Orient-Express Hotels started 2005 in real style with the acquisition on 10th February of the magnificent 301 room Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg. The company will also be opening its fourth hotel in Italy, the 54 room Hotel Caruso, in Ravello in summer 2005.
Other highlights and new developments from the Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruise portfolio include:
• the acquisition of El Encanto Hotel and Garden Villas in Santa Barbara
• the acquisition of a 50% share in Scotland’s luxury train The Royal Scotsman
• the creation of 32 new suites in the Nazarenas building of the Hotel Monasterio, Peru
in 2006
• an investment in five hotels in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Bali under the brand Pansea-Orient-Express, with a further property due to open at Ubud in Bali in late summer 2005
• re-positioning Alouette, part of the fleet of Afloat in France luxury péniche-hotels, to the Canal du Midi for the 2005 season
• introducing a new 3 night southbound itinerary on board the Eastern & Oriental Express train, South East Asia in 2006
Europe
Regarded as one of the world’s leading luxury trains The Royal Scotsman is the latest addition to the trains & cruise portfolio having started its 2005 season on 30 April. Accommodating just 36 guests it offers fully inclusive stylish short breaks into the great Scottish wilderness and provides guests with traditional Scottish hospitality and fine dining combined with sumptuous surroundings and attentive service.
This season the trains new head chef Frankie Quinn will be serving up one of Britain’s finest dining experiences, stationary or moving. Passing highland pastures, fresh water lochs and stunning seascapes, Quinn has some of the best produce in the world on his doorstep to bring on board, including smoked fish from Inverawe, scallops and langoustines from Kyle of Lochalsh and Aberdeen Angus Beef to tempt guest’s appetites.
For the first time in 2005 Alouette, one of five Afloat in France luxury péniche-hotels that cruise the beautiful inland waterways of France, will be re-positioned from its home in Burgundy to the tranquil Canal du Midi in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Cruising between Toulouse and Beziers, the week long fully inclusive itinerary is perfect to combine with a short stay pre or post cruise at the company’s Hôtel de la Cité in the medieval town of Carcassonne.
Each péniche-hotel is individually designed, lavishly appointed and can accommodate 6 to 12 guests (Alouette sleeps 6). All are available for private hire with a number also bookable on a per cabin basis. All itineraries are tailor-made to reach into the heart of rural France with Burgundy, Provence and the Rhone Valley also featured in the Afloat in France 2005 schedule.
Orient-Express offers exceptional train journeys throughout the whole of the UK with its two day trains, the London based British Pullman and the Manchester based Northern Belle. Summer 2005 sees the return of some old favourites including Sunday Brunch, Murder Mystery and day trips to Bath and Blenheim Palace on the Pullman but with some new sporting day trips on Northern Belle, visiting Wimbledon and the Masters Tennis Tournament as well as the spa town of Harrogate and the Palace of Westminster in London.
A number of new weekend breaks namely Dublin and Chester (July 9) and St. Andrews (August 5) have also been added to the Northern Belle schedule for 2005.
Following increased popularity in Eastern European city breaks the number of Budapest departures on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will increase to four (April, May, June and October) for the 2006 season. For guests wanting a little more space – cabin suites (two interconnecting double cabins) can also now be pre-booked for a supplement of £250 per person.
The Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg, is the latest property to join Orient-Express Hotels’ portfolio. An historical landmark dating from 1824, the building’s magnificent baroque façade was designed by the Italian architect Rossi. The hotel is in the heart of St. Petersburg, across from the Shostakovich Philharmonic, next to the Russian Museum and the Moussorgsky opera and ballet theatre and within walking distance of the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace Square. The hotel’s 301 rooms include 89 suites, 17 of which have terraces overlooking the Russian Museum in Arts Square. It has seven restaurants and bars that include the art nouveau splendour of L’Europe, serving French and European specialities beneath an original stained glass ceiling.
In Ravello, Orient-Express Hotels’ fourth hotel in Italy, Hotel Caruso which overlooks the spectacular Gulf of Salerno on the Amalfi coast, is due to open this summer 2005. Following Orient-Express Hotels’ acquisition of the historic buildings and land of Hotel Caruso Belvedere in June 1999, a US$30 million restoration programme has been implemented. The property perches on a hilltop, 350m above sea level and encompasses the ‘Belvedere’ garden and a splendid 13th Century Colonnade with 360 degree views. All is being painstakingly restored to provide an idyllic setting for the 54 guest rooms with a restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool and leisure facilities.
