Want to travel like royalty? Get inspired by the British royal family holidays. From dreamy private islands in the Caribbean to luxury lodges in Africa, the famous family are known to jet off to some of the world’s most lavish, yet secluded, destinations to spend their downtime.

As Queen Elizabeth prepares to become the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee on 6 February 2022, after marking 70 years of service, it’s likely Her Majesty will be in need of a well-deserved break. So where do the royal family deem worthy of a holiday? From the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s favourite ski resort to the Queen’s beloved Scottish Highland estate, here are five holiday hotspots the royals put on repeat.

1. Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Set on the northeast coast of the Scottish Highlands, Aberdeenshire offers a stunning landscape of beaches, rivers, ancient ruins, and quaint seaside towns. It’s also home to Balmoral Castle, the private royal residence and beloved estate where Queen Elizabeth spends her annual summer holidays. Before his passing, Prince Philip also joined the Queen here every year. Other members of the royal family often join her for holidays in Scotland too, including the Cambridges and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice of York. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall also have their own home on the Balmoral Estate, known as Birkhall, which Prince Charles inherited from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Why Balmoral? Queen Elizabeth reportedly feels most at home in the wild, secluded beauty of the Scottish Highlands. She loves getting away to enjoy her favourite outdoor pursuits, such as walking, horse riding, picnics, shooting, and driving her Range Rover. Princess Eugenie once said: “I think Granny is the most happy there, I think she really, really loves the Highlands… walks, picnics, dogs, a lot of dogs, there’s always dogs… You just have room to breathe and run.”

The sprawling Balmoral Estate is famed for its remarkable Scots Baronial architecture, immaculate gardens, and protected wildlife, including endangered red squirrels. There are 50,000 acres of mountains, valleys, forests, pastures, moors, lochs, and gardens, so it’s understandable why Balmoral has served as a private royal retreat for over 150 years. While it’s a private residence for the British royal family, they do allow visitors from April to July. You can stay in one of the cottages on the grounds, or spend your Aberdeenshire holiday in one of the region’s charming old inns. 

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2. Klosters, Switzerland

The British royal family are known to be skiing enthusiasts, so where better to indulge their passion for snowsports than the Alps? While they’ve been known to spend their ski holidays in places like Verbier, Switzerland and Courchevel, France, the royal family have a preference for Klosters, the luxury ski resort in the Swiss Alps. With plush suites combined with a peaceful, discreet atmosphere and breathtaking alpine landscapes, this snowy retreat is definitely a favourite of the British royal family. 

Prince Charles often took the late Princess Diana and his sons, Princes William and Harry, when they were children, and it’s reportedly where William and Harry learned to ski. Both princes have since returned many times in adulthood, and it’s where Prince William first went public with his now-wife, Kate Middleton, after they were spotted on the slopes. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also love to spend time at Klosters, while Prince Charles is such a famous and frequent guest, that there are cable cars named in his honour. 

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3. Corfu, Greece

The Greek Islands are famed as a favourite holiday destination for A-listers, but which island is the most loved by the British royal family? It’s the exquisite island of Corfu, where sparkling turquoise waters lap against brilliant white sand beaches. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are known to come here on their summer holidays to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine and it’s also where Prince Charle’s father, Prince Philip, was born as a Greek prince in 1921. 

Prince Charles once said: “Greece is in my blood and I have long had a fascination for her ancient culture and history.” The couple spends time at their villa on the mainland and also on superyachts at sea. If you’d like to spend your next holidays like the royals, there’s plenty to see and do in Corfu, from exploring the historic Corfu Town and wine and olive oil tasting to simply relaxing on the picturesque beaches. 

RELATED CONTENT: Journeys of a lifetime: Why 2022 is the year of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experience

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4. Botswana, Africa

The British royal family are known to head to Africa when they want to retreat into nature. Prince William often visits Kenya as Royal Patron of Tusk and President of United For Wildlife and it’s where he proposed to Kate Middleton in October 2010.

For Prince Harry, it’s Botswana that holds a special place in his heart. He took his now-wife Meghan Markle to Botswana for their glamorous third date in 2016 and it’s said to be the place they fell in love. They reportedly stayed at Meno A Kwena, a luxury, sustainable tented camp perched above the Boteti River in the Makgadikgadi National Park.

Harry said in an interview: “We camped out with each other under the stars… We were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other.” The couple returned again the following year to celebrate Meghan’s 36th birthday. When Harry proposed, he even sourced one of the diamonds on Meghan’s engagement ring from Botswana. 

Harry also visited Botswana as part of a tour of Africa in 2019 and talked about his deep connection to the place. He says he first discovered the beauty of Botswana when his father took him and his brother here to get away from it all after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He said the trip helped him to cope and he now comes here every summer. With its spectacular savannahs, deltas, and deserts, it’s safe to say that Botswana is one of the most loved British royal family travel locations.

