In a bold move to elevate luxury travel and experiences, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is turning its sights on the iconic Orient Express brand. More gliding trains through landscapes, sailing ships on serene waters and hotels offering unparalleled comfort—all part of LVMH’s grand vision to revive this name in hospitality.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Accor to accelerate the renewal of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take Orient Express to the pinnacle of the art of hospitality,” said Bernard Arnault, CEO and LVMH Group Chairman, in their press release.
Since its first journey in 1883, the Orient Express has been captivating travellers with its unique blend of discovery and luxury. For those seeking distinctive adventures, it has always been more than just a mode of transportation. It is said to symbolise a lifestyle that turns ordinary travel into an extraordinary experience for its passengers.
After being acquired by Accor in 2022, the Orient Express has gone down a path of innovation, creating new experiences with trains, hotels and sailing ships.The revival of this historic train and the debut of the first Orient Express sailing ships in 2026 are just the beginning. Alongside these ventures, the brand will also open its first hotels in Venice and Rome, continuing to widen its presence in select global destinations.
“Orient Express is a legend ever since its creation 140 years ago, drawing on its roots and its oneiric universe while remaining at all times firmly focused on the future,” said Sébastient Bazin, Accord Group Chairman and CEO in the brand’s official statement. “With LVMH today, we are opening a new chapter in this exciting journey, with the ambition of exploring new horizons and embodying the audacity and creative passion that drive our groups.”
In 2018, LVMH made a move into the hospitality sector by acquiring luxury travel operator Belmond Ltd. for INR 21720 crores ($2.6 billion) in cash. This acquisition included the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and prestigious hotels like the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro and Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Since then LVMH has been pushing further to cover more landscape in hospitality and travel.
The financial terms of this strategic investment—including the size of LVMH’s stake—have not been revealed. Together they will manage the future hotels and trains and will also co-own the two new sailing ships. According to LVMH’s press release, the first of these ships is already being built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. As they chart this new course, both groups are also on the lookout for a third partner to join their ambitious venture.
VOICEOVER: In a bold move to elevate luxury travel and experiences, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is joining hands with hospitality group Accor to revive the iconic Orient Express.
Travellers will be invited to relive the legend aboard 17 original Orient Express cars from the 1920s and 1930s—cars that were once part of the ‘Nostalgie-Instanbul-Orient-Express set.
Architect Maxime d’Angeac reimagined the train with a bar car featuring green hues, rosewood, and marble. The dining car has a mirrored ceiling, soft lighting, napa tables, and armchairs. The suites have walls of precious wood and leather, adorned with wooden embroidery, bronze beads, and mother-of-pearl. The Presidential Suite, occupying an entire car, is 68 feet long and 9 feet wide—a dreamy private space modelled after the original Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express.
Together, LVMH and Accor will manage the future hotels and trains and will also co-own the two new sailing ships. Both groups are also on the lookout for a third partner to join their ambitious venture. To know more about the effort head to the link in bio.
