Old World Luxury
Chilled champagne in hand, butler to cater to your every need, crisp linens to sleep on… there are many ways to get from Pretoria to Cape Town, but if you are in search of pure opulence, step aboard The Blue Train. With all of the haute amenities of a high-end hotel, it’s no surprise that the Blue Train has hosted presidents and kings.
Start at The Pretoria Station Lounge for a seamless check-in and to enjoy pre-departure drinks. Your butler will appear and usher you to your suite – an elegant lounge by day and a subtly-lit sanctuary by night, with goose down pillows and duvets. En-suite bathrooms are lavishly finished in marble and gold and appointed with scented bath salts and plush, monogrammed towels. All suites have a wooden writing desk at the window and an en-suite digital screen for movies and music. Luxury or De Luxe, either class of suite will delight your senses.
Dinner is no less of a glamorous affair, be sure to dress in your finery. Chefs prepare their signature dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients and present their culinary creations on fine china and crystal. You’ll also be served a sumptuous brunch, traditional high tea and breakfast, and snacks the next day. You won’t go hungry, as food – as well as top-shelf liquor and drinks – is unlimited.
Sip cognac while smoking a Cuban cigar in the wood-paneled Club Car, or take in the ever-changing panorama from the Lounge Car. Wherever you find yourself you’ll likely meet new friends with sensibilities similar to yours.
During the 27-hour journey, you’ll stop at Kimberly Station where you’ll embark on a tour of the Open Mine Museum, a 19th-century diamond mine. But first, you will be treated to sipping sherry from a Blue Train-logoed glass as a keepsake of your adventure. Once back on board, you can additionally find Blue Train mementos, from tanzanite jewelry to cufflinks and golf shirts in the exclusive Boutique Shop.
Relax with an aperitif in the Lounge Car as the train pulls away from the station. Be sure to take in the spectacular scenery… it only gets better from here.
