Royal Retreats

ROYAL RETREATS

I always tell a client, it is a great experience to stay in a historic property no matter where you are in the world. I have a long list of special places in the United Kingdom, where I am from, but today, I am taking you to five different parts of the world. Because we are a member of the Signature Travel Network, our clients get VIP treatment at over 1000 properties around the world, such as a room upgrade, free breakfast, and many other amenities such as dining credit, spa treatment, free transfers, and these vary from property to property. This can amount to a substantial savings for a family.

To stay in a castle hotel provides insider access to the histories that shaped the world. Walk the very same tapestry draped halls as centuries old royals and discover the turning of an epoch around every corner. While some of today’s most magnificent hotels emulate the grandeur and style of palaces, those resurrected from storied pasts connect you most closely with a destination’s identity. With ancient appeal and stately locations to make your experience even more authentic, plus exclusive privileges like welcome amenities and complimentary breakfasts which we can get for all our clients, I've chosen five of my favorite castle hotels where you will encounter influence and antiquity even in the smallest of details.

Standing guard on the banks of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake, Ashford Castle’s ancient foundations were laid in 1228. Awe inspiring turrets and manicured greens greet your arrival just past the ivy covered footbridge on this 83 room estate. Owned for three and a half centuries by the de Burgo dynasty, the castle eventually passed into the hands of the famous Guinness family, a name synonymous with Irish culture. This was recently sold to a charming South African family who own several wonderful hotels in London and Cape Town. I recommend highly their collection of Red Carnation hotels. This spectacular estate has its only golf course, and is an absolutely perfect place for a honeymoon, a destination wedding, a family gathering, or a top executive meeting.

Another historic fortress retiring on the water’s edge is The Gritti Palace, in Venice, Italy. The front doors open to Venice’s famed Grand Canal. Recently rejuvenated to preserve its 15^th century Italian charm, this palazzo has hosted key cultural players from Vatican ambassadors to visiting Barons and Baronesses. The lobby, bedecked in marble floors and gold leafed, wooden ceiling reliefs impresses upon you the renowned craftsmanship of Venetian artisans. It has the city’s largest private rooftop terrace onto iconic Santa Maria del Giglio Square and the Murano lamps throughout the hotel are spectacular. When you sip a vintage reserve at the Gritti Palace’s Bar Longhi, gondolas gliding by so close that you can hear the lanterns swinging on the prow.

As water’s edge recedes, India’s inland city of Jodhpur comes to the forefront for those seeking the mysticism of a desert retreat. East meets west majesty is the 26 acres of peacock populated Umaid Bhawan Palace. Build for the grandfather of the current maharajah, its history remains relevant today as the official home of the city’s first family. This precious sandstone palace has received the royal treatment in renovations Be sure to take in Jodhpur from the back seat of a chauffeured vintage car awaiting for you at the palace’s front steps.

Historic properties often mark the best locations in the heart of cultural epicenters like Hotel Imperial in Vienna, nestled in proximity to the Viennese Music Association. It is no surprise that world class conductors and composers consider the 138 rooms and suites a second home. Ascend the Royal Staircase from the lobby in the footsteps of the Austrian Prince of Wutternberg who first resided there in 1863. Original paintings and cut glass windows recall the opulence of years gone by. The hotels Opus Restaurant is outstanding, and try its famous imperial torte.

It is impossible not to experience the spoils of a sultan when you stay at Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul. Standing between the Bosphorus River and the former exclusive hunting grounds of Yildiz Park. The Ottoman royalty lived in splendid surroundings. 150 years ago, this five star Turkish chateau is amazing. After a luxurious city tour, return to soothe your muscles in the hotel’s hammam (traditional Turkish bath) and enjoy a drink on your balcony overlooking the river. An outstanding dinner with traditional spices makes it a perfect day.

Why not put one of these places on your bucket list. Come plan your dream holiday.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com