La Dolce Vita Orient Express announces its debut in Italy, with trains designed by Dimorestudio to pay tribute to La Dolce Vita. Words: Catherine Martin
E
ver since Accor entered into a strategic partnership with
rail tourism project will welcome its first passengers in
SNCF Group to develop the Orient Express brand, the
2023, with six trains set to travel across Italy, taking in city
hospitality world has waited with bated breath to see
and countryside, from the Dolomites to the Lakes. Three
how the venture would play out. Accor – having acquired
dedicated routes will also connect destinations further afield,
a 50% stake – would bring competence in luxury hotel
including Paris, Istanbul and Split.
development while SNCF would provide expertise in rail
Named La Dolce Vita, each train will comprise 11
engineering, with both committed to protecting the heritage
carriages housing suites and public spaces, with Milan-
of the iconic brand.
based Dimorestudio appointed to design the interiors. The
At the time, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of
overarching concept pays tribute to La Dolce Vita, a period
Accor, commented: “We are delighted with this strategic
of glamour, joie de vivre and artistic fervour in Italy during
partnership, which today cements the alliance of two major
the 1960s. In developing their scheme, Dimorestudio sought
French players in the world of travel for a shared purpose,
to combine this era with a ‘made in Italy’ spirit, all while
that of giving fresh impetus and international standing
honouring the heritage of the Orient Express brand. “The
to an historic and world-renowned brand. Thanks to this
design project of Orient Express La Dolce Vita was conceived
partnership, our customers will be able to enjoy a prestigious
to embody a flawless and understated balance between
range of services and exceptional experiences based on a
historical and contemporary, without losing its authenticity,”
portfolio of luxury brands.”
say Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci, Dimorestudio’s founders.
In the years since, Accor has announced that the first
“The spaces are thoughtfully designed and well-curated
static Orient Express hotels would open in Rome and Venice
without being ostentatious. Every element should feel like it
in 2024, but little was known of the future of the train
has always belonged there, to create a sense of sophisticated
component, which established the name back in 1883. Now,
depth and visual weights that can be interpreted as layers
150 years since Georges Nagelmackers launched the first
of exclusiveness. The subtle details complement each other
Orient Express train, Accor has revealed that the brand will
and flow effortlessly.”
return to the tracks for an unforgettable journey.
082
The train’s handsome livery introduces a palette of navy
Developed in partnership with Arsenale Group – a real
blue and rich brown, with brass accents adorning the window
estate company with various interests in hospitality – the
frames. Inside, the aesthetic is inspired by the Golden Age
