These are the world's most luxurious sleeper trains

Sleeper trains may seem like a mode of transport from a bygone era. But amid a sustainable travel boom, many people are rediscovering the romance of the railways and the beauty of slow travel.

Truth be told, sleeper trains never truly went out of style. Some of the world’s most luxurious trains have been running for over a century, ferrying passengers across some of the world’s most striking landscapes in the comfort of five-star accommodation and dining. Here, we look at some of the most luxurious trains around the world. All aboard.

Rovos Pride of Africa

dining car of Rovos Rail — The Rovos Rail preserves its illustrious interiors while catering to today’s sophisticated travellers.

What better way to see the vast continent of Africa than via train? Rovo’s Pride of Africa, often billed as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, travels on several itineraries through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. Your five-star, vintage-style lodgings will be your opulent home as the train traverses the savannahs, grasslands and cities of Africa, pausing along the way so passengers can head out on safaris and spot wildlife.

Rocky Mountaineer

When one looks at a topographic map of Canada, it’s crinkled with lines of the sprawling, vast mountain ranges that define the country. The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury glass-domed train that meanders through some of North America’s most beautiful scenery. The Rocky Mountaineer covers several routes in North America, but the Vancouver to Banff journey shines as the most iconic. Expect to see impossibly turquoise lakes, towering fir trees and dramatic mountains from the panoramic window as you relax in your luxury quarters or dining car.

Venice Simplon-Orient Express

luxury suite at Venice Simpleton Express — Few ranks as highly as this Art Deco train in the stylish front.

Not to be confused with the Orient Express (perhaps the most famous sleeper train in our cultural consciousness), The Venice Simplon-Orient Express, a Belmond Train, evokes the same glamour of an Agatha Christie novel. This opulent Art Deco train transports passengers across Europe, with its most classic journey running between London and Venice. Occasional extended journeys span the continent, with its longest itinerary forming a long, luxury sojourn between Paris to Istanbul.

Not only will you enjoy the towns and landscapes of Europe flitting past your window, but you’ll immerse yourself in interiors that are so divine, you won’t want to disembark.

Royal Scotsman

The Royal Scotsman is certainly a regal way to witness the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Another Belmond train, this luxury locomotive features an old-school observation car at the rear – perfect for gazing out at the dramatic landscapes you’re traversing. Many of the carriages are original cars from the 60s, although they’ve been renovated with designer flair that still retains the character and spirit of the original era.

Eastern and Oriental Express

sleeper room at Eastern Oriental Express — Embark on a Southeast Asian adventure like no other.

The Eastern and Oriental Express is the answer to travelling Southeast Asia in total luxury. Think onboard Dior spa, silken furnishings and a flourish of Asian design features. The train carries passengers between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, traversing Asia’s lush rainforests, rural villages and booming cities.

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Maharajas’ Express

What better way to see India than its famous rail network? Even better, in five-star comfort, too. The Maharajas’ Express is a luxury locomotive that takes in itineraries across India, such as the famous Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra), and a journey from the lively city of Mumbai all the way to Delhi. Watch the scenery tick past from the comfort of your cabin and join off-train excursions that will cover cultural activities such as watching a ritual unfold on the Ganges.

Andean Explorer

Want to mix adventure with luxury? Then the Andean Explorer by Belmond is a dream come true. You’ll travel from Cusco, Peru, the capital of the Inca Empire, to Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world cossetted in total comfort. You’ll discover vibrant Indigenous culture, take in the beautiful mountain scenes from your sumptuous cabin and enjoy world-class Peruvian food in the dining car.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

These are the world’s most luxurious sleeper trains