Exclusive hotels offer more than accommodation. They are steeped in history, charm, and a sense of presence that has seen the world’s elite enter through their doors. From Heads of State to politicians and Hollywood stars, these prestigious establishments are adored by those who understand what luxury really means.

Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri, Italy

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Located in the heart of jewel-like Capri, the iconic Grand Hotel Quisisana is synonymous with the glamour of the island. It has attracted an exclusive crowd since opening in 1860, hosting the brightest stars of the time, from Ernest Hemingway to Tom Cruise. The hotel is also a draw for yacht-loving European aristocrats.

Located in the heart of Anacapri, towards the west of the island, the hotel overlooks the glittering Gulf of Naples. Here you can sit back with a cocktail and soak up dramatic views of Mount Vesuvius and Sorrento. One of Italy’s most exclusive hotels, the interiors exude old-world charm with marble floors, ornate chandeliers and richly colored walls. Elegant and spacious rooms, fine dining and a sumptuous spa complete the celebrity lifestyle.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

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Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

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Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec is an iconic landmark that has been standing for over a century. Renowned as one of the best luxury hotels in the world, guests can enjoy stunning architecture, impeccable service and unparalleled views of the city.

A symbol of opulence and sophistication, the hotel has been visited by many prominent figures over the years. Hollywood stars and Heads of state have graced the hotel’s rooms, including Franklin Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth II and Alfred Hitchcock.

Dining at Le Chateau Frontenac is to experience a masterpiece of French-inspired cuisine. Local ingredients elevate dishes and experts pair each with an extensive wine list. The opulent ambiance of the restaurant, with its grand chandeliers and rich decor, is matched only by the flawless service. It makes for a truly indulgent dining experience.

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

 Read more: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazzu Falls, Brazil

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Stretching across the border of Brazil and Argentina, the mighty falls of the Iguazzu River make up the largest waterfall system in the world. And guests of the 5-star Belmond Hotel Las Cateras, can enjoy sublime views of the mighty cascades.

A pastel-pink jungle hideaway, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas has played host to countless notable figures. Princess Diana, Prince Albert of Monaco, David Rockefeller, Eleonor Roosevelt, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Jackie Chan and Paul Simon are among the famous faces that have stayed there.

Relax in the pool and soak up the sounds of the jungle, stroll orchid gardens and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. And, as one of the best spa hotels you will find in Brazil, local, responsibly harvested ingredients form the base for sumptuous treatments, delivering the finest in Amazonian healing.

Discover this on: Classic South America

 Related content: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

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From Charlie Chaplin to Marilyn Monroe to Keanu Reeves, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo is the A-listers hotel of choice in the city. A luxurious five-star hotel establishment, this legendary Tokyo landmark it is one of the city’s oldest hotels and has welcomed royalty, heads of state, celebrities and international business leaders for over 115 years.

Opened in 1890 at the request of the Japanese aristocracy, the Imperial Hotel has been rebuilt several times over the decades. The Imperial, one of Tokyo’s most exclusive hotels, is renowned for providing discreet and exceptional service to discerning guests. Located in the heart of the city its, 13 selected gourmet restaurants offer delicious national and international cuisine. This highly sought after establishment combines all its amenities with impeccable Japanese hospitality, for a truly luxurious stay.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

 Related content: A journey of a lifetime: Unearthing Majestic Japan with Luxury Gold

Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern, Switzerland

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The moment you step inside the Hotel Schweizerhof in Luzern you’ll be struck by the hotel’s impressive grandeur. A true gem of Swiss hospitality, its crafted floors and marble columns exude elegance from every angle. Offering the highest standards of luxury accommodation, the rooms and suites are impressive. Enjoy plush furnishings, sumptuous bedding and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Luzern.

Spend a night at the Hotel Schweizerhof and  follow in the footsteps of kings, emperors, writers, politicians, musicians and actors. Each of its 101 rooms and suites tell a story about former guests. These include Leo Tolstoy, Karl Frey, Richard Wagner and Queen Elizabeth II.

The hotel’s gourmet restaurants, Gallerie and Pavillion, offer authentic Lucerne specialties  alongside exotic dishes from the rest of the world. Savor dishes such as Lobster Bisque with vanilla, kaffir lime and mango, Scottish smoked salmon, and honey parfait with black walnuts and pear.

Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland

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The Hotel Bristol in Warsaw is a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance, in the heart of Poland’s capital city. A landmark on the city skyline, its majestic neo-renaissance façade is surrounded by the UNESCO listed Old Town and the Royal Castle. Elegant Art Nouveau interiors house 206 rooms, described as the most luxurious in Poland.

The hotel has long played an integral role in Warsaw life, welcoming guests since 1901 and hosting leading figures from the worlds of politics, music and royalty. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, the Emperor of Japan, Sofia Loren, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Woody Allen and Placido Domingo have all stayed here.

 Following an extensive renovation, the hotel offers Warsaw’s ‘Belle Époque’ charm combined with contemporary 5-star comforts and service. If you are a lover of exclusive hotels, then the Hotel Bristol will not disappoint. The perfect location from which to explore the city, or relax and enjoy the amenities, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

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Superbly located just a few steps from St. Mark’s square, Venice’s Hotel Metropole sits on the edge of the lagoon, with superb views out over the water. One of the city’s most exclusive hotels, this stunning showcase of Italian luxury and history dates back to the 16th century.

Once an orphanage and church, the hotel now has an acclaimed restaurant AND a series of art collections. It also features a historic chapel-turned-Oriental-tearoom. Here Antonio Vivaldi once gave music lessons to orphans in the 1700s.

The hotel offers an ‘intense and theatrical atmosphere’, packed with intricate tapestries, frescoes and Murano glass chandeliers. Music is the heart and soul of this hotel, with Lou Reed, Patty Smith Lenny Kravitz and Grace Jones all staying here over the years. Other amenities at the Hotel Metropole include a luxurious spa and private water taxi service, allowing you to explore Venice’s canals in style.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy           

 Related content: This little gelateria in San Gimignano may just serve the best gelato in all of Italy

Magnificent stays are at the heart of every Luxury Gold journey. To enjoy these exclusive hotels, and more as you travel, take a look at our exclusive collection of limited-edition luxury guided tours.

On Saturday 6 May 2023, the Coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey in London. During the ceremony, the new sovereign will be crowned as head of the Church of England and King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. The King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. Here is everything we know so far, ahead of this historic day.

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When is the Coronation of King Charles III?

On 8 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, at the age of 96. She was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles III. Tradition states that the country must hold a period of mourning after the passing of a monarch, meaning the Coronation of the new monarch takes place some months later. On 11 October 2022, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III’s Coronation will take place on the morning of Saturday 6 May 2023. 

Where will the Coronation of King Charles III take place?

The Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey in London, where all British Coronations have been held for over 950 years since 1066. This will be the 39th Coronation of a reigning monarch held at Westminster Abbey.

For travel inspiration: England destination guide

Will there be a bank holiday?

There will be an extra bank holiday in the UK on Monday 8 May for the Coronation. This was also the case for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation, held on 2 June 1953.

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What will happen at the Coronation of King Charles III?

While some elements of the Coronation of King Charles III will be similar to that of his mother, other parts will be different. A Buckingham Palace press release said the Coronation “has retained a similar structure for over a thousand years, and next year’s Coronation is expected to include the same core elements”. The press release further said that while the Coronation will be “rooted in long-standing traditions” it will “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future”. 

Codenamed Operation Golden Orb, the Coronation is likely to be shorter than the allotted three hours and more modest than Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 Coronation to reflect the modern monarchy. It will also represent a wider range of religions and community groups to reflect the country’s diversity. 

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

The procession

While Queen Elizabeth’s procession had 16,000 participants, the Coronation of  King Charles III will see a smaller procession. Buckingham Palace confirmed more details in a press release on 21 January. The King and Queen Consort will join the King’s Procession to Westminster Abbey and return to Buckingham Palace in a larger Coronation procession. There, they will be joined by members of the Royal Family, however, the palace has not confirmed who will appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

@theroyalfamily

The music

King Charles has personally chosen the music for the ceremony. We’ll hear 12 newly-commissioned pieces, including a new Coronation anthem by Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. There will also be a Coronation March by Patrick Doyle and a new commission for solo organ by Iain Farrington.

 We’ll hear soloists including Welsh opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel. Some of the service singing will be in Welsh. A gospel choir and Westminster choristers will perform. King Charles has also requested that Greek Orthodox music feature in the service, in tribute to his late father, The Duke of Edinburgh. 

Read more: Why Britain is an incredible destination for 2023

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What are the stages of the Coronation service?

The stages of the ceremony will be more similar to Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.