Situated on Giudecca Island in Venice, the legendary Hotel Cipriani and annexes Palazzo Vendramin and Palazzetto has recently re-opened its doors for a new season, offering beautiful new additions and programmes. The Palazzo Vendramin has a new Dogaressa Suite decorated with original Coromandel screens, Fortuny and Rubelli fabrics. With floor to ceiling gothic windows, it has spectacular views over to St Mark’s. The Casanova Spa that opened for the first time in May 2004 has introduced new SeaCreation treatments including the jet-lag eliminator and Balinese massage ‘Ajaran’.
The Hotel Splendido in Portofino, surrounded by pine and olive trees offers a picturesque view of the Mediterranean and is the perfect destination to explore the villages of the Cinque Terre or enjoy the beauties of the Gulf of Tiguillio by boat. Guests staying at the Hotel Splendido and Splendido Mare can enjoy a special selection of pampering, sport, gastronomic and romantic holiday experiences that range from a Health and Wellbeing two night spa break, a romantic three night stay with fine dining and a sun set cruise on board a yacht, to discovering herbs of Liguria with fine cuisine and tutored botanical walking tours on the herbs grown in the area.
The Villa San Michele in Florence, a charming 15th century former Franciscan monastery will continue to run for a second year, an eclectic programme of specially created cooking classes, with participation by some of the world’s most famous chefs such as Anton Mosimann, Raymond Blanc, Jun Tanaka, Nancy Jenkins and Giuliano Hazan. Following last year’s success, an even wider range of courses for 2005 include a children’s cookery school, cookery for singles and popular classic courses continue to run such as ‘Taste-Italia’ and ‘A symphony of pasta for three authors’, led by Executive Chefs Renato Piccolotto, Attilio Di Fabrizio and Franco Luise.
With only a short two hour flight from London, Hôtel de la Cité in Carcassonne set in the ramparts of the medieval citadel is the perfect short break retreat to enjoy the finest French cuisine and first class service. The gourmet programmes directed by the award winning Executive Chef Franck Putelat, continue again this year, (on request) from March to November, 2005. These new weekend and weekday gourmet programmes, allow guests the opportunity to explore the unusual and mysterious sites of the Languedoc Roussillon and to discover the hidden gems of the region’s culinary specialities through encounters with local craftsmen who share the passion and knowledge of the fertile regions around Carcassonne.
Visitors to the Lapa Palace in Lisbon can enjoy the close proximity to the vibrant Portuguese capital, combined with the relaxed resort-style atmosphere of this elegant 19th century stately home surrounded by lush park-like grounds overlooking the Tagus River. To fulfil the upmost enjoyment of each guest’s stay, concierge are able to arrange taylor-made sight seeing tours in Lisbon and neighbouring coastal resorts to Cascais and Estoril, whilst making children feel extra special with their own VIP programmes. A newly installed state of the art gym with three treatment rooms, includes a room dedicated to Shiatsu and two rooms specialising in anti-stress therapy and La Prairie treatments. After two years, managing the hotel’s renowned Italian restaurant the Hotel Cipriani, Giorgio Damasio has recently been appointed to Executive Chef, where he will oversee all the properties cuisine.
Opened in 1891, the historic Reid’s Palace in Madeira located on a stunning cliff-top headland overlooking the Bay of Funchal is surrounded by a 10-acre paradise of sub tropical gardens and resort style facilities, including the innovative and popular ‘Fun at Reid’s’ children’s club. This year Christophe Gillino, French Executive Chef has newly joined the property to manage the properties three restaurants, including the à la carte Dining Room. With a wonderful year-round climate and plethora of fireworks, wine and flower festivals to enjoy, Madeira is the ideal haven for couples and families.
La Residencia, the idyllic hideaway of Deià in the north west of the Spanish island of Mallorca, enters into its 21st anniversary this year. The 15th century manor house offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a range of relaxing excursions and packages. Highlights include therapeutic spa treatments, with the latest Citrus Siesta, a unique treatment and ‘Zen’ massage using all natural citrus Mallorcan products, combined to invigorate and then relax the body, mind and soul. Try an art walking tour in the village of Deià or take a breathtaking half hour helicopter tour through the Tramuntana mountains and along the dramatic coastline.
