If you're someone who identifies themselves as a luxury traveller, it is most likely that you have, at least once looked at a castle and wondered what it must be like to actually live in one. Well, what if I tell you that this can actually happen? Several ancient castles have been renovated and refurnished into luxury hotels where you can experience living like kings and queens.
So ditch those five star hotels on your next luxury vacation and treat yourself to a slice of royalty at these amazing castle hotels:
Where: Masham, North Yorkshire, England
What's so special: Ever since it was first built in 1695, the Swinton Estate has been one of Engalnd's most recognised castles. After serving as the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton for decades, the castle has now been redesigned into an ultra-luxury hotel. The estate's Swinton Park Hotel offers top notch luxury which combines with its larger than life setting to make for an unreal stay experience.
Price: Starts at ₹20,000 a night for a twin stay, inclusive of breakfast.
What's nearby: Go caving in Gaping Gill; get awestruck by the Brimham Rocks and take the famed Gordale Scar trek.
Where: Mdina, Malta
What's so special: While Malta is best known for its exotic coastline and luxurious beachside resorts, a stay at Mdina's Xara Palace is probably the best way to explore a completely different side of the country. The picturesque castle stands tall in the ancient gated city of Mdina and boasts of a rich history. Despite being renovated into a modern five star hotel, each corner of Xara Palace has a story to tell — right from those of the noble family who once resided here to the soldiers who took shelter here during the World War 2.
Price: Starts at ₹18,000 per night for a double accommodation, non-exclusive of any meals.
What's nearby: Offer your prayers at St. Paul's Cathedral; witness the ancient Roman ruins of Domvs Romana and go on a picnic with your family at Ta'Qali National Park.
Where: Pavone Canavese, Italy
What's so special: A medieval era monument restored into its present form in 1888, Castello di Pavone is a haven for luxury seekers. Each of the rooms at the sprawling castle has been designed keeping in mind the needs of a modern day traveller, while maintaining its old world charm. The property also happens to be a favourite amongst honeymooners and couples looking for a dream getaway.
Price: Starts at ₹12,000 for a double stay, inclusive of breakfast.
What's nearby: Plan a day trip to the beautiful island Isola Bella, learn about all things ancient at Museo Egizio and watch the sun go down at Lake Orta.
Where: 's-Heerenberg, Netherlands
What's so special: A 12th century castle, Kasteel Huis Bergh has had a quite a tumultuous history of its own. In addition to having seen war for almost a century, the castle has also been under the rule of scores of rulers. Today, Kasteel Huis Bergh welcomes travellers from all around the world who can learn all about its past at the property's museum and art gallery.
Price: Starts at ₹20,000 per night for a double stay, inclusive of breakfast.
What's nearby: Witness a crazy collection of trucks at DAF Museum; watch a soccer game at Signal Iduna Park and experience The Altstadt's insane nightlife.
Where: Hørsholm, Denmark
What's so special: The picture perfect Kokkedal Castle makes for the perfect place to experience the famed Danish summers. The plush hotel boasts of elegant stay options, top notch eateries and a wellness centre designed to pamper guests from head to toe. The castle also has vast meadows making it the ideal place for a dream destination holiday.
Price: ₹20,000 per night for a double accommodation, inclusive of breakfast.
What's nearby: Pay your respects at Hørsholm Church and learn all about this sleepy Danish town at Hørsholm Local History Museum.
Where: Óbidos, Portugal
What's so special: The close-knit town of Obidos has traditionally served as a retreat to Portuguese monarchs and it is this opulence which extends to the 12th century Pousada de Óbidos. The castle has now been renovated into a luxury hotel with all rooms and suites named after kings and queens who have resided here at some point or the other. The castle, however has very limited number of rooms so make sure you book your stay well in advance!
Price: ₹18,000 per night for two guests, inclusive of breakfast.
What's nearby: Capture the surreal Buddha statue at Buddha Eden; offer your prayers at Igreja de Santa Maria and get high on the locally made cheery liqueur, Ginja.
Where: Bagnols, France
What's so special: Hands down the most authentic castle stay you are ever likely to come across, Château de Bagnols is simply a world in its own. The picturesque castle enjoys a kickass location and rests in the middle of Beaujolais' famed vineyards. If you've ever felt the desire of wanting to be treated like a royalty, drop everything and book yourself a stay at the gorgeous Château de Bagnols right away!
Price: Starts at ₹22,000 a night. This price does not include any meals.
What's nearby: Hike through the dense forests of Les Gorges du Blavet and learn all about marine warfare at Musee des Troupes des Marine.
Where: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
What's so special: The sprawling Parador de Santiago de Compostela was built as a hospital way back in 1499 to cater to the needs of pilgrims who would visit Santiago in huge numbers. The complex was pretty much in ruins for several decades before it was restored into its current form. In addition to the ultra luxurious Hostal dos Reis Católicos, Parador de Santiago de Compostela also houses a cathedral and the San Martiño Pinario Monastery grounds.
Price: Starts at ₹25,000 per night, inclusive of breakfast.
What's nearby: Visit Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse in use; witness exotic marine life at Aquarium Finisterrae and watch the sun go down at Riazor Beach.
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