Imagine stepping aboard a rolling masterpiece, where the clink of crystal champagne flutes mingles with the soft hum of a train gliding through Europe’s timeless landscapes. The Orient Express, relaunched in July 2025 by the Accor Group, is no mere journey—it’s a portal to the golden age of travel, reimagined for the luxury nomad who craves beauty, culture, and effortless sophistication. With its 17 meticulously restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, this legendary train weaves Art Deco’s opulent geometry with modern comforts, creating an odyssey that feels both nostalgic and thrillingly new. For the affluent wanderer—those rootless visionaries who blend work, art, and adventure—the Orient Express offers a transformative escape, where every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of their global journey.
A Legacy Reborn: The Orient Express’s Art Deco Renaissance
The Orient Express, first launched in 1883, has long been synonymous with intrigue and glamour, immortalized in Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and countless cinematic dreams. Connecting Paris to Istanbul in its heyday, it was a rolling salon for royalty, artists, and adventurers. After ceasing operations in 2009, the train’s legacy endured, and in 2018, the Accor Group acquired the iconic Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express cars, commissioning French architect Maxime d’Angeac for a visionary redesign. Unveiled in 2025, the reborn train is a technical marvel and a love letter to Art Deco, blending the movement’s bold lines, exotic motifs, and luxurious materials with contemporary sustainability and comfort.
The project’s ambition was staggering: a $500 million restoration to preserve the original 1920s and 1930s carriages while infusing them with modern elegance. D’Angeac, known for his work with Hermès and Guerlain, drew inspiration from the train’s storied past and the Art Deco masterpieces of the era, like Paris’ Palais de Chaillot or New York’s Chrysler Building. The result is a moving gallery of craftsmanship, where every detail—from Lalique glass panels to bronze-inlaid woodwork—evokes the Jazz Age’s exuberance. The train’s 17 cars, including a bar car, two dining cars, and 15 sleeping compartments, were reimagined to transcend time, offering a “dream-inspiring work of art” that feels both eternal and cutting-edge.
Stepping Aboard: An Art Deco Wonderland
As you board at Paris’ Gare de l’Est, the Orient Express envelops you in a world of shimmering luxury. The exterior gleams in deep blue and gold, its polished curves catching the evening light like a jewel against the city’s skyline. Inside, the bar car is a symphony of Second Empire-style domed lighting and a Lalique-inspired glass counter, where bartenders craft cocktails under soft, glowing arches. Plush green armchairs invite you to linger, their geometric patterns echoing the zigzag motifs of Art Deco’s peak. The dining cars, overseen by three-Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno, dazzle with marble tabletops, mirrored ceilings, and bronze accents, serving French haute cuisine that pairs caviar with vistas of rolling vineyards.
The suites are the heart of the experience, designed as private sanctuaries for the luxury nomad. Each spans generous square footage, with circular motifs softening the train’s linear structure. Precious wood paneling, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and bronze beads, frames convertible sofas that transform into plush beds. Lalique’s restored “Blackbirds and Grapes” panels adorn the partitions, their delicate glasswork catching the light as Alpine peaks or Tuscan hills glide past expansive windows. Marble-clad bathrooms offer heated floors and rain showers, while bespoke amenities—think Fueguia 1833 toiletries—add a sensory flourish. The Presidential Suite, a nod to the train’s historic elite passengers, boasts a private lounge and dining area, its lacquered finishes and velvet upholstery evoking a 1920s Parisian salon.
A Journey for the Elite Nomad
For the luxury nomad—whether a tech founder closing deals remotely, a designer seeking inspiration, or an influencer curating their next viral moment—the Orient Express is a dreamscape tailored to their lifestyle. The 2025 itineraries, ranging from three to six days, traverse Europe’s most captivating regions: from Paris to Istanbul via Budapest and Bucharest, or shorter loops through Champagne, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. A highlight is the six-day Le Grand Tour, which winds through France’s cultural heartlands, stopping for private tours of Bordeaux vineyards, Loire châteaux, and the historic Puy du Fou theme park. Each journey includes offboard experiences, like oyster tastings in Arcachon or art gallery visits in Vienna, curated to enrich the nomad’s cultural tapestry.