The Hotel Ritz Madrid’s central location enables guests to experience the very best of this cultural Spanish city, in the comfort of this legendary Belle Époque property. Enjoy a cocktail or dinner ‘al fresco’ in the elegant terrace garden and watch the world go by. With three of the most famous museums, only footsteps away, Museo del Prado, the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Centro de Arte Moderno Reina Sofia, the Hotel Ritz Madrid is a blissful retreat for any art lover.
North America
In October 2004, Orient-Express Hotels announced the acquisition of El Encanto Hotel and Garden Villas. Perched above the red tile roofs of Santa Barbara overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it has been an integral part of Santa Barbara's social, cultural and architectural heritage for 90 years. Following a brief closure in the fourth quarter of 2005 during which Orient-Express plans to invest US$10 million in renovation and enhancement, El Encanto will re-launch as an Orient-Express product in the spring of 2006.
Visitors to Charleston, South Carolina are often artistically inspired by the antebellum architecture, intricate iron gates and century old gardens of this historic city. Charleston Place is catering for both the beginner and expert artist with an "Inspired Artist Kit" which can be borrowed from the hotel on a complimentary basis. The kit consists of a portable easel, sketching paper and charcoal. For the more adventurous artist, the concierge can arrange for medium specific art supplies (oils, watercolours, pastels, etc.) to be delivered to the guest’s room.
Providing a summer family holiday option outside of Florida, the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans has introduced the Royal Family Fun package. Families staying at the hotel will receive a deluxe picnic lunch for four packed in a special Windsor Court Picnic Basket, along with two knapsacks packed with water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, Windsor court swimming floats and a disposable camera. Families will also get a choice of four tickets to the Aquarium, Audubon Zoo, Children’s Museum or Six Flags amusement park. The package is priced at US$589 (£315*) for a suite. A second bedroom can be booked at 50% off regular rack rates and an extra room night is available for just US$250 (£134*).
Built in 1912, Keswick Hall at Monticello is a prime example of Italianate architecture set amidst an Eden-like setting of both formal and informal gardens on Keswick Estate. With 600-acres of lush Virginia countryside, the 48-room Keswick Hall and Keswick Club features a private 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course, an indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness centre complete with spa, pro shop, tennis complex and clubhouse dining facilities.
The Serve, Swing and Cast package harks back to the days of simple fun; long days playing in the sunshine, learning new skills and taking in the fresh air that will make for a great night’s sleep. The package features four night’s accommodation, rental equipment and daily personalised instruction in tennis, golf and fly-casting, daily breakfast and afternoon tea, plus temporary membership to Keswick Club. Packages start at US$995 (£532*) per person, plus tax and gratuities.
St. Michaels is a historic Maryland town on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay not far from Washington and home to the 80 room The Inn at Perry Cabin. For two weekends this August, the hotel will offer a new Garden to Grill programme during which guests will be taught the ultimate BBQ techniques from Chef Mark Salter. The two-night package includes a demonstration on grilled vegetables and other summer fare, a special dinner, and a take-home “BBQ for Two” set from Brookstone that includes deluxe tongs, spatulas and other professional-quality tools. The package is priced at US$800 (£428*) per couple and is available 5-6 August and 12-13 August 2005.
New York’s celebrated ‘21’ Club has just appointed Stephen Trojahn as its new Executive Chef. Trojahn has spent most of his culinary career with Ritz-Carlton Hotels. He comes to New York from Colorado, where he was Executive Chef at the illustrious Remington’s at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch for 2½ years. Here he created gourmet mountain cuisine with a creative, indigenous menu reflecting the flavours of Colorado. His “Chef’s Table” was a hotspot for local celebrities including Michael J. Fox and Kelsey Grammer. Between May 2001 and October 2002, Trojahn was Chef de Cuisine at Ritz-Carlton San Juan, Puerto Rico where he received rave reviews for his take on “cocina criolla.” Throughout his career with Ritz-Carlton, Trojahn earned a reputation for elevating the existing fine dining restaurants in its hotels and resorts.
The Caribbean
La Samanna on the island of St. Martin opened the 2005 season with several enhancements including new circular wooden beach cabanas, each equipped with two iPod minis with a selection of music, champagne, L’Occitane Provence toiletries and the services of a cabana attendant to ensure cold drinks, fresh towels and lunch are served at exactly the right moment. When the sun starts to set, the Midnight Cabana option provides guests the opportunity for beachfront dining, stargazing through telescopes and the indulgent privacy that comes with the cover of darkness and the plush offerings of a private cabana. The hotel has also recently renovated its wine cellar and can accommodate private dinners and wine tastings for up to 10 people.
