Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train Unveils New Dior Spa And Launches Themed Journeys For 2023

AN ACTION-PACKED SCOTTISH ADVENTURE 

Running from 30 June to 3 July 2023, the new Highland Survival Adventure itinerary has been designed with  adrenaline-seekers in mind and features several outdoor challenges in some of the most secluded locations in the  Western Highlands. Led by WILDNIS’ guides - former Royal Marines Sergeant, George MacHardy, a seasoned  survivalist, Eliza Brown - the Royal Scotsman guests will unleash their innermost primal skills and survival abilities  as they connect to nature far from the stresses of everyday life. 

The first day of the new three-night journey will be spent on board, as the train departs Edinburgh for Fort William.  Day two will be entirely dedicated to thrilling outdoor activities. Guests will explore the indigenous flora and fauna,  take part in a modern-day Royal Marines Commando Assault Training programme and feast on an al fresco lunch  prepared by WILDNIS’ chef and ‘field to plate’ cuisine advocate, Tom Byrom. On the third day, guests will put their  skills to the test with an abseil down a cascading waterfall, rewarded by a reinvigorating wild swim session before  WILDINS guide Eliza Brown will teach them how to survive in the wild. Back on the train for their final night  onboard, guests will dine on Scottish delicacies as Royal Scotsman makes its way back to Edinburgh, where the  group will arrive the following morning. 

AN EPICUREAN GETAWAY WITH TOM KITCHIN 

Bon vivants are invited to enjoy a late summer getaway with Scotland’s most celebrated culinary star, Chef Tom  Kitchin. From 4 to 6 September, the Michelin-starred chef will host A Taste of Scotland with Tom Kitchin, a  gastronomic, two-night journey through the Scottish Highlands. Allowing guests to delve deeper into the region’s  indigenous produce Tom Kitchin will showcase his ‘From Nature-to-Plate’ culinary philosophy as the train  journeys from Edinburgh to Boat of Garten, Inverness, Dundee and back to the capital. 

A true epicurean adventure, the itinerary includes an exclusive wine masterclass with local wine merchants, L'Art  du Vin, in the train’s unique Observation Car on the first day of the trip. The evening continues with a glorious 4- course dinner designed by Chef Tom Kitchin. The second day will be spent enjoying country pursuits at  Rothiemurchus Estate, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here, Chef Kitchin will host a lunch barbecue  by the quaint Lochside bothy, before guests return to the train to reach the legendary Benromach distillery in  Forres for a tour and expert-led whisky tasting. A fabulous Gala dinner will mark the end of the second day, as the  train travels South towards the city of Dundee. While savouring their final breakfast on the rails, guests will cross  the Firth of Forth on the Forth Railway Bridge and, shortly after, they will arrive in Edinburgh. 

Passionate about celebrating the Scottish larder and the wonderful game, meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits  that can be found across the country, Chef Tom Kitchin will host a memorable gourmet feast celebrating the best  of Scotland's land and sea. 

Picture credit: Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior

7. REID’S PALACE, A BELMOND HOTEL, MADEIRA CELEBRATES THE ISLAND’S ANNUAL FLOWER FESTIVAL

Known as the island of eternal Spring, Madeira is a floral heaven with prolific blooms, explosion of colours and exquisite scents.  Traditionally celebrated with carpets of flowers, live music and local shows, this year Reid’s Palace will host a complimentary Botanical Bliss weekend in May, featuring horticultural workshops led by Madeiran-born Mónica, impassioned local business owner of Tristoas, crafting botanical art using dried and preserved flowers. The Botanical Art workshops include the drying of flowers, eco-printing and herbal vegan candles, all sourced on the hotel’s gardens and herbs.