RELATED CONTENT: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

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5. Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Beautiful, secluded – and off-limits to paparazzi – the magnificent island of Mustique is the ultimate tropical paradise… So it makes sense that it’s a favoured destination for British royal family holidays. As part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, this exclusive Caribbean island is all about dreamy turquoise waters and powdery white beaches. The island takes the privacy of its guests seriously and it’s played host to many royals over the years from Prince William and Kate Middleton to Queen Elizabeth and the late Princess Margaret. 

Mustique’s history with the British royal family began in the sixties when it was a beloved retreat for Princess Margaret. She spent her honeymoon there and then built her own private villa, called Les Jolies Eaux, after Lord Glenconner gave her land in Mustique in 1960 as a wedding gift. She often hosted royal family members including her sister, Queen Elizabeth, and once said it was the only place she could truly relax. The six-bedroom villa is now available as a private rental.

Mustique is still a royal favourite today and Kate and William love to spend their summer holidays here. In 2018, the couple enjoyed a night out attending the 50th-anniversary party for Basil’s Bar, the iconic beachside bar. In fact, Kate and her family have been holidaying here for years, even before she married Prince William. Kate’s parents have been known to join the Cambridges on their holidays here. The couple also bring their children to the island paradise and Kate even took Prince George’s official birthday portrait here – so we know this is one special place for the British royal family. 

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Are you dreaming of visiting any of these beloved British royal family travel locations? Let us know in the comments below…

Imagine residing in pure luxury in the beautiful expanse of Africa’s nature. Safari by day and dine on a candle-lit terrace at night, listening to the sounds of wild animals in the evening air. Truly at one with nature, a stay at the Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, is an unforgettable experience.

On many a bucket list is the thrill and excitement of seeing Africa’s Big Five: the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. Here you can make those dreams a reality, and at the same time reconnect with life and one another.

The Lion Sands Game Reserve

Situated in the Sabi Sands, which boasts one of the planet’s highest concentrations of animal species, the Lion Sands Lodges offer exquisite treehouse-style rooms, and luxury suites with private decks and plunge pools. Relax in open-air lounges and dine overlooking the Sabie River. With impeccable service, guests reside like royalty with every need taken care of.

Having such majestic animals on your doorstep is one of life’s great privileges. And from the lodges of the Lion Sands Game Reserve, you can look out on Africa uninterrupted. Arise with the sunrise and watch elephants moving about in the fresh morning mist, while you sip delicious coffee and breakfast. Spend your days on safari, seeking out the Big Five with expert trackers, going on bush walks and relaxing in the hotel’s Africology Spa. Then, as the sun dips beyond the savannah, enjoy candle-lit dinners and spectacular feasts of slow-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables and sweet treats. Soak up the magic of the African bushveld illuminated by the sinking sun and fall asleep listening the distant calls of hyenas and lions, under a blanket of stars.

The thrill of going on Safari

Going on safari means stepping into a thrilling world of excitement and anticipation. What will you see and when? Can you track a herd of elephant to their watering hole or discover a pride of lions roaming the savannah? Be sure to have your camera in full working order before you go and brush up on wildlife photography skills, you won’t want to miss this chance to capture the moment.

The Lion Sands Game Reserve, in Kruger National Park, forms part of an ecosystem boasting the largest concentration of wild animal species in the Southern Hemisphere. Hop in your private open-air safari vehicle for exhilarating game drives, hosted by professionally qualified rangers and trackers. Highly skilled, the trackers analyse animal spoor and read the bush like a book.

Sunrise is often the best time to spot predators; huddle down under blankets as you’re driven through the fresh morning mist in search of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for leopard, as you pass rocky outcrops, and scan the bush for buck and giraffes. Learn about the complexities of termite colonies, see crocodiles and hippopotamus at watering holes and discover many exotic bird species.

Early evening is the ideal time to spot members of the Big Five, including rhinoceros, buffalo and lion. And, as well as safaris, you can hone your tracking skills on bush walks with an expert ranger and experience the thrill of locating animals for yourselves.

Exquisite Dining

Whether under the stars, out in the bush, or on the atmospheric terraced restaurants, every meal at the Lion Sands Game Reserve becomes an experience in itself. Be it appreciating the landscapes or wildlife, dining with amazing views is guaranteed. Expert chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste of Southern Africa, paired with wines from a hand-selected collection of premium Cape labels.

The in-house chefs specialize in a variety of cuisines and are able to offer everything from vegetarian to traditional fare. Popular South African dishes to try are: Bobotie, a delicious mixture of curried meat and fruit with a creamy golden topping; Potjiekos, a traditional Afrikaner stew that is slow cooked and never stirred: Biltong, dried cured meat and Boerewors, a farmer sausage.