Maroma Resort and Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya opened its new Kinan spa in January 2005. Kinan means “inner spiritual energy” and the spa has been handmade by local artisans following the Maya study of astrological alignment - each building and treatment room has been aligned to the stars to ensure positive energy flow so the body, mind and spirit are at peace. Kinan will offer a full range of spa services in treatment rooms with private gardens, outdoor massage palapas (small thatched roof pavilions), a Watsu garden pool and a rooftop tower treatment room with 360 degree views that capture the two ecological systems of Maroma – the jungle and the sea. The treatments on offer take inspiration from Maya traditions and include a Maya Spiritual Bath. Belief is that a gentle, sacred bath refreshes the electro-magnetic energy field surrounding our bodies.
Maya prayers are incorporated into this bath; herbs and flowers, collected at particular times of day by a healer are used; and copal (also known as Mexican Frankincense) is burned. Other local ingredients used in treatments include peppermint, avocado, dried ginger and tamarind.
Australia / South Pacific
The Observatory Hotel in Sydney is named after the Sydney Observatory which is located just over the road on Observatory Hill in the historic Rocks area of the city. To celebrate its namesake, the hotel is offering a supernova inspired Wish Upon a Star package available throughout the year. The package includes overnight accommodation, a welcome star themed gift, complimentary signature cocktail at the bar, use of the day spa and health club, an eight course degustation dinner in Galileo restaurant and a visit to the Sydney Observatory to have a star named after your loved one. The Wish Upon a Star package is priced from AU$805 (£330*) based on two people sharing a deluxe city view room. Suite accommodation is available from AU$1,005 (£413*) per room per night.
The Blue Mountains national park in New South Wales is a mere 90 minute drive from Sydney, but the clean eucalyptus scented air and abundant wildlife are a world away from the city. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa in Katoomba is a mountain spa which offers the ideal combination for a weekend break – great food made using fresh local produce, cooking classes, exhilarating activities, blissful spa treatments and rooms so luxurious you’ll never want to leave. The hotel offers a special Eco-Adventure package so that guests can take advantage of the natural beauty on their doorstep. After an overnight stay in a suite with views of the Jamison Valley, guests are given a hearty breakfast before departing on an eco-tour of the Blue Mountains by 4WD, followed by a trek of the rainforests, canyons, waterfalls and caves of the valley floor. Priced from AU$910 (£374*) per couple for a two-night mid-week stay in a deluxe room, the package also includes full use of the spa and health club and undercover valet parking.
In August 2004, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa in French Polynesia opened Tahiti’s first beach front tree house spa. Called Marū (meaning soft of sound and soft of touch), the spa features five treatment rooms, three set on the waterfront and two with outdoor showers 12 feet above ground in the branches of two, 40-foot Caoutchouc (fiscus altimssima) trees. Tahitian inspired treatments that have been practised in the South Pacific for hundreds of years will be incorporated into the spa services, as well as ingredients such as Monoï oil, a blend of Tiaré flowers and coconut oil which gives Polynesian women their beautiful skin and hair, aloe vera, vanilla, hibiscus and the Noni plant, the “queen of all canoe plants”, which the Tahitians use to build boats.
In April 2004, Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises announced a sales and marketing partnership with Bora Bora Cruises, which operates two new purpose-built luxury super yachts from its base in Bora Bora, the only yachts of their kind in Tahiti and the South Pacific. Each offers a refined and intimate private yacht-style cruising experience with just 30 guest rooms per vessel.
Their unique ‘flat-water” design, which draws a mere 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) provides guests with a true inter-lagoon experience as the yachts are able to travel close to the shoreline and beautiful coral reefs, while state of the art stabilisation provides smooth sailing for the brief sojourns in open water. The finish of each yacht is exceptional, combining the latest technology with exotic hardwood interiors, original artwork, glass staircases, flat screen televisions, Philippe Starck bath fixtures with customized temperature control and fine linens. The partnership provides Bora Bora Cruises with the marketing support of Orient-Express’ worldwide sales offices, making it easier for the individual and travel agent to book. At the same time, Orient-Express gains a multi-island travel experience which connects its property, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, with other resorts and islands. Guests can book seven-day yachting experiences to the islands of Bora Bora, Taha’a, Raiatea, and Huahine and a 10- or 14-day Motu Miti package (island and sea), which combines a stay at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort with a voyage on Bora Bora Cruises.
