Podcast Summary: The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
Episode: Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Date: March 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Grand Tourist, hosted by design journalist Dan Rubinstein, invites listeners aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) sleeper train, exploring the revival of the golden age of travel. Through a rich conversation with Arnaud Champenois, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Belmond, the hospitality group behind the iconic train (now part of LVMH), the episode delves into the philosophy of "slow luxury," the art of savoring time, the cultural and culinary experiences on board, and the integration of travel, heritage, and storytelling across Belmond properties worldwide.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Philosophy of Slow Luxury and the Importance of Time

• Slow Travel as True Luxury:

  • Arnaud Champenois highlights the core belief at Belmond: "It's really about time being the biggest luxury today... The journey is as important as the destination..." (00:00, 18:08)
  • Slow travel allows guests to disconnect from hectic modern life, reconnect with themselves, and savor meaningful experiences with friends and family.

• Reinventing the Golden Age of Travel:

  • Belmond aims to "shape the future of travel and to perpetuate this legendary art of travel... Think golden age of travel, but reinvented for a new generation." (06:45)
  • The journey itself, not just the destination, is central to the Belmond experience.

2. Belmond's Unique Brand Story and Arnaud's Journey

• Arnaud’s background spans Cartier, L’Oréal (notably launching Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb), and Starwood Hotels before joining Belmond to spearhead its evolution as a contemporary, lifestyle-driven travel brand. (03:16–06:01)
• Under LVMH since 2019, Belmond’s brand identity now emphasizes travel, gastronomy, wellness, culture, and celebration. (06:45)

3. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: History and Experience

• The VSOE's origins lie in the 1920s and 1930s carriages, painstakingly restored by Belmond's founders Jim and Lady Sherwood. Lisa Minnelli was among the first modern-day passengers at its relaunch in 1982. (09:32)

• The train acts as a "legendary time capsule," where guests step into a world of marquetry, heritage cabins, and blue-uniformed staff—some from multi-generational steward families. (15:12)

• Only 100 passengers on board versus 50 staff, highlighting the personalized, family-like service. (15:12)

  "It's a hotel, but it's almost like a museum on wheels... Behind closed doors, it's almost like a play is going to happen... You have these characters, staff and guests, this notion of time, a decor and a scenery which is very interesting for a special atmosphere." – Arnaud Champenois (15:12)

4. Belmond’s Train Portfolio

• Seven trains operate worldwide:
  • VSOE (Paris-Venice, Venice-Istanbul), additional European routes.
  • British Pullman and the new Britannic Explorer in the UK.
  • Two luxury Peruvian trains (to Machu Picchu and across the Andes).
  • The Eastern & Oriental Express (Singapore-Malaysia).
  • A Scottish train from Edinburgh to the Highlands and islands. (11:12–13:26)
• Each route emphasizes not just travel, but authentic, location-based experiences. (11:12)

5. Aboard the VSOE: The Paris-to-Florence Journey

• The journey includes boarding in Paris, afternoon tea, dress-up (black tie encouraged), gourmet dinner, music at the piano bar, sleeping in elegantly appointed cabins, and waking up to brunch (with lobster) while gliding through Tuscan landscapes.

• Journeys are often paired with stays at historic Belmond hotels, e.g., Castello di Casole in Tuscany. (20:21–23:28)

  "You board the train in Paris... afternoon tea with champagne... highly encourage people to wear black tie... a great culinary experience... nightcap at the bar... then you retire to your cabin... wake up with a lovely brunch with lobsters... arriving in Tuscany." – Arnaud Champenois (20:21)

6. Culinary Excellence Onboard

• Cuisine is tailored to the region—French and Italian on VSOE, Peruvian on South American trains, British on Britannic Explorer, and Southeast Asian with gastronomic spice explorations by chefs like André Chiang. (23:51)
• Partnerships with celebrity chefs and local producers ensure authenticity. Unique pop-up chef residencies add to the magic.

