And it’s aboard the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
I was about to set off on a preview of the VSOEs new Alpine route.
There are also six Grand Suites, each inspired by a European city.
From left: A porter helps a passenger board one of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' 17 restored carriages from the 1920s and 30s; Belmond has carved out eight new suites on the train, each meticulously outfitted by French craftspeople.Credit:Courtesy of Belmond
These plush accommodations also offer private in-cabin dining, 24-hour butler service, and free-flowing champagne.
Everyone was enthusiastically singing along, encouraged by train-themed cocktails like the Choo Choo Train Martini.
Dinner was prepared by Jean Imbert, who was appointed the VSOEs chef last July.
The Vienna Suite onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express was designed to evoke the Austrian capital.Courtesy of Belmond
The kitchen is very small; only two or three people can work in it at the same time.
Apart from the logistical challenges, the setting demands a certain stately nostalgia.
So it reminds me of all these beautiful moments with my family.
Happily spent, I fell into a deep sleep and woke at dawn to views of snow-dusted country houses.
Which, as it happened, was Deyrolles recommendation for guests on this new route.
My best advice would be to hit pause and slow down.