South America
It is just over a year since Orient-Express Hotels opened La Cabaña, a recreation of Argentina’s most celebrated steakhouse, in Buenos Aires. From the early 1950s, La Cabaña welcomed VIPs, celebrities, the famous and infamous from all over the world, serving what many considered to be the best steak on earth. The new La Cabaña has already played host to world leaders and glamorous polo players, as well as Hollywood stars such as Viggo Mortensen and Robert Duvall. The private dining rooms are inspired by different regions and provinces of Argentina such as Patagonia, Salta and Mendoza alongside a classic Gaucho style with large open fireplaces and walls lined with wine bottles. Bife con Lomo (T-bone steak), Bife de Chorizo (Baby Beef - a steak cut off the rib and similar to sirloin or Porterhouse), Bife de Costilla (Prime Rib steak) and Asado de tira (thin strip ribs), are grilled to perfection.
Established in 1923, the historic Copacabana Palace is Rio’s most traditional and luxurious hotel, boasting a guest list of royalty, stars of stage and screen, and politicians and business leaders. Plans for 2005 include the complete refurbishment of the beach facing rooms in the Tower Wing and the creation of two magnificent ballrooms on the ground floor of the hotel. Named the Crystal Room and the Palm Room, the two new ballrooms will provide the perfect venue for a meeting or gala dinner.
October 2003 saw the inauguration of the Hiram Bingham, a new luxury rail service echoing the opulence of the 1920s Pullman era of rail travel operated by PeruRail between Cuzco and Machu Picchu which bears the crest of the famous explorer. Originally operated five times a week, the service has proved so popular that it now operates six times a week from Monday to Saturday and in January 2005 an open-deck observation and bar car was added to the rake, which consists of 4 cars – 2 dining cars, a bar car, observation care and a kitchen car, with a capacity of 84 passengers. The Hiram Bingham departs Cuzco at 09h00 which gives a more leisurely start to the day than the traditional 06h00 departure of other vistadome and backpacker services operated by PeruRail. Brunch is served on board and the arrival in Machu Picchu at 12h30 gives Hiram Bingham passengers the advantage of entering the Sanctuary at an hour when the majority of the visitors are already beginning to leave for their journey back to Cuzco.
Thus, Hiram Bingham passengers not only have the opportunity to experience the Ruins at Machu Picchu in relative solitude, but have a longer period of time there, returning to the train only as the sun goes down. Once back on board, pre-dinner cocktails are served in the bar accompanied by live entertainment and a 3-course, a la carte dinner is presented in the dining cars. The train pulls into Poroy station in Cuzco at 22h00 with passengers relaxed and ready for bed. Included in the price of the ticket (US$416.50/£225* plus tax) are onboard meals, beverages and entertainment, as well as bus transfers to and from the Citadel of Machu Picchu, entrance to the Ruins themselves and afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge; Orient-Express’ charming, ecologically-friendly property located only steps from the entrance to the Ruins.
As well as the PeruRail operation, Orient-Express Hotels owns and operates four hotels in Peru; the Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco, the Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and El Parador del Colca in the Colca Canyon. The Miraflores Park Hotel reopened in March following an extensive refurbishment during which all the guest rooms were renovated, a spa and restaurant created on the 11th floor with stunning views of the coastline, a new signature suite added to the 10th floor and a new gourmet seafood restaurant and al fresco terrace named Poissonerie on the ground floor.
In August 2005 ground will be broken on a project to convert the Nazarenas building next to the Hotel Monasterio into a 32 suite annex opening at the end of 2006. The aim of the project is to create a relaxing haven within the city of Cuzco where guests can have spa treatments and relax by the new 20m pool.
Southern Africa
The Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town’s landmark hotel which sits resplendent in lush gardens at the foot of Table Mountain, continues to blossom. Following the successful opening of the Planet champagne bar in December 2003, now lauded as one of the city’s hip hangouts, and the introduction of the Chef’s Table in-kitchen dining experience, the hotel will be refurbishing all rooms in the Oasis wing in 2005, along with the Oasis restaurant and eight garden cottages.
