The Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, is one of this year’s most anticipated design projects  – Hotel Designs caught up with the design team at Albion Nord to find out a little more about the art of slow-travel, sleeper trains and stylish spaces…
The silver is being polished, and the champagne coupes set in place in anticipation of the maiden voyage of the Britannic Explorer – the newest addition to the Belmond luxury train portfolio, and a first for England and Wales. As excitement builds for the debut voyage, the design team at Albion Nord draw back the curtain and talk us through the vision behind the Britannic Explorer.
Image credit: Belmond / Albion Nord
Hotel Designs: The Britannic Explorer describes itself as ‘lavish yet laid-back’. Can you talk us through how your design underpins the concept?
Albion Nord: The Britannic Explorer is designed to embody a refined sense of British luxury that feels effortless rather than ostentatious. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the layering of textures, was carefully considered to create an environment that feels both indulgent and inviting, reminiscent of a British stately home or boutique hotel. The richness of the interiors comes through in the handcrafted details while the relaxed, residential quality is achieved through the use of soft, natural materials and a bold, sophisticated palette. It’s a space that encourages guests to sink in and enjoy the journey, striking a balance between classic elegance and contemporary comfort.
Image credit: Belmond
HD: The train interior has been designed to complement and reflect the English and Welsh countryside it passes through – how has this been achieved and what are the threads of this running through the design?
AN: The British landscapes that guests will be passing through on the Britannic Explorer become the wallpaper to their journey so we wanted the interiors to feel intrinsically linked to those rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and lush woodlands. This connection is woven throughout the design, from the botanical-inspired colour palettes in the Grand Suites  – each named after native flora Valerian, Juniper and Elder  – to the bespoke shell artwork by Mel Campion that features in the powder rooms.
The Dining Cars draw inspiration from English gardens and wildflower meadows where a bold botanical fabric by Pierre Frey sets the tone, complemented by woven rattan panelling and antique mirrored ceilings. Moreover, the design for the spa is influenced by the coast and marine botanicals, with calming blue tones, marble countertops with undulating watery veins, and fossil-like limestone floors.
Image credit: Belmond
HD: This connection to nature is most clear through the (unexpected?) planting found on board – what are the less obvious design notes that underline this connection?
AN: One of the most subtle yet powerful ways we achieved this was through materiality – using finishes that evolve over time, much like the landscapes outside. Unlaquered brass develops a graceful patina with age, creating a timeless and classic look, while woven textiles and timber surfaces introduce an organic warmth. The observation car’s bar takes inspiration from Victorian apothecaries, a nod to the botanical heritage of Britain, and the use of natural stone and earthy tones ensures that the train feels like an extension of its surroundings rather than a separate entity.
Image credit: Belmond
HD: As a hospitality project, the Britannic Explorer is all about nostalgia – how did you achieve the balance between nostalgia and a high-end contemporary/luxury hospitality offering?
AN: Nostalgia is central to the romance of train travel, but we wanted to reimagine it in a way that felt relevant today. Rather than creating a pastiche of vintage railway design, we took inspiration from the textures, craftsmanship, and storytelling of historic interiors and translated them into a more contemporary setting. Classic design elements  – tented ceilings in the Grand Suites, intricate marquetry, and traditional upholstery techniques  – are reinterpreted with a fresh perspective. Bespoke fabric, alongside carefully curated antique references, create a timeless aesthetic that feels rooted in history yet undeniably modern. In addition, the compact size of the spaces lend themselves to immersive schemes – such as the tented bedrooms and penny mosaic bathrooms  – which are both quintessentially British in their mix of romance and playfulness and are so powerful in ensuring a unique and atmospheric guest experience.
HD: Clearly a project like this requires bespoke elements – what are some of these and do you have a studio favourite?
AN: Almost every element of the train was designed specifically for this project. The Grand Suites feature a statement swivel chair, inspired by an antique design but reimagined for comfort and function in a train environment, designed to be both sculptural and deeply comfortable, offering guests the perfect place to take in the passing scenery. We chose to have the chairs upholstered in a beautiful custom fabric by Rubelli which we developed in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall. It captures moments of the journey, from shells, flora and fauna, to iconic buildings and landmarks on the routes and brings a whimsical, quality to the interiors. Perhaps a favourite piece is the fold-up table in the double suites which tucks away into the paneling at night time but fold-ups to create a dining space during the day.
HD: And finally, can you talk us through any train-specific challenges you needed to work around?
AN: Designing for a train presents a unique set of challenges that differ significantly from traditional hospitality projects. Space is, of course, the biggest constraint – every millimetre needs to be considered. Storage solutions had to be seamless, with wardrobes, vanities, and even seating integrating clever concealed compartments. Another major factor was movement – everything needed to be secure, from the glassware in the bar to the bedside tables, which feature built-in recesses for water glasses. Fire regulations were also incredibly stringent, requiring extensive R&D to ensure that every material met the necessary safety standards. Perhaps the biggest challenge was balancing the functional constraints with our desire to create something richly detailed, luxurious, and evocative of a truly grand (yet intimate) journey.
Main image credit: Belmond / Albion Nord
