A Cinematic Journey: Belmond Unveils Baz Luhrmann-Designed Carriage 'Celia'

In early summer 2026, The British Pullman, a Belmond Train, will debut 'Celia,' a new private dining and events carriage. This marks the first collaboration between Belmond and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, who, alongside Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin, has reimagined an original 1932 Pullman carriage.

Grace Taylor of Elite Traveler reports that 'Celia' is designed for private hire, accommodating up to 12 guests. The carriage will feature a cocktail bar, a lounge, and distinct dining and entertainment areas. Adam Baylis-Waterlow, British Pullman General Manager, is quoted by Grace Taylor as stating that 'Celia' represents 'in many ways the closest anyone can get to chartering their own train,' describing it as 'one of the most exciting additions to The British Pullman in a generation'.

According to Grace Taylor of Elite Traveler, the interior design of 'Celia' reflects the theatricality for which Luhrmann is renowned. The design narrative revolves around Luhrmann's imagined muse, Celia, a 1930s West End leading lady who supposedly received her own Pullman carriage following a transformative performance as Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Luhrmann himself explains that 'Stepping inside the carriage is like being transported into another world,' inviting guests to 'become part of the story'. He characterises 'Celia' as 'a magical mystery tour — a traveling dining experience for friends or an intimate celebration, filled with food, music, wine, laughter, and performance'.

Grace Taylor of Elite Traveler details how the carriage subtly integrates the British Pullman's Art Deco aesthetic with Luhrmann's creative vision. Tri-color marquetry panels line the walls, depicting English pastoral scenes and an immortalised Celia as Titania. Floral motifs, notably pansies – Titania's symbolic flower – adorn the oak-wood floors and furnishings. The colour palette favours rich greens, yellows, reds, and purples, complemented by a fabric ceiling engineered to enhance acoustics for live performances. Every element, as noted by Grace Taylor, is bespoke, extending even to a signature scent co-selected by Luhrmann and Martin.

For the tableware, Catherine Martin prioritised British craftsmanship. Grace Taylor of Elite Traveler highlights collaborations with Duchess China for porcelain, David Mellor for cutlery, and Tom Dixon for glassware. Martin envisions the onboard experience as one where 'people [are] eating, dancing, falling in love, taking photographs, and celebrating life's great moments — all within a world that offers a pause from the chaos of everyday life.'

A dedicated team will attend to guests in 'Celia,' serving a three-course meal inspired by traditional English dining, with offerings such as beef Wellington and chicken liver parfait. Grace Taylor of Elite Traveler reports that guests will also access an exclusive cocktail list curated by Monica Berg, mixologist and co-founder of London's Tayer + Elementary. Furthermore, guests will have the option to customise and stock their own bar. Live performances, including DJ sets, can be arranged in advance.

Our take: The 'Celia' carriage represents a fascinating convergence of luxury travel, cinematic artistry, and bespoke experience design. The narrative-driven interior, combined with curated dining and entertainment, positions it as more than merely transport; it is an immersive theatre. This move by Belmond accentuates the brand's commitment to unique, high-concept offerings, distinguishing their train journeys from conventional luxury travel and marking a shrewd venture into experiential storytelling on rails.