According to Oscar winner Charlize Theron, “there is simply no finer city resort in the whole of South Africa than The Westcliff”, and with Johannesburg celebrating 10 years of democracy, there has never been a better time to explore the city of gold. The Westcliff has introduced an In the Footsteps of Freedom package which takes in all the exciting developments which have taken place in recent years – a walk across the new Nelson Mandela bridge, a tour of Soweto and the refurbished Hector Pieterson Museum and a visit to the new Constitutional Court on Constitutional Hill which was opened by President Thabo Mbeki in March 2004. The two night In the Footsteps of Freedom package is priced from R5,580 (£478*) per room and is available until 30th December 2005.
Located in and around Botswana’s mighty Okavango Delta, Orient-Express Safaris offers three of the most perfectly located safari camps in the world – Savute Elephant Camp, Khwai River Lodge and Eagle Island Camp. Orient-Express Safaris has recently introduced private aircraft transfers direct from Johannesburg into the camps in Botswana, saving time and money by avoiding the long check-in at the airport and traditional transfer time between Maun and the camps. During the annual flood between June and September, Eagle Island Camp will also be operating 45 minute helicopter safaris over the Okavango Delta.
Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express will introduce a new extended 3 night southbound itinerary in 2006 which will feature a number of enhancements to include passing over the famous wooden trestle viaduct at Tham Kasae, one of Thailand’s most scenic stretches of railway. The new route will still run from Bangkok through Malaysia and on to Singapore but the journey will depart on Sunday evening and arrive into Singapore on Wednesday morning. The new timetable also means that the train crosses the magnificent Bukit Merah Lake in northern Malaysia during daylight hours and offers guests a more convenient evening arrival/departure into Kuala Lumpur. The northbound route from Singapore to Bangkok will continue as a 2 night journey and will follow the existing itinerary.
The 2 night Thai Explorer itinerary, launched in 2004, continues to offer guests an intra Thailand experience visiting Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and River Kwai before returning to Bangkok. Single routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or visa versa are also available for those who want to stay longer in Thailand’s northern capital.
For those wanting a further extended South East Asia experience this great train journey through Asia can be combined with the Road To Mandalay river cruise ship in Burma (Myanmar). Carrying a maximum of 100 passengers the ship plies the Ayerawaddy River between Bagan and Mandalay offering 3, 4 and 7 night cruises from September to April each year. A special 11 night itinerary to Bhamo in northern Burma operates in August each year and due to its popularity 3 Bhamo dates will be offered in 2006.
This year, Orient-Express Hotels invested in five Pansea properties in the Far East situated in unusual and interesting locations in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Bali. Each of the Pansea Orient-Express Hotels’ properties are elegantly designed to preserve local traditions and provide access to some of Asia’s natural wonders – from Cambodia’s magnificent Angkor Wat to Yangon’s shimmering gold Shwedagon Pagoda. The NEW Ubud Hanging Gardens in Bali is due for completion in 2005. Its sister hotel, the Jimbaran Puri in Bali, has also undergone refurbishment works.
ENDS
Note to editors:
Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises (www.orient-express.com) is a hotel and leisure company providing luxury travel experiences for discerning travellers in areas of outstanding cultural, historic or recreational interest. Founded in 1976 when the company acquired Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Orient-Express owns or has investments in 49 businesses: 38 highly individual hotels, three restaurants, six tourist trains and two river cruise operations, located in 22 countries worldwide. The company believes that discerning travellers will choose a famous individual property in preference to a chain brand, so none of its businesses is called Orient-Express except the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train which operates through Europe, linking London, Paris and Venice. Orient-Express chooses to own or part-own its businesses, believing equity returns are greater than management fee income alone and continues to seek out unique properties with expansion potential and introduce new experiences, restoring romance, glamour and style to international travel.
*The sterling price guide quoted in the text is based on the exchange rate at the time of going to press, but the final price, payable in local currency, will depend on the exchange rate at the time of booking.
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For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Malone or Anna Nash
PR Manager Trains & Cruises PR Executive Trains & Cruises
Tel: (0207) 805 5064 Tel: (0207) 805 5050
e-mail: Kathryn.malone@orient-express.com e-mail: anna.nash@orient-express.com
Fiona Duthie or Victoria Legg
Senior PR Executive Hotels, Europe Public Relations Manager Hotels
Tel: (0207) 805 5069 Tel: (0207) 805 5067
e-mail: fiona.duthie@orient-express.com vicky.legg@orient-express.com
Internet: www.orient-express.com www.perurail.com
