TAKING THE STRAIN OUT OF THE TRAIN

“I’ve decided I’m going to spend it all before I die,” one grey-haired lady was overheard to say at the Luxury Travel Fair.  And clearly many of her generation are of a like mind, for they were out in force, collecting the brochures and selecting the destinations for next year’s top holidays at this up-market travel event.

With visitor numbers three times last year’s, it was obvious that the reaction of many wealthy pensioners to the present economic crisis is to spend. Faced with supporting their off-spring and dwindling interest rates, not to mention a home climate of doom and gloom, they are opting for luxury cruises, fabulous spas, sumptuous train trips and gourmet hotels plus other top-end holidays.

And this recent event provided a pleasant day out in London to browse the world.
Service is the key word for these customers, and one of the newer examples at the fair catering to their requirements was the Luxury Train Club. “It can be difficult finding out about the many different de luxe trains that are now operating,” explained Fay Lejeune, co-founder of the Club. “We started up about a year ago expressly to bring together a selection under the club umbrella, so that people have a one-stop window, a Rail Mall, to find out about these extraordinary trains.”

These include such rail delights as the Deccan Odyssey, operating in the state of Maharashtra in India; the Majestic Imperator, based upon the imperial train of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria; the Eastern and Oriental Express, covering Thailand, Singapore, Malasia and Laos; and our own Royal Scotsman, providing Edwardian splendour through the Highlands of Scotland.


From the top, an iconic image of the Majestic Imperator locomotive; the sumptuous dining car of the Deccan Odyssey; picture window on the Eastern & Orient Express; and below, the Royal Scotsman observation carriage.

What these and the other club members have in common is a de luxe level of comfort, design and service, some with classic old style furnishings, others state-of-the-art modern, some with steam engines, some electric. A wide variety of itineries is available - or you can charter a whole train and have a special programme arranged.

As train travel is increasingly preferred by those who have the time to enjoy it, the Rail Mall provides an easy ride around the world’s top rail journeys. See the full range available on www.luxurytrainclub.com

BUTLER SERVICE FOR PAMPERED POOCHES

Catering to animal-crackers British holidaymakers, a hotel in Scotland’s Perthshire is now offering a Pet Butler service that not only panders to pooches but also to cats, rabbits and other small pets.

At the Four Season Hotel, on the banks of Loch Earn, pets are welcomed with a complimentary treat and have their own bedding and bowl set up in the master’s room. The Pet Butler will offer a choice of gourmet menus, will dog-sit whilst master is out, and even provide a dog-walking service if master is too tired. And to make sure the lucky canine looks his/her best, there’s a Pooch Parlour, where wash’n blow dry’s, nail clippings and ear cleaning may be booked.

Working on the principle that a happy pet makes for a happy guest, the service should prove popular.  Situated in the heart of beautiful Perthshire countryside, the hotel offers an abundance of walks for two and four-legged guests – and for those who don’t have their own canine in tow, the hotel’s own two will happily provide walking company.

Pet prices start from just £8 per day, people prices from £79 for dinner, bed and breakfast. More information on www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk.

CHAMPAGNE ON TAP FOR SKIERS

On tap Veuve Cliquot has a certain appeal, added to the attraction of discovering the legendary ‘Fourth Valley’ of skiing in France, for pristine off-piste skiing and uncrowded slopes.

This skiers’ paradise is in the hidden Maurienne Valley, and the lavishly appointed chalet shown here, Lapin Blanc, is situated in nearby Meribel. It has had over 2 million euros lavished upon it over the past year, and the agency responsible is now offering a special free day of skiing in the Maurienne for guests, as well as a free six-day lift pass per person.  “Free” here means that these extras are included within the cost of the chalet, as well as the unlimited champagne, plus all other drinks and food, of course. A stay of 7 nights starts from around £1,294 per person.

Go to Purple Ski www.purpleski.com for details

TWITCHERS PARADISE DEEP IN THE JUNGLE

A paradise for twitchers awaits in the heart of Africa, up the Gambia river.  The Bird Safari Camp is based here, and gives the potential of seeing over 500 species, the number known to nest along this stretch of river.

Getting there is rather more adventurous than staying on the coast, by the beach, as do most visitors to this country. The journey, 200 miles inland along the river, is into the wilderness, overnight stays made at small riverside lodges and hotels.  It’s definitely a holiday off the beaten track. The company that organises these trips, Hidden Gambia, works with locals to protect the environment, and also provides experienced guides. Week-long visits, with flights, accommodation, food and Gambian travel extras, cost from £950. Bespoke itineries may be arranged. www.hiddengambia.com