well-dressed concierge eager to offer
immaculately finished in regal blue, the
is mesmerising – mahogany wooden
you a hot towel and refreshing drink
polished carriages are dazzling, more akin
panelling, ornately polished brass hand
while checking that all is order for your
to the high gloss finish of a superyacht
rails, coat hooks and hat racks, soft pastel
impending departure. The décor is
hull – the detailing and filigree is a
prints on the upholstery and curtains are
open and relaxing. Numerous historic
work of art in itself. As we head over
matched to the subtle incandescence of
photographs adorn the walls retelling
to our train, we are warmly greeted
soft side lights and table lamps – not a
the construction of the railroad and
on the platform by our conductor and
fluorescent tube to be seen.
the pioneering operations of this
car stewards resplendent in their fine
narrow gauge railway, all adding to
uniforms that wouldn’t be out of place on
nostalgia and heritage of the ‘Hiram
a military parade ground. A welcome hot
Bingham’ experience.
towel to wipe away any last remnants of
with the iconic ‘HB’ logo, fine silver
the day’s dusty encounter completes the
cutlery, leather bound menu folio and a
embarkation process.
blossoming red rose.
tunes as a forerunner to our onboard
The moment we enter the salon we are
The carriage quickly fills with the excited
entertainment. Belmond’s locomotive
transported back in time to the classic
chatter of travellers from across the globe
pulls into the station with its two salon
era of high-class train travel, when rail
as they share the day’s adventure to the
cars (with seating for 42 in each), a bar/
was the most preferred and extremely
dizzy heights of Machu Picchu. Then the
observation car, service and galley. So
romantic. The richness of the décor
moment we’ve all been waiting for, the
Peruvian beats fill the room – ‘Trio Sambor’ play a lively set of Latin
Tables are set, in classic heavy weight white linen, fine white China and glassware all intricately monogrammed
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