The property is distinguished for its impeccable and idyllic gardens, transforming seasonally, an emblematic representation of nature’s cycles. The artists’ sculptural piece highlights science through its molecular composition, branching out and expanding on the building’s facade, mirroring the ivy’s natural propagation. The sculpture becomes a second skin, tracing, restoring and renewing the building itself.
For 2023, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons will be hosting a series of extraordinary classes and events at both of its acclaimed educational facilities: the Raymond Blanc Cookery School and the Raymond Blanc Gardening School, which extends its series of half and full day classes for guests and residents to include An Audience with ‘No Dig’ Guru Charles Dowding, and new classes in cultivating botanicals for cocktail-making and edible flowers to give dinner party dishes an extra flourish, as well as sessions for Little Seed Explorers to get all ages engaged with growing.
Highlight dates for the diary include an introduction to the extensive Rothschild wine collection at nearby Waddesdon Manor, a Bastille Day garden party celebration on 14th July celebrating French culture, Hundred Hills vineyard exclusive estate tour with the owners, and musical evening An Audience with Sheku Kanneh- Mason and Plínio Fernandes. The full programme of events and experiences is here.
British Pullman – A Timeless Journey Across Britain
An elegant Art Deco adventure on the rails, the British Pullman, A Belmond Train departs London Victoria Station for memorable day trips and remarkable dining experiences throughout the year. Within the glamorous surroundings of the lovingly restored 1920s carriages, including one re-designed by world-famous filmmaker Wes Anderson, guests can soak up views of the rolling British countryside as they dine on free-flowing champagne, afternoon tea, and seasonally-created menus by Head Chef, Jon Freeman.
New for 2023, the British Pullman has launched a theatrical, immersive Moving Murder Mystery experience. The journey, entitled ‘Dead on Time’, carefully intertwines the train’s illustrious heritage and the great British tradition for a whodunnit in a captivating theatrical production, brought to life with actors from London’s famed West End.
The British Pullman also introduces a ‘The Garden of England’ journey which tours the county of Kent while guests dine on seasonal produce from the region’s bountiful farms, small-scale producers and vineyards.
A highly anticipated element of the luxury train’s annual calendar, the British Pullman will host a guest chef series of intimate dinners by some of England’s most decorated and respected chefs. This year an all- female roster includes Lisa Goodwin-Allen (23 June), Anna Haugh (14 July), Angela Hartnett (29 September), Nieves Barragán Mohacho (20 October) and Sally Abé (10 November), and is presented in harmonious collaboration with esteemed champagne house, Dom Pérignon.
Royal Scotsman – A Scottish Legend in Motion
Departing Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh, the Royal Scotsman is the country’s most luxurious sleeper train, traversing the wild landscapes of Scotland’s highlands. Gliding through untouched natural scenery, the Royal Scotsman captures the spirit of the ancient lands through immersive guest experiences, such as wild swimming, star gazing, forest hiking, and live local musical entertainment.
New for 2023, the Royal Scotsman proudly unveils a partnership with Parfums Christian Dior to create the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman. In homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland, where he famously hosted his much-acclaimed fashion show in 1955, the new Dior Spa Royal Scotsman is housed in one of the train’s plush carriages – the only spa on the rails in the UK.
A cocoon of serenity on the rails, the carriage boasts two treatment rooms, styled with Dior’s iconic burgundy ‘toile de Jouy’ motif, and offers guests a tranquil space to unwind and rejuvenate as the train snakes through Scotland’s awe-inspiring peaks and dramatic valleys. The new bespoke wellbeing menu features three tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s wellness experts to cater to the specific needs of the train’s guests.
