Description
As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. From the Cape all the way to Cairo... all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel.
It is from this dream that The Blue Train was born. Cairo was never to be, but the dreamers persevered and The Blue Train now traverses South Africa and its breath-taking scenery in a manner that befits the mystique that has grown around it.
Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star hotel on wheels. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities. And even ordinary folk who romanticise about a life of spectacular luxury, a life that has seemed tantalisingly out of reach. Until now...
Welcome aboard The Blue Train. Your unforgettable experience is about to begin…
Catering
While The Blue Train lives up to its five-star reputation in every sense, its cuisine surpasses even the highest expectations. It could be said that dinner will be the most unforgettable experience of your adventure. Call it Cordon Blue.
On board chefs regularly refresh their menus to intrigue and tantalise your palate, as they prepare their signature dishes using the freshest of local ingredients. From Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison, to Knysna oysters and other award-winning Cape cultivars. All artfully presented in delicate crystal or on fine china, all contributing to the ultimate experience.
Underscoring the Dining Car’s atmosphere is a delightful selection of tasteful background music, ranging from smooth jazz to light classical to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet.
As the sky darkens over the landscape, you adorn yourself in your finest silks and satins, diamonds and pearls, tuxedos and ties, as you prepare to relish a banquet glowing with the camaraderie of new friends or dine entwined in the subtle intimacy of a table for two – or even if you opt to dine in the privacy of your own suite – you become aware that every taste you’re about to experience is a memory in the making, a tantalising highlight on a menu of magical moments.
And indeed, there’s a menu for every taste. Whether you require Kosher or Halaal meals, or gluten-free vegan options, simply make your needs known at the time of reserving your passage. You’ll also need to reserve your ideal dinner sitting. Their very elegant Dining Car comfortably accommodates 42 guests in a single sitting and, in the event of having more guests on the train, meals are served in two sittings to ensure all their guests experience utter luxury and decadence.
Accommodation
The De Luxe Suites
Your De Luxe Suite will forever alter your definition of what style and class entail. From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night, bedecked with goose-down and 100 per cent percale-cotton bedding, from your individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, its scented bath salts and plush monogrammed towels, to the electronic entertainment options on offer.
And then, of course, all this accompanied by the ever-changing vistas of the countryside…
The De Luxe coaches each have four suites that measure 4 by 2 metres. One of these contains a double bed and a ¾ size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.
The Luxury Suites
Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler ushers you aboard. It extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of your domain, with twin or double bedded suites which offer you long and luxurious bath tubs and a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD.
Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5,13 by 2 metres and give you the option of twin beds or a double bed.
Your De Luxe or Luxury suites are your home-away-from-home lounges. Need to send an important email halfway across the world or make that urgent phone call? Relax in knowing that all suites are fitted with WiFi service that is complimentary to all our guests. Use the telephone system in each suite to dial your butler, at no extra charge, for an apéritif or even call family and friends across the Atlantic and relay your Blue Train experience at a minimal fee.
An act of alchemy transforms your sitting area into a restful night-time sanctuary. Goose down duvets and pillows and 100 percent percale cotton bedding envelop you as you drift off after a soothing, scented soak or shower in your marble and gold-appointed bathroom, lulled by the rhythm of the whispering wheels.
Spaces
As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated. Graduations, engagements, weddings and honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. All of these deserve a memorable venue, a special ambience, a reminder that you’re going places. The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. Just for you, it can meander along its standard routes, or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights. It’s your sojourn, it’s your train. It’s their pleasure. When not booked for use during a trip, the Conference Car is converted into an Observation Car that reflects and complements the amenities offered in the Lounge cars. For those with more stern agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. Their fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities. Whether you’re rallying your sales force, rewarding outstanding performance, wooing potential clients or hosting your year-end function, stay on line. Keep on track. Navigate your way through the ever-shifting landscape of doing business in the 21st Century. Meet your challenges and celebrate your successes on the move by stepping on-board a world where business is pleasure.