7. The Power of Storytelling: Belmond’s Publishing Approach

• Belmond has embraced print and published three book collections:
  • Photography: Contemporary photography collaborations and a photo residency program, e.g., Cece Young documenting Castello di Casole.
  • Cookbooks: Developed with Apartmento (Spain), focusing on terroir and local gastronomy in destinations like Mexico, the Amalfi Coast, and Portofino.
  • Heritage Books: In partnership with Assouline, highlighting legendary Belmond properties and trains in Portofino and Peru. (26:48–32:40)
• Books are a way for Belmond to connect with guests through passions for food, art, and heritage.

8. Spotlight on Castello di Casole, Tuscany

• A 10th-century restored castle and village, rich in history and community spirit (film director Luchino Visconti hosted legendary parties here). (33:08)

• Visitors can enjoy wellness, stargazing, truffle hunting, local wine, and authentic Tuscan experiences. (35:06)

  "You feel at home in the hotels... It's also our teams and our staff... They're very proud of where they work and full of personality." – Arnaud Champenois (33:08)

9. Belmond’s Future: Upcoming Restorations and Contemporary Heritage

• Major projects include the reinvention of the Mount Nelson in Cape Town (with artist/fashion designer Tebe Magugu), full renovation and relaunch of Villa San Michele in Florence (April 2026), and restoration of the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. (37:41–41:00)
• Belmond’s direction: blending slow luxury, deep heritage, local artistry, and next-generation brand programing worldwide.

10. Personal Recommendations and Aspirations

• If Arnaud had a week to travel, his top choice: "Venice St. Fernandes Express... Paris to Venice, discover the Cipriani [hotel] being renovated by Peter Marino... Sicily is always a good idea too... Villa Timeo in Taormina, which was featured in The White Lotus."
• Belmond operates 45 hotels, trains, safaris, and boats in 20 countries. (41:17–42:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Slow Luxury:
  "It's really about time being the biggest luxury today. The fact that you are on a train and that you going to take 24 hours to go to Venice, the journey is as important as the destination..."
  – Arnaud Champenois [00:00, reiterated at 18:08]

• On Golden Age Travel:
  "The journey is as important as the destination. And the best example for that is our legendary trains... You disconnect to have a fantastic journey in a time capsule."
  – Arnaud Champenois [08:24]

• On Onboard Atmosphere:
  "It's a hotel, but it's almost like a museum on wheels. It's history because you even have a heritage cabin which are like bunk beds... It's almost like a play is going to happen. You have these characters, staff and guests."
  – Arnaud Champenois [15:12]

• On Publishing & Storytelling:
  "Print is back... There's something about publishing beautiful books where people can again slow down and experience a moment where they can read and touch the paper and discover a destination in a different way."
  – Arnaud Champenois [26:48]

• Travel Wisdom:
  "I think you say 'romantic' and I think it's a beautiful word to use for this experience because it's really what travel represents for me. It's kind of an experience which is almost imaginary."
  – Arnaud Champenois [18:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 01:00: Introduction and overview of VSOE and slow luxury.
• 03:08 – 06:01: Arnaud Champenois’s career journey to Belmond.
• 06:31 – 08:14: The "Belmond Way" and brand vision.
• 09:32 – 11:04: History of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
• 11:12 – 13:26: Overview of Belmond’s global trains.
• 15:12 – 17:39: Life onboard the VSOE and staff culture.
• 18:08 – 20:08: Why slow travel is resonating in the modern era.
• 20:21 – 23:28: Step-by-step breakdown of a Paris-to-Florence VSOE journey.
• 23:51 – 25:04: Culinary philosophies and chef collaborations onboard.
• 26:48 – 32:40: Belmond’s book publishing initiatives and storytelling.
• 33:08 – 35:06: Castello di Casole’s heritage, sense of place, and guest experiences.
• 37:41 – 41:00: Upcoming restorations and the future of Belmond.
• 41:00 – 42:46: Arnaud’s personal favorite Belmond experiences.

Final Reflections

Dan Rubinstein’s conversation with Arnaud Champenois paints a vivid picture of Belmond’s approach to hospitality—where time, heritage, and sensory experiences are paramount. From legendary journeys aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to tranquil escapes in the Tuscan hills, Belmond curates moments that recapture travel’s romance, making every journey as memorable as the destination. For those wanting to escape the rush of modern life and immerse themselves in meaningful luxury, this episode is a masterclass in experiential travel and the enduring magic of stories well told.