Spectacular South Africa

If a luxurious safari sounds perfect for you, then take a look at our Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour. This stunning 9-Day journey takes you through the spectacular sights and landscapes of South Africa, including a three-day safari. Explore Cape Town and its surrounding areas, visit an acclaimed wine estate and see the UNESCO World Heritage site and former prison of Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. And all the way staying in exquisite hotels and dining on fine local cuisine. There is also the option to extend your journey to visit the majestic Victoria Falls.

Can you name the best hotel that you’ve ever stayed at? Choosing the best luxury hotels isn’t simply about seeking the place with the highest thread count, where you can choose your own pillow or even what scent you breath in. Supreme comfort is a given, but on a Luxury Gold tour you’ll stay in elegant accommodation that offers more than every other 5-star hotel. Luxury means different things to different people, but it all comes down to the most superb service you’ve ever experienced. These places are exemplary; carefully chosen as not just a comforting place to rest your head, but a truly immersive experience on its own.

In every place that you stay on the exclusive tours offered by Luxury Gold, you’ll experience the destination in another way. From appreciating the Best of British when you stay at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel on the Queen’s doorstep in London, to having a front row seat at the Pyramids in Egypt from your exceptional hotel in Cairo.

UNUSUAL AND DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

With Luxury Gold, our guest experience is at the heart of everything that we do. That’s at the forefront of our mind when organizing each place you stay. We want to ensure you feel truly welcome while providing you with extra special encounters and a VIP experience wherever you are.

Our accommodation doesn’t just include the most luxurious 5-star hotels either. One night you will find yourself spending the night on the Venice Simplon Orient Express, while another you may rest up on a historic Irish estate that stretches along the edge of a medieval city.

Luxury Gold has a special connection with Red Carnation Hotels, as it is owned by our co-founder, Beatrice Tollman. These exceptional hotels are found in some of the most incredible destinations on earth and are set apart by their wonderful character and outstanding levels of service. If there is a Red Carnation Hotel in a location we travel to, then we arrange for our guests to stay there and enjoy the attention to detail rarely found at other properties.

Read on to discover more about some of the incredible Hotel and Spa properties that have been carefully selected for Luxury Gold guests.

ASHFORD CASTLE, COUNTY MAYO, IRELAND

Set amid 350 acres of pristine County Mayo countryside, Ashford Castle is a 12th century property that has recently undergone an extensive renovation. Luxury Gold guests spend two nights in this sumptuous castle on the Ultimate Ireland tour.

Enter through the imposing gates where a lone piper awaits to escort you across the drawbridge. His haunting tune provides echoes of the historic battles that were fought across this land.

Every room at Ashford Castle is individually designed, offering you a stand-alone experience even from your fellow guests. Sumptuous fabrics adorn the room with historic furniture fitted seamlessly with the more modern features that enhance your stay.

There’s no need to leave the estate, with a range of activities from horse-riding to archery to partake in. Adventurous guests can try our zipline through our woods, or take in a film at our private cinema to wind down after a busy day.

Ashford Castle is former home of the Guinness family and is Ireland’s first (and only) Forbes Five Star Hotel. Guests have the opportunity to dine like royalty over their Celebration Dinner in the King V dining room, that was built especially for the King’s visit to the estate in 1905. The food is also superlative, with seasonal ingredients foraged from the estate and sourced locally.

12 APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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Imagine waking up in a UNESCO Cape Floral Region with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. This is just one of the reasons that 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa has been carefully selected for a Luxury Gold tour. Whether you prefer looking out on the dramatic Table Mountain, rising in the distance, or the soothing sea vistas, all 70 rooms and suites let you admire the scene.

Before you take off into safari territory on the Spectacular South Africa tour, you will explore Cape Town from this heavenly base for five days. The property is framed by Table Mountain National Park rising behind it, yet only a short drive to Cape Town to enjoy its many wonders.

Here, individual décor is the norm, inspired by the local African environment and a complement to the scenery. Warm, thoughtful service is provided by all the team. They create ‘tiny noticeable touches’ that really elevate their guest care, making your stay perfect in every possible way.

Dining at 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa is an indulgent treat, with some of Cape Town’s best restaurants on site. From sushi with your sundowners at the Leopard Bar to the signature Cape cuisine dishes served at Azure restaurant, guests will leave fully satisfied after memorable meals with staggering views.

LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

Leela Palace Udaipur is a stunning hotel that sits on banks of Lake Pichola. Designed by famed architect Bill Bensley, the palace boasts Rajasthani crafts throughout and provides a royal experience for guests.

Luxury Gold guests arrive at this exceptional venue on day 11 of their Imperial Rajasthan tour, where you are welcomed with live music and a shower of rose petals.  The rooms evoke the grandeur of the Mewars, the oldest serving dynasty in the world. Admire the panoramas of Lake Pichola from graceful rooms, adorned with traditional artwork and motifs from the region.

