Everyone of us loves to pamper and feel like royalty sometimes. Below are 12 experiences in luxurious destinations around the world that aren’t to be missed.
Lie in luxury
- Live like a Japanese royal – Ozu Castle, Ehime, Japan
Ozu Castle in the Ehime Prefecture will be the first castle in Japan to open its doors to the public for overnight stays in spring 2020. Available for only 30 days a year, the castle has plans for a special ‘lord experience’ which will include boat rides in the castle’s moat and meals made from local ingredients. Ozu Castle is one of the few castles in Japan with a tower that has been rebuilt over a period of about 10 years using wooden construction based on old maps and castle tower templates from the Edo period and old photographs from the Meiji period. Japan.travel.com
- Stay at The Broadmoor, Colorado
The Broadmoor is a legendary Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs. This iconic resort offers an escape from the ordinary and authentic personalised luxury; its modern details blend seamlessly with the timeless European elegance of the historic hotel. Anybody who’s anybody has stayed at the Broadmoor, from Hollywood celebrities to US Presidents; in fact, in 2013 it played host to Prince Harry who was in Colorado for the Warrior Games. For those looking for a room similarly fit for a king, book the Parker Suite in the Broadmoor West building. www.colorado.com
- Rest your head in Her Majesty’s bed, Yosemite Mariposa
Designed and built in the 1920s, The Ahwahnee hotel has hosted presidents and royalty as well as other famous personalities within its walls. Guests can book a stay in the Tresidder Suite, which is where Queen Elizabeth II stayed during her March 1983 visit to Yosemite National Park. The entire hotel was reserved for her private use. At the east end of Yosemite Valley, the hotel is surrounded by many of Yosemite’s most famous icons – a casual stroll of the hotel grounds reveals views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. Within The Ahwahnee hotel’s walls, the Grand Lounge provides a welcoming place to relax in the evening with a book whilst crackling fires provide warmth and light from the lounge’s enormous fireplaces. The Dining Room’s 34-foot-high high beamed ceilings soar above floor to ceiling windows that showcase the beauty of the surroundings. www.yosemite.com
- Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa, Slovenia
At Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa travellers can expect the royal experience. Situated in the heart of Ljubljana, the hotel features individually designed boutique suites which combine 16th century details with modern amenities. A protected architectural heritage landmark, the hotel retains its unique character and preserved original features. Guests can feel like royalty in the private spa baths before sitting by the open fire with a drink from one of the two lounge bars. www.slovenia.info/en
- Lotte Hotel, Seattle
Lotte Hotel Seattle brings sophisticated luxury to the urban, laidback city of Seattle. Its rustic style pays homage to its outdoorsy, Pacific Northwest surroundings and rooms are thoughtfully designed to include features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, Bose speakers, Nespresso coffee machine and a pillow menu to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Beyond the rooms, guests can benefit from a spa, 24 hour fitness centre and a rooftop restaurant, one of the most sought-after restaurants in the city. visitseattle.org
Travel in style
- Soar above San Diego in a hot air balloon
See San Diego like never before with a magical hot air balloon ride. California Dreamin’ offers sunset tours which take guests high above the county, where views of the coastal cliffs and sprawling vineyards await. Afterwards, visitors can head to the La Jolla neighbourhood for cocktails and sharing plates at one of the many restaurants which overlook the Pacific Ocean. www.sandiego.org
- Sail away by Click&Boat
Whether indulging in a sailing holiday that celebrates Europe’s most delicious food and wine or diving into a fun-filled break with family or friends, travelling by sea opens up a world of endless opportunities. Island hop between the idyllic gems and experiencing unspoiled white-sand beaches and colourful fishing villages. Click&Boat, the global leader in boat rental, is the perfect solution for all types of sailing holidays, including the sea breaks that can make you experience the seas like a royal. www.clickandboat.com/uk
- Take to the skies with a Pittsburgh Heli Sunset Deluxe Tour
Admire the Pittbsburgh’s city skyline at sunset with a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter trip. Passengers will get to spot the city’s hundreds of bridges, three rivers, parks and outdoor spaces, historic university buildings and sports stadiums from a unique perspective. Prices from $299 per person. www.visitpittsburgh.com
Have the royal experience
- Lunch with the Queen at Sunnylands, Greater Palm Springs
This 200-acre historic estate located in Rancho Mirage was once owned and resided by UK Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg who regularly welcomed political, business, educational and entertainment leaders, including the Queen, who often enjoyed a luncheon with stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Sunnylands is a mid-century modern estate, open to the public as a high-level retreat centre. The estate invites visitors to explore the art-filled home only accessible by 90-minute guided tours. Visitors can enjoy a number of exhibitions or stroll the magnificent, sustainably designed gardens, inspired by impressionist paintings. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
- Mecca for golfers – Paradise Coast, Florida
While royals tend to stick to the courses in St. Andrews, professionals return again and again to Florida’s Paradise Coast – a mecca for golfers. With close to 90 courses bathed in year-round sunshine and spectacular natural beauty, it’s easy to see why Paradise Coast was named the ‘No. 1 Golf Destination in North America.’ Join the ranks of world-class champions at the award-winning Tiburon Golf Club, which features two 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf courses and has been rated among the top 20 golf facilities in Florida. Florida’s Paradise Coast
- Walk amongst the ghost of kings – Valencia, Spain
Originally established by the Moors, the historic character and splendour of Valencia’s Royal Gardens makes it one of the best outdoor spaces in the city. Once the site of an 11th century palace, the gardens became home to an important zoological collection in the 15th century. In 1903 the park was bestowed to the public as a horticultural nursery. The gardens have since been expanded, with new fountains, benches, pavilions and statues. Stroll through the neoclassical garden of the San Pio V Museum and marvel at the Monastery of Valldigna and the ancient Collegiate church of San Bartolome. www.visitvalencia.com/en
Divine Dining
- Exclusive panoramic views from Le Lotus restaurant, The Islands of Tahiti
Le Lotus is part of the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa and is perfectly situated over the water, looking out over the lagoon and the resort’s sandy bottom swimming pool. The restaurant allows diners to fully appreciate the beauty of the neighbouring Moorea atoll with sweeping panoramic views. Visitors can expect to dine on freshly caught seafood, as well as a selection of meat dishes, with a strong selection of French wines. Indulge at the Lotus swim-up bar, one of its kind in Tahiti, that serves best-selling smoothies and cocktails as well as beer and champagne. www.tahititourisme.uk
- Dine in the Californian clouds, 1,200 ft above the Pacific Ocean
High atop the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean is Sierra Mar, Post Ranch Inn’s breathtaking restaurant. Winner of Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award, the wine cellar is home to over 15,000 bottles and 3,200 selections. Guests enjoy locally foraged ingredients often discovered along the lush coastline and nearby mountains, as well as in the bountiful Chef’s Garden located on-site. Dining is for hotel guests only – we recommend the private Post House to experience Big Sur like a royal. www.visitcalifornia.com
