In three short years, The Crown has become one of the most successful programs to grace the small screen. While studies show in-bound British tourism has boomed as a result of the show’s popularity, there’s plenty of ways to feel like a royal around the world.
To celebrate the premiere of the fourth series (15th November), discover 14 ways to travel the world in royal style.
Travel like a Royal
Deluxe sleeper train – Seven Stars Kyushu, Japan
The Seven Stars train in Kyushu is a deluxe sleeping train that showcases the best of Japanese artistry including limited edition washbasins. There is the option of standard and deluxe suites offering plush interior décor; the deluxe suites feature a sleeping area, lounge and private bathroom. The train has a number of itineraries stopping off at various prefectures, onsens, volcanoes, principle cities and more. For more information, visit www.welcomekyushu.com.
Fly by private jet – from LA to Mammoth Lakes, California
This winter, why not experience a new type of luxury with a private jet flight up to the California mountains. Beginning December 17 Advanced Airlines will fly from the beaches of LA or San Diego (Burbank, Carlsbad and Hawthorne airports) to the dreamy ski resort of Mammoth Lakes and Mountain. Flyers can enjoy the convenience of a private experience, including a 9-passenger King Air 350, at commercial airline cost, with benefits such as skipping TSA and complimentary beverages and snacks. For more information, visit www.visitmammoth.com.
Royal Stays
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 ten years using wooden construction based on old maps and castle tower templates from the Edo period and old photographs from the Meiji period. For more information, visit japan.travel.com.
Stay at The Broadmoor- a legendary resort with its own guest Wall of Fame, including Prince Harry – Colorado
The Broadmoor is a well-known Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs. This iconic destination 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. His room was in the west building complex, then the property’s most luxurious accommodations; for those looking for a room similarly fit for a king, book the Parker Suite in the Broadmoor West building.
One of the ritziest rooms, its parlour features a marble entryway and fireplace, while its terrace opens up to views of spectacular Cheyenne Mountain. For more information, visit 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 to 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 – which might cost a little more to do these days! 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 the floor to ceiling windows that showcase the beauty of the surroundings. Our favourite room is The El Dorado Diggins Suite, which was at one time a private dining room, a cocktail lounge, and a chapel in the 1940s. For more information, visit www.yosemite.com.
Royal activities
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. For more information, visit www.paradisecoast.com.
Hit the Slopes in Luxury – Aspen Snowmass, Colorado and CMH Heli-skiing
The Royals love skiing as much (if not more) than the rest of us! It’s no surprise given some of the incredible resorts they’ve skied at. In the US, premium resorts like Aspen Snowmass, Colorado (favoured by celebrities), offers incredible snow, the finest experiences on and off the mountain and stunning accommodation – rooftop pools, expansive wine cellars and private chefs!
For something even more memorable, why not try your hand (or feet) at CMH Heli-Skiing. On this incredible experience, you’ll start with a helicopter ride to some of the most picturesque points in the area. Following this, you’ll be able to ski on the pristine white powder snow and at the same time, explore some virtually unexplored areas.
Royal Visits
Set sights on palace ruins in Marrakech – Morocco
El Badi Palace which is also known as Badi’ Palace, is a ruined palace located in Marrakech, Morocco. It was the brainchild of sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty. The idea was formed only a few months after his accession in 1578, with construction and embellishment continuing throughout most of his reign. The palace currently stands as a ruin. It is made of cedarwood and is encrusted with marquetry and small writing in gold and silver by artisans living in Cordoba during the twelfth century. It is believed to have had over 300 rooms decorated in gold, turquoise and crystal. The palace is open to visitors from just £5.80. For more information, visit www.visitmorocco.com.
Gifu Castle – Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Castle is a castle located in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Along with Mount Kinka and the Nagara River, it is one of the main symbols of the city. The castle was first built by the Nikaido clan around 1201. Inside the castle, there are three floors with exhibits representing the castle’s past. With maps, weapons, pictures and other artefacts on display, visitors can recreate the story of Gifu Castle.
On the top floor of the castle, an observation deck, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the Nagara River and Nagoya. At various points throughout the year, the castle is also open for night viewing, providing an awe-inspiring view of the city. For more information, visit www.visitgifu.com.
Explore historic jewels – Montenegro
Montenegro’s natural beauty and diverse history make it one of the most interesting places to explore in Europe. With magnificent scenery, quaint old coastal towns and remnants of vanquished kingdoms and religious treasures, this small and accessible country packs a mighty punch. The Right Hand of St. John the Baptist, shards of the Holy Cross and the icon of Our Lady of Filermosa can all be found in the museums and monasteries of the historic town of Cetinje, Montenegro’s Historic Royal Capital.
Furthermore, the coastal city of Bar is not only home to the King Nikola Palace, built-in 1885 but is also famed for its 100,000 olive trees, many of which are over 1,000 years old. In fact, the oldest olive tree in Europe at around 2,000 years old is situated here. For more information, visit www.visit-montenegro.com.
Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa – Three Star Road
Designated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, Kenrokuen was once part of the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen Garden, which translates as ‘Garden of Six Attributes’, offers visitors the perfect example of the unique style of Japanese landscaping. Within the gardens there is an area that was once separate, it was a private garden of the Takezawa Palace for the royal guest house for dignitaries and aristocrats visiting the Kanazawa Castle.
The palace was reconstructed as a portion of the nearby Seisonkaku Villa, and the garden here remains as part of the larger Kenroku-en Garden Park. For more information, visit www.mitsuboshi-kaidou.com.
Royal 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. For more information, visit www.tahititourisme.uk.
Taste like a King – Kuraishi Beef, Hachinohe
The major brands of beef in Aomori are Kuraishigyu, Towadako Wagyu, and Takko Beef. When visiting the region trying the Kuraishi beef is a must. Located in Sannohe District in central Aomori, Kuraishi Village was founded in 1889 but in 2004 merged into the expanded town of Gonohe. One of Aomori’s most famous brands of beef is Gonohe’s very own Aomori Kuraishi Beef.
The beef has gained increasing fame as one of Japan’s top black-haired beef brands with the fat marbling owing to the idyllic countryside pastures in which the cows are raised. With a long history of winning awards inside and outside the prefecture, in 2008, it was awarded the highest honours at the national beef competition in Japan and can be found in numerous restaurants around Gonohe and Japan. For more information, visit www.visithachinohe.com.
Dine in the Californian clouds, 1,200 ft above the Pacific Ocean – Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
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 (rates from $4,500 / night). For more information, visit www.postranchinn.com.
Read more guides in our dedicated travel section here.