Kempinski launches ultra luxurious train travels in China

While rail travel in China is a massive market, there has never really been a luxury option available, Kempinski hopes to change that, with the launch of its Tangula rail product set to take place in April 2009.

Consisting of luxury suites with double occupancy, the Tangula carries a maximum of 96 passengers, with eight passengers per carriage split between in four suites.  Each carriage also features its own butler.

“Train journeys also include local restaurant lunches, as well as inclusive off-train journeys which are a maximum of four hours, except for one tour down the Li River which is six hours,” said Mr Lim, a spokesperson for the Tangula.

With two launch journeys of four or five days, with one heading south and one headed north, the Tangula travels into Lhasa from Beijing with a sophistication and style not only never seen before on this route, but arguably also in China.

Journeys aren’t cheap, but they are all inclusive, with accommodation, excursions, food and the like all included in the price.

“Our all inclusive journeys also include meals, beverages, alcohol and even the mini-bars in the suites,” adds Mr Lim.

The dining car serves Western food with an Asian twist, and due to the Tangula incorporating two dining cars for 96 passengers all passengers can eat at the same time during breakfast, lunch, dinner and morning/afternoon teas.

Extra oxygen will be brought on the train so that travellers can enjoy the journey comfortably without too much hindrance from lower oxygen levels on the outside.  Individual oxygen masks can also be found in the seats in the suites.

Final trial runs on the Tangula will be undertaken in March, and while Kempinski hopes to launch by late April, they concede that issues may possibly delay this by another one or two months.