, offering guests a sensory journey through scents, lights, playlists, teas, and premium bedding. Daytime encounters with locals are complemented by nightly entertainment featuring resident musicians and special acts, like the Shang Sisters, a trio known for blending Jazz tunes with Nanyang flair.
HOW: Click here to download the train's interiors
new pictures
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information, please contact:
Beatrice Meda, Divisional Communications Manager - Trains & Cruises - beatrice.meda@belmond.com
ABOUT BELMOND
Belmond was born from a passion for connecting discerning travellers with the world’s most remarkable properties, locations and journeys. From hotels and trains to river cruises and safaris, Belmond curates incomparable experiences and crafts unforgettable stories. With a legacy spanning over 45 years, since the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 47 properties spread across 28 countries and territories. Exceptional destinations connected by legendary journeys are the very soul of Belmond, where the path that brings you to a place is as important as the destination itself. A pioneer of slow travel, Belmond has been operating the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. The group later expanded to include pristine beach resorts, such as Maroma on the Riviera Maya, historic hideaways such as Villa San Michele in the Florentine foothills, urbane icons, such as Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and gateways to UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. As proud custodians of storied properties, Belmond is committed to building on the past to create a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working with communities and local talents, together with the world's most respected chefs, designers and artists, Belmond continues its purpose of perpetuating the legendary art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of the world’s leading luxury group, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).
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