The train’s design and amenities cater to the nomad’s dual needs for productivity and indulgence. High-speed Wi-Fi and discreet workspaces in suites allow for seamless remote work, whether drafting proposals amid the Alps’ snow-capped majesty or hosting virtual meetings against a backdrop of velvet drapes. The staff, trained in the art of anticipatory service, handle every detail—from arranging bespoke excursions to delivering morning coffee with a view of the Danube. For wellness, a dedicated suite offers massages and beauty treatments, echoing the holistic retreats luxury nomads crave to counter the rigors of constant travel.
Art is woven into the journey, making it a haven for creative souls. The train’s interiors, crafted with France’s finest artisans, feature rotating exhibitions of contemporary works alongside restored Lalique panels, sparking inspiration for designers or collectors. The bar car hosts live jazz performances, evoking the 1920s salons that once drew Hemingway and Fitzgerald. For nomads who see travel as self-expression, these elements create Instagram-worthy moments—think sipping a martini under a glass dome as the train curves through the Carpathians—that resonate with their curated lifestyles.
Sustainability adds a modern edge, appealing to eco-conscious nomads. The restoration prioritized energy-efficient systems, and the train’s limited capacity—maximum 60 passengers—ensures an intimate, low-impact experience. Locally sourced ingredients in Alléno’s menus, from Burgundian truffles to Sicilian citrus, reflect a commitment to regional ecosystems, aligning with the nomad’s values of purposeful travel.
Why the Orient Express Captivates the Luxury Nomad
The Orient Express is more than a mode of transport; it’s a narrative of elegance and discovery, perfectly suited to the luxury nomad’s ethos. In a world where experiences trump possessions, this journey offers a rare blend of heritage and innovation. The Art Deco aesthetic—its bold geometry, exotic woods, and shimmering metals—mirrors the nomad’s desire for spaces that inspire and elevate. Just as the Chrysler Building’s spire pierces New York’s skyline, the train’s design cuts through the mundane, offering a backdrop for creativity and connection.
For the digital entrepreneur, the train is a mobile office where deals are sealed over champagne in the bar car, with Europe’s landscapes as a dynamic boardroom. For the artist or influencer, it’s a stage for storytelling, where every carriage is a frame-worthy vignette. The intimate scale—far smaller than modern cruise liners—fosters connections among like-minded travelers, whether networking over dinner or sharing stories in the observation car as stars emerge over the Alps. The offboard excursions, from private castle tours to whisky tastings, feed the nomad’s hunger for authentic, immersive experiences that deepen their global perspective.
The train’s exclusivity—fares starting at $3,500 per person for a three-day journey—positions it as an investment in unforgettable moments. Yet, for the luxury nomad, it’s worth every cent: a chance to live within a moving masterpiece, where Art Deco’s optimism fuels their own pursuit of beauty and meaning. The Orient Express doesn’t just transport you; it transforms you, weaving your story into its legendary tapestry.
A Call to the Nomad’s Heart
As the Orient Express glides through Europe’s heart, it beckons luxury nomads to step aboard and dream. Picture yourself in a velvet-lined suite, the Alps unfolding outside your window, a glass of Château Margaux in hand. Imagine crafting your next project as the train sways gently through Tuscany, or finding inspiration in a Lalique panel that catches the morning light. This is travel as art, where every moment is curated to spark joy and wonder.
For those who wander with purpose, the Orient Express is your canvas. Pack our Art Deco-inspired luggage—crafted with the same geometric precision and luxurious materials as the train’s interiors—and embark on a journey that redefines luxury. Visit our blog to explore how this iconic train inspires our collection, and shop now to bring timeless elegance to your nomadic adventures. Where will your next journey take you?