Celebrity Life

We step inside a new Wes Anderson-designed carriage on a luxury train, the British Pullman Cygnus Carriage.

There’s no one who stokes nostalgia quite like cinema auteur Wes Anderson. The American eccentric and Academy Awards nominee is known for works like The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

He’s just released the much-anticipated film The French Dispatch, which features a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Bill Murray, Benicio Del Toro, Frances McDormand, William Dafoe and Owen Wilson.

The British Pullman Cygnus Carriage

Surreal worlds and vintage-tinged sets characterise Anderson’s work almost as much as his quirky characters and dry wit. Beyond cinema, his forays into design have included Bar Luce at the Fondazione Prada in Milan. But this latest inspired collaboration is on the interiors of the Cygnet Carriage, which is part of the Belmond-owned luxury train the British Pullman.

“I love trains,” says Anderson. “I’ve often had the chance to invent train compartments and carriages in my movies, so I was immediately pleased to say yes to this real-life opportunity and very eager to make something new while also participating in the process of preservation, which accompanies all the classic Belmond train projects.“

"They’re keeping something special alive, igniting this endangered species of travel into a new golden era.”

Unveiled last month, the Anderson-designed Cygnet Carriage nods to the golden age of cinema and travel. The Cygnus – symbolised by a swan – makes itself present in little details within the carriage design and accessories. A dream-like interior within the 1950s-era carriage features exceptional woodcraft, inlaid panels and art deco inspiration.

Symmetry, art nouveau leanings and vibrant geometric patterns adorn velvet booths and curtains, emerging as clear Wes Anderson signatures. The introduction of two new private coupés in the carriage offers an experience some way beyond first-class, with free-flow champagne in sumptuous seclusion.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Wes Anderson, who’s one of the most captivating storytellers in the world and a true legend,” says Belmond’s Arnaud Champenois. “At Belmond, we’re custodians of timeless heritage. We’re always seeking new ways to remain relevant and create new legendary adventures. It’s our mission to keep the travel dreams alive by collaborating with the most creative talents, who share our passion for design and craftsmanship.”

The post The Wes Anderson-Designed British Pullman Cygnus Carriage appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Plus, other luxurious rail journeys to celebrate the slow return to leisure travel.

The post Hop on for day trips in Wes Anderson’s reimagined carriage for Belmond’s iconic train appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Plus, other luxurious rail journeys to celebrate the slow return to leisure travel.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

For those of us that are willing to travel for food, France has always been at the top of the culinary bucket list -- especially when it comes to fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants. Now, if you are indeed a connoisseur, how does six days on a luxury barge floating across France while dining at a different Michelin-starred restaurant every day sound? Almost too good to be true, almost.

Thanks to Belmond, which was recently acquired by French luxury behemoth LVMH, all you have to do is hop aboard the Belmond Napoléon to experience their most decadent cruise yet, the Epicurean Burgundy: A 12 Star Cruise. The experience takes guests through the fine wine and dine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, from St-Jean-de-Losne to Lyon, to six different Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the week.

Dubbed a "12 Star" cruise, the restaurants range from impressive one star eateries through to iconic restaurants that have been awarded the highest accolade of three stars. Highlights include a lunch at Maison Lameloise, a restaurant that has been honouring traditional Burgundian heritage since 1921. The restaurant, which is housed in an old coaching inn, is headed by Executive Chef Eric Pras who brings his modern interpretations of classic dishes to the forefront. Expect bright and creative dishes such as Burgundy snail tart with fizzy pickled garlic and nettle coulis.

Other noteworthy stops include a visit to Georges Blanc's eponymous flagship restaurant, which has held three star status since 1982. Here, guests can sample his famous Poulet Bresse, a French chicken with an appellation and his reimagined classic of Vonnas pancakes. For the final dinner in Lyon, guests will also get the chance to dine at Restaurant Paul Bocuse which has been drawing gourmands to sample la cuisine lyonnaise since the 1950s and offers the acclaimed chef's incredible black truffle soup which was created for former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.

Over and above all the eating, the luxury boat tour also includes stops for exploration and activities. There will be a visit to the historic Clos de Vougeot, a castle (with wine cellars) built by 12th-century Cistercian monks; a private tour of the fabled 15th Century hospital-turned-museum Hôtel-Dieu; as well as stops for the French towns of Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournus and Lyon, all of which are considered must-visits for those that love French cuisine. Other activities include cycling along the canals, cooking classes and visits to local markets and châteaux.