Your stay at Leela Palace will be immersed in opulence from beginning to end. Discover cultural performances in the courtyard and enjoy romantic boat rides on the lake. Delve into the local culinary fare presented with great flair during your Celebration Dinner on the last night of your tour.

Luxury spa journeys are another highlight of Leela Palace. When you finish exploring the fascinating City Palace and bazaars of Udaipur, perhaps relax with an Indian head massage or some reflexology in the ESPA here.

VERMEJO PARK RANCH, NEW MEXICO, USA

When you truly want to lose yourself in nature, there’s nowhere on earth like Vermejo Park Ranch. Owned by founder of CNN turned environmentalist, Ted Turner, this private national park extends across 590,000 acres of extraordinary terrain.

Staying on Vermejo Park Ranch is wonderfully unique in the sense that every need is catered for, but you’re made to feel totally at home. Very few luxury tours are invited here, but when you choose the Resorts and Ranches of Colorado and New Mexico with Luxury Gold, you spend three nights soaking up the splendour of this precious reserve.

Step into refined accommodation that is a rich blend of Southwestern influences with the grandeur of the early 20th century. Every detail has been considered here with sumptuous furnishings and the finest fabrics to envelope you as you sleep.

Aside from the many activities offered at the ranch, from horse riding to fishing in one of the 19 lakes onsite, guests can simply explore and see the many elk, deer and bison that roam the reserve. Cocktail hour is a specialty at Casa Grande, where you can mingle with the guests and staff, hearing stories of the stars who have stayed here through the years.

REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO, TIVAT, MONTENEGRO

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Guests on the Luxury Gold tour Captivating Croatia and Montenegro will check into the most exclusive hotel in the country, Regent Porto Montenegro, on Day Three of their journey. Situated on the largest natural harbor on the eastern Mediterranean, Boka Bay, this award-winning hotel is designed to reflect Italian Palazzo style and is perfect for glamorous guests.

Nautical sophistication enhances each room and suite here. Guests can stretch their legs in spacious rooms that offer fabulous vistas of the lush mountains that rise behind the hotel or the elegant marina in front.

The staff give everyone a personal welcome, to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. It is this personal service that has garnered awards from Conde Nast Traveler, the World Luxury Hotel Awards and Trip Advisor.

Dining is also a gourmand’s pleasure at Regent Porto Montenegro. From tasty bites in the sleek Riviera-style Pool Bar to the fine Adriatic cuisine served in the stylish Murano restaurant, each meal is packed with fresh local ingredients from the bountiful landscape around.

The Regent Spa has also collected honors, so it’s worth spending some time in the Finnish sauna or Turkish hammam during your stay. Experience the finest treatments that draw on spa wisdom from around the globe to give you a soothing morning or afternoon escape.

XIGERA SAFARI LODGE, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Deep in the Okavango Delta, you’ll find a hotel and spa quite unlike anything else in the region. This lodge blends into the papyrus wetlands that surround it, overhung by a verdant canopy and spread across two islands.

The Xigera Safari Lodge is not just remarkable for its location in nature, or views across the floodplains. It is a triumph of sustainability, running on 95% solar power, while celebrating the art, culture and creativity of Africa.

Step into one of the twelve beautifully appointed suites to discover your holiday retreat. Each one has a distinctive aesthetic, influenced by the flora and fauna of the environment. Indigenous elements can be found throughout, from hand carved furniture to custom made bedspreads and magnificent works of African art.

Wildlife encounters are part of the appeal of this safari lodge. Each suite has its own compendium of birds and mammals that inhabit the area, and guests can record their own sightings. Spot the local pride of lions, the resident leopards, giraffes and elephants who call Xigera home.

The team at Xigera Lodge are knowledgeable, hospitable and full of joy. They enrich each moment and are always on hand if a guest needs advice or help during their stay. Xigera Safari Lodge is a top venue in the Red Carnation hotel collection and as such, the service is simply outstanding.

LION SANDS GAME RESERVE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

Stay in the heart of the African bush when you embark on safari with Luxury Gold. Day Six of the Spectacular South Africa tour sees you arrive at the Lion Sands Game Reserve, on the bank of the Sabie River.

Marvel at the animals feeding by the river from your private retreat, set above the water with interconnecting wooden walkways. Understated elegance is infused with natural features to reflect the splendor of the surroundings.

King-sized beds carefully draped with giant mosquito nets, al fresco showers to wake up with nature and expansive decks allow you total privacy while enjoying all that the reserve has to offer.

Sip on a fine South African wine while hearing stories around the fire. Savour a Celebration Dinner beneath the stars after seeking out the Big Five on your guided game drives. Impeccable service, enchanting suites and breath taking encounters with wildlife will all make your stay at Lion Sands one of the most memorable you’ve ever had.