Purveyors of luxury destination experiences are bringing opportunities for discerning travellers to explore Asia slowly and in great style onboard luxury trains and river cruises
The quest for immersive experiences through a slower pace of travel is feeding the rise of boutique cruises and rail journeys.
Belmond, an operator of luxury train voyages in different parts of the world, saw interest in its latest addition – The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train that goes between Singapore and Malaysia – soar among several guest segments, from retirees and families to young couples and solo explorers. It has sold out most of its cabins on most voyages since its relaunch in March this year.
Nicholas Streff, vice president of strategy and corporate communications, Belmond, believes that customers are drawn to the product concept – one that allows them to slow down and appreciate the value of personal time.
“It ticks all the boxes of what we call slow luxury travel, which is all about taking the time to explore, immerse yourself in the destination, and really understand the landscape, culture, etc,” he explained.
Guests on the all-inclusive Eastern & Oriental Express go on three-night voyages from Singapore through Malaysia. Along the way, they get to wine, dine and play onboard at no extra charge. They are also invited to join off-board excursions led by expert guides.
On July 22, Belmond elevated the Eastern & Oriental Express experience with the opening of Dior’s first-ever spa in the region. Housed in one of the train carriages, the Dior Spa offers five tailor-made wellness rituals.
Hotels, keen to extend guests experiences beyond their room and onsite facilities, have also crafted slow travel opportunities.
In March this year, luxury resort Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia sailed out its very own ship, Ayana Lako di’a, to offer a two-day-one-night adventure through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park for up to 14 guests. The modern phinisi offers nine fully air-conditioned suites, and features a library, lounge, bar, an indoor dining area and daybeds on the main deck.
The Ritz-Carlton has just announced plans to set its 794-foot Luminara luxury cruise liner off in Asia-Pacific, with 10 voyages scheduled between December 2025 and May 2026. The journeys range from 10 to 15 nights in length and depart from Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
Minor Hotels, which has seen great interest in The Vietage by Anantara, its luxury train that takes hotel guests through the Vietnamese countryside, will soon launch Boheme, a cruise ship that will depart from Luang Prabang in Laos and journey down the Mekong river on four-day itineraries. Boheme is furnished with 12 suites and one stateroom.
Marion Walsh-Hédouin, vice president communication & public relations for Minor Hotels, told TTG Asia that Boheme would grant guests access to some spectacular locations and impressive experiences along the river, such as the Pak Ou Caves and villages of rice paper-making and silk-weaving craftsmen.
“People want more than just the hotel experience, more than just a nice turn-down amenity. Hence, Anantara Hotels & Resorts (a brand of Minor International) has chosen to offer brand extentions that deliver memorable destination experiences and community connections,” said Walsh-Hédouin.
In Thailand, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s Loy Pela Voyages takes guests down the Chao Phraya River on private cruises for up to eight people. Two ships in the fleet, Loy Dream and Loy River Song, offer destination exploration with creative gastronomy. Both ships are outfitted luxuriously.
Spurred by popular demand, The Vietage by Anantara recently launched a second railway carriage to operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. The new five-hour journey through south-central Vietnam presents a slower way to appreciate the destination, with sightings of water buffalos in the countryside, coastal views of the East Sea, and more.
“These extensions provide our guests with opportunities to stay on longer with us and in the destination, and encourages them to stay with more than one property in our portfolio,” she added.