The recognition

King Charles will stand beside the 700-year-old Coronation Chair as the Archbishop of Canterbury presents the monarch to the congregation. They will all say “God Save the King!” as trumpets ring out.

The oath

The King takes the Coronation oath, swearing to uphold the law and the Church of England.

The anointing

The King’s ceremonial robe is removed before he sits in the Coronation Chair. A gold cloth held over the chair will conceal the King from view. The Archbishop anoints the King’s hands, breast and head with consecrated oil. The full recipe of the oil is secret but includes olives, roses, jasmine, cinnamon, ambergris, and orange flowers. 

The investiture

The King is presented with the Royal Orb, the Sceptre, and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, representing religious and moral authority, power, and justice and mercy, respectively. The Archbishop then places the opulent St. Edward’s Crown on King Charles’ head.

The enthronement and homage

The King stands and leaves the Coronation Chair and moves to sit on the throne. The congregation kneel before the King to pay homage.

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Will Queen Consort Camilla be crowned alongside King Charles III?

In 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II declared it was her “sincere wish” for the former Duchess of Cornwall to be crowned Queen Consort alongside King Charles’ accession to the throne. True to this wish, Queen Consort Camilla will be anointed and crowned in the same way after the King during the Coronation. She will be the first crowned Queen Consort since the Queen Mother in 1937.

Read more: Secret islands and snowy retreats: 5 hotspots loved by the British Royal family

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Which crowns will be worn during the Coronation of King Charles III?

We know the King will be crowned with the 17th-century St. Edward’s Crown, which is quite literally, the crown jewel of the royal jewellery collection. Historically used for the crowning moment in the Coronation, it was worn by the late Queen Elizabeth at her 1953 Coronation. St. Edwards Crown was made in 1661 for Charles II, replacing the medieval crown that was melted down in 1649. That original crown dates back to the 11th century, worn by Edward the Confessor, the royal saint and last Anglo-Saxon king of England.

Officials have removed St. Edwards Crown from the Tower of London for modifications before the Coronation. As it’s made from solid gold and is extremely heavy, it will only be placed briefly on the King’s head during the ceremony.

The King will also wear the Imperial State Crown during the service. This crown contains the controversial Cullinan II diamond or the Second Star of Africa. It was gifted to Edward VII by the Transvaal government, a former British colony in what is now South Africa. 

Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown. The crown has also been removed from the Tower of London for modifications. In tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, the crown will be reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds. These diamonds were often worn by Her late Majesty as part of her personal jewellery collection for years.

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Who will go to the Coronation of King Charles III?

As the Coronation is a state occasion, the government manages the invitees. The Royal Family will attend, along with the prime minister, Houses of Parliament representatives, dignitaries, heads of state, and other royals from across the globe. Although 8,000 guests attended Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, Westminster Abbey’s usual capacity is 2,200 guests. 

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How can I watch the Coronation of King Charles III?

The BBC will live broadcast the Coronation. Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation was the first ceremony to be broadcast on TV, attracting around 27 million viewers in the UK. It’s expected the Coronation of King Charles III will surpass this with a worldwide audience of hundreds of millions. In another milestone, King Charles III’s Accession Council was broadcast for the first time in history. 

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Who pays for the Coronation?

As it’s a state occasion, the UK government will pay for the Coronation of King Charles III. While the government will come under pressure to be sensitive to the current inflation crisis, they will likely use the Coronation as an opportunity to present the UK at its regal best on the world stage.

Read more: The personal touch: our top 5 curated luxury travel experiences for 2023

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Will there be other events to celebrate the Coronation over the long weekend?

Coronation celebrations will continue throughout the long weekend. There will be a Coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May, with global artists, dance troupes, A-list actors, the Coronation choir, and an orchestra. The “Lighting up the Nation” is the highlight event. You’ll see UK’s most famous landmarks illuminated with lasers, projections and drone displays. BBC One will also live broadcast this magical event. If you want to witness it in person, you’ll have the chance to win one of the thousands of free tickets in a public ballot.

Besides the concert, you can also find other community events like the Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday 7 May. Similar to the Big Jubilee Lunch in 2022, this event encourages neighbours and communities to get together for street parties full of food and fun. There’s also The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May, an event inviting people to volunteer in their local community. You can identify official Coronation events by the Coronation logo, created by former Apple designer Jonny Ive. The logo features a rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock to represent nations across the UK.