Blue Train Hoedspruit to Pretoria

Three main areas are where all the action happens. With its sophisticated gentlemen's-club atmosphere, the Club Car offers fabulous views on three sides – grab a book from the library shelves and a whisky from the bar and settle back. The bright Lounge Car is often the setting for a post-dinner digestif. Meals are served in the Dining Car, with its white linen, fine china and glassware (dinners are romantically candlelit). Head to the small boutique for some precious mementos.

The Blue Train's suites are clever spaces that are transformed from bedrooms to comfortable living rooms during the day. Two Luxury coaches each have three spacious suites with twin or double beds (with goose-down duvets and fine linens). The Deluxe coaches offer slightly more compact luxury – each car has five suites, one of which has a double bed. All rooms have aircon, underfloor heating, an entertainment system and free wi-fi, and en-suite marble- and gold-fitted bathrooms with exquisite toiletries.

The Blue Train certainly challenges any belief that the travelling part of a journey is a chore and a bore. This glamorous hotel on wheels, well known for its Pretoria to Cape Town route , is a treasure. From the moment you depart Hoedspruit Station (15h00) until your arrival at Pretoria Station (10h00 the following day), all you have to do is relax and enjoy the views, your accommodation and the service. Go on, treat yourself!