The Art of Luxury Travel: Why the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Is the Ultimate Journey for the Senses
There’s a new kind of travel experience in Italy where the journey is just as important as the destination. On board the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, I discovered that the design and décor of this luxurious train are as integral to the experience as the carefully curated itineraries and exceptional food. It’s not just a trip; it’s an immersive, sensory journey that captures the essence of Italian elegance and modern luxury, intertwining art, history, and personal connection in a way that only the Orient Express can.
It was a dull, gray morning in Rome, with the skies yet to fully awaken. But the moment I stepped into the lounge of La Dolce Vita Orient Express at Ostiense Station, any lingering fatigue evaporated. The station’s dedicated space for passengers felt like an oasis of warmth and light.
The yellow-glossy ceiling bathed the room in a soft, sun-like glow, while rhythmic rows of Murano glass tube lights lined the walls, casting a golden ambiance. My luggage was swiftly whisked away by a well-dressed porter, and as I settled into a plush, burnt-orange sofa, a friendly server handed me a cappuccino in a pristine porcelain cup adorned with the blue Orient Express emblem. The journey had already begun—and that was precisely the point.
This new Orient Express is part of a revitalization project spearheaded by Accor, in collaboration with the luxury Italian travel company Arsenale Group. The partnership seeks to breathe new life into the legendary train line that once spanned Europe for 126 years before ceasing operations in 2009.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express debuted in April 2025, marking the first of what will eventually be a six-train fleet, each with 12 carriages designed to carry 62 guests on one-, two-, and three-night journeys across Italy. My voyage would take me to Venice and Portofino, two of the country’s most romantic destinations. Every stop along the way promised not just a destination, but a deeper experience—a journey of discovery, connection, and aesthetic pleasure.
The train’s design is a stunning homage to Italian glamour from the mid-20th century, with a modern twist. Milan-based design studio Dimorestudio, known for their emotive and elegant approach, designed the train’s interiors, blending rich velvets, considered patterns, and modern luxuries into every space. The result is an environment that feels both chic and comfortable, evoking an air of occasion without being ostentatious. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is painted a striking midnight blue, making it stand out dramatically among the usual commuter trains at the station. It’s more than just a means of transport; it’s an art piece on rails.
As I boarded, a glass of Franciacorta—a sparkling wine from Lombardy—was placed in my hand, and I made my way to the bar car. The interior of the bar, with its clean, retro booths and diamond-shaped motifs, felt like stepping into an intimate stage set.
The warm jewel tones and sharp, angular details were designed to capture the magic of twilight, as explained by the designers themselves. "It's a place where geometry and atmosphere meet," says Britt Moran of Dimorestudio. "We imagined it as the setting for a quiet moment at sunset, with curved lines and sharp details guiding the eye."
But the train’s design does more than just set the mood. It also fosters a sense of connection. Unlike most modes of transport where passengers are isolated, the layout of the La Dolce Vita encourages interaction. The narrow, snug corridors invite passengers to mingle and strike up conversations.
Over breakfast, I exchanged stories with a well-dressed gentleman sitting next to me, while in the evening, passengers from Italy joined in an impromptu sing-along to the classic song “Tu Vuò Fa' L'Americano” in the bar car. This spontaneous exchange of joy and culture is a reminder that travel is as much about the people you meet as the places you visit.
The design of the cabins is where form and function reach their peak. My private suite, with its undulating wood paneling and moody lighting, felt like an intimate cocoon. The vanity area, thoughtfully designed with ample space for every travel necessity, was a testament to how design can elevate functionality.
The custom cabinetry hides away all the clutter of travel, making the space feel effortlessly organized. “We approached functionality as part of the aesthetic, not as a compromise,” says Emiliano Salci, one of the designers. “Every element had to contribute to the emotional and visual experience.”
Over the next 48 hours, I found myself photographing the small, but meaningful details: the way the light caught the edge of a piece of cutlery in the dining car, the reflections in the glass window at sunset, and the warm glow of the light fixtures. But what stayed with me after the journey was the way the train itself became a conduit for connection. As Salci said, “We weren’t just designing interiors; we were building a moving world, a stage for personal stories.”
The train’s allure extends beyond its interiors and social spaces to the vistas outside the windows. The Italian countryside, which at one point seems to stretch endlessly, gives way to the shimmering Mediterranean coast near Venice, with its expansive waters reflecting the rich colors of the sky.
Every turn of the track presents a new, breathtaking view, while the train’s design simultaneously invites you to admire it. It’s a harmony of the inside and the outside, a journey not just through Italy, but through time and memory.
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express offers not only unparalleled luxury and design but also a unique way to experience Italy’s culinary culture. Meals are a celebration of Italy’s finest regional ingredients, and each dish tells a story of its origins.
From the classic pasta dishes to the freshest seafood, every meal served on board is a work of art, beautifully plated and carefully prepared by the train’s talented chefs. The intimate dining experience, with its warm lighting and rich textures, feels like a personal feast, where every bite is savored, not just for its flavor, but for the moment it represents.
More than just a mode of travel, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a moving stage, where each passenger is invited to play their part in the unfolding narrative of the journey. The design of the train, with its careful balance of art, luxury, and functionality, transforms travel from a simple transit experience into an all-encompassing sensory journey.
With every stop, every conversation, and every detail, the train captures the magic of Italy, offering passengers a glimpse into a world of timeless elegance and modern indulgence. This isn’t just a trip from one place to another; it’s an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.