The luxury barge can accommodate between four and twelve passengers and cruises are offered on an all-inclusive basis. This includes all meals and a full crew with private chef, hostess, captain and tour guide to assist the luxury experience. The experience starts from approximately HK$62,500 (€7,333) per person (based on 12 people) and will depart on 9 August 2020.

The 2020 season begins on 21 March and ends 18 October. For more information visit Belmond.com or call 0845 077 2222.

The post The Luxury River Cruise That Takes You to Michelin-starred Restaurants Across France appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Dublin is mostly known for its vigorous pub culture and abundance of bars. It’s a very popular travel destination that welcomes millions of visitors from all around the globe every year. Dublin is a many-faceted city with a lively music life, ancient culture, and deep literature roots, not to mention fascinating nature. Let’s uncover one more side of Dublin and…

The post How to spend an opulent weekend in Dublin appeared first on The Luxe Insider.

Casanova’s island becomes a haven for art this year. Visitors to the iconic Belmond Cipriani in Venice are in for a treat as the luxurious hotel turns its historic gardens into a unique open-air art gallery to celebrate the 58^th Venice Biennale. 

The unassuming yet highly picturesque Giudecca Island was once the hunting grounds of Italy’s most prolific lovers. Now, it is the setting of the very exclusive and internationally acclaimed Belmond Cipriani. And it is amongst these romantic environs that the island-hotel is opening its elegant restaurants and extensive gardens to showcase a selection of celebrated artwork by world-renowned sculptors and artists. Given the rich diversity of the art on display, it’s clear that this oasis for art lovers encapsulates the theme of the Biennale: ‘May You Live in Interesting Times’. [inline_related_article article_id="40068"]

And interesting times they are, indeed. Especially in the Casanova Gardens where famous artists Roberto and Rodolfo Guarnieri will conduct alfresco art classes for guests at the hotel. These group or individual sessions will teach participants ancient painting techniques with a modern sensibility. This is quite the treat, considering the exalted status enjoyed by the Guarnieri brothers in art circles around the world. In fact, one of their stunning masterpieces, the sailing-inspired “Dreams of Regatta”, greets guests at the first point of embarkation onto the property.

The curated experience at the Cipriani is completely immersive, thanks to several sculptures and paintings that have been displayed in and around the hotel. These include artwork by Igor Mitoraj, Pablo Atchugarry, Julio Larraz and Enzo Fiore — four prominent artists whose works are part of the Contini Gallery, a highly reputed Venetian collection of galleries. The idea behind this spread-out arrangement is to inspire conversation and creative debate across every nook and corner of the property.

And so, the two huge canvases by Enzo Fiore, placed on either side of the library just off the lobby, express two perspectives of the Grand Canal. Made using natural materials such as moss, leaves, roots, cement, stones and insects, the paintings bring an evocative realism to the scenes.

Guests entering the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant will be greeted by the “Flower Storm, over Sappho’s House”, a canvas by Julio Larraz, which references Surrealism and the Spanish painting techniques of the 17th century. The eyes of the diners here may also be drawn to the lagoon outside and the strategically perched Ikaria, a striking two-winged bronze sculpture by Mitoraj. [inline_related_article article_id="45803"]

This affair with air continues beyond the walls of the Belmond Cipriani, as well. The Guidecca Art District — founded by curators Pier Paolo Scelsi and Valentina Gioia Levy — sprawls across the island, showcasing a range of contemporary works by several artists. Guests can take a stroll down the many streets and explore the projects, exhibitions and events planned around the theme: ‘Take care of your garden. Cultivating a new humanism’. Over 60 artists, including Yoko Ono, Kendell Geers, Kazuko Miyamoto and Moataz Nasr — will display their work here through 20 exhibitions.

All the artwork on display at the Belmond Cipriani can be purchased; prices are available on request.

The post Art finds a new home at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani for the 58th Venice Biennale appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

This luxury sleeper train will take across the most scenic landscapes of South America

The post The Belmond Andean Explorer offers luxury cabins to travel across the Peruvian Andes appeared first on LUXUO.