Vacation like Royalty at these luxury hotels, including where Queen Elizabeth learned to dance, and Grace Kelly’s favourite stay in Los Angeles.
As we enter Phase 5 of re-openings — welcome back, entertainment venues! — many have their fingers crossed for the easing of travel restrictions. While international travel is yet to appear on the cards, there’s definitely no harm in planning ahead, and revisiting our travel bucket-lists. With so much time passed since our last major getaways, your first trip, post Covid-19, should definitely be a memorable one. To offer you some inspiration as you make your plans, we’ve rounded up a few of the luxury stays most favoured by members of royalty, and Hollywood’s most iconic celebrities. From tranquil country houses, to tropical resorts not too far from home, check out these star-studded properties all across the globe where Royalty and celebrities would opt to spend their holidays.
Where HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana would dine: the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
If you can’t wait for the travel restrictions to be lifted, why not go on a staycation instead? For a truly luxurious, royally-fit experience, book yourself a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya herself was often spotted dining at Le Normandie, the two Michelin-starred French restaurant on the hotel grounds. You can also while the day away with afternoon tea at The Author’s Lounge. Now marks a particularly good time to check in, as it’s usually one of the most booked-out spots in the country — reserve the best room for your getaway before the tourists start returning! The hotel also recently completed a renovation of the River Wing late last year, meaning you can now enjoy a rather stunning blend of both new and old, as classic Thai craftsmanship meets modern design styles.
Where Prince Harry spent the night before his wedding: Coworth Park, Ascot.
Just 45-minutes away from Central London by Train, Coworth Park, Ascot offers a refined respite set amidst a tranquil parkland. Nestled within a grand Georgian Manor House, the retreat comes complete with its own polo fields, an equestrian centre, a series of exquisite restaurant options, and even an in-house luxury spa. Perfect for those looking to take a weekend getaway, with warm, traditional comfy home vibes, this was also the spot where the Duke of Sussex spent his last night before tying the knot.
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Where Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret learned to dance: the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has always had a strong, longstanding bond with British Royalty. It was in the ballroom of this hotel that Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret learned to dance, and it was also here that the Queen hosted a magnificent gala dinner in celebration of Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s Royal Wedding. The perfect choice for those looking to truly pamper yourselves, the hotel comes complete with one of the only two Forbes Five-Star spas in the city, along with two Michelin-starred restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Now also marks a good time to visit, as the hotel has recently completed its most extensive restoration in its century-old — 117 years, to be exact — history, led by world-class designer Joyce Wang.
Where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would take week-long vacations: Six Senses Con Dao
The only five-star resort nestled amidst the stunning archipelago islands, Six Senses Con Dao offers the whole, top-notch Six Senses experience, complete with private beach and unbeatable island views. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Lo Voi Mountains, the villa resort gives you the charms of a traditional fishing village, with a contemporary design-twist. You may even come across Angelina Jolie — she and Brad Pitt once visited the resort for a rejuvenating five-day holiday.
Where Grace Kelly wrote love letters to Oleg Cassini: the Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
Lovers of romance, here’s one for you. Back in the 1950s, when Grace Kelly was dating Russian fashion designer Oleg Cassini, she would frequently visit this hotel in Los Angeles. The legendary film star would write love letters using the hotel’s stationary, and there’s even a bungalow where she drifted off to sleep after a post-Oscars celebratory photo shoot — a room which has since been renamed the Grace Kelly Suite.
