New Suites aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of classical luxury and romantic intrigue. Historically, it has painted vivid portraits of elegance and the timeless beauty of a bygone age. With utmost respect for its storied legacy, and as part of an ongoing collaboration with Belmond, Wimberly Interiors brought a vision of art-deco luxury to eight new Suites of this iconic railway.

The challenge was to create suites aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that retained this essence, while incorporating contemporary comforts for the modern traveler.  

Each suite comes with its own theme, inspired by the picturesque European landscapes the train traverses: La Campagne (countryside), Les Montagnes (mountains), La Forêt (forest) and Les Lacs (lakes). The interiors have been meticulously designed to share glimpses of the Black Forest of Germany, Lake Como in Italy, the Arlberg massif – making every journey a truly immersive experience from the inside out.  

The landscape of Europe unfolds across the journey; the arable plains with their swathes of vineyards, the ancient forests of central Europe, the sharp rise of the mountain ranges and the smooth glacial lakes, are an ever-changing backdrop of the journey. The cabin suites celebrate the journey itself with the dramatic landscape unfolding before the guests; creating a haven to savour the ‘quiet moments.’

Original craftsmanship and historical references are infused in the rich layering of the interiors. Referencing iconic Art-Deco designers of Paris, the suites evoke the history and culture of the heyday of travel, with the addition of contemporary comfort and luxury. A timeless space is the setting alongside the gentle hum of the train.

La Campagne: Reflecting the countryside in full bloom, with the tumbling golden flower motifs and the vibrant green of the meadow grasses. Nature is woven into the design through details such as a hand-blown glass basin reminiscent of an iridescent green tulip – as well as the bespoke upholstery fabric symbolizing leaves dancing in the breeze.

Les Lacs: The rich blue tones of Les Lacs are inspired by the glacial lakes of Europe. Soft crests of waves are embodied in the carpet design and ripples of water are inspired in the circular mosaic details on the bathroom floor.

Les Montagnes: The sharp rise of the mountain ranges inspires the design for the Les Montagnes suites, with snow-capped peaks of the mountains represented in the marquetry detailing and mother of pearl details refracting the light like ice particles.

La Forêt: The warm russet tones of the La Forêt suites draw inspiration from the ancient forests of central Europe, and the turn of the seasons. The burl timber and foliage motifs echo the deep autumnal colours of the forest. The art deco marquetry above the bed symbolises the trunk and boughs of the forest trees.

Through a meticulous design process and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, Wimberly Interiors has brought the splendor and detailed craftmanship of the 1920s & 30s into the 21st century. Each suite aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with its unique personality, promises a one-of-a-kind journey through Europe’s landscapes and history. 

Learn more about the crafting of the suites here. 

Photography by Ludovic Balay.