Royals – they’re just like us. They pack up the private jet to take the fam on a trip. Or they gather on the family boat in St. Tropez, which that is almost as big as Jeff Bezos’s support yacht. It’s been a good summer of royal-watching at these vacay destinations, which should be added to the goals list.
Destination: The Cotton House
Location: Mustique, St. Vincent Grenadines
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip both visited Mustique after her younger sister, Princess Margaret, was gifted 10 acres of land. What better tropical escape than this private island in the Grenadines? Lush trees extend over powdery sand and line the shore with turquoise water. Mustique is unique in more ways than one. The booking process operates through one website, where you can find all villas and a single hotel on the island. The sole hotel, The Cotton House, offers paradise for your next getaway and a socializing hub around the island. It feels like one big community in the best kept secret.
Considered one of the top ten beaches in the world, it provides numerous activities, including tennis courts, equestrian rides, a designer spa, and personalized picnics. The architecture is imagined and created by famous set designer Oliver Messel, leaving no corner without character. Known for his flamboyant style, Oliver incorporates the essence of Caribbean colors and regal luxury into his design, he places your comfort beyond the serene waters at your front door.
Restaurants vary — from The Veranda, with contemporary cuisine incorporating flavorful spices, to traditional dishes cooked over the grill. The Beach Cafe seats you on the idyllic Endeavor Bay, with fresh seafood on your plate. And last but not least, the Great Room Bar acts as a social hub for all the guests on Mustique, with light bites and a wide range of intricately made cocktails.
Destination: Gstaad Palace
Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
Having hosted royals from all over the world (Princess Diana, for example), Gstaad Palace has been a beacon for many royal family vacations. Since 1913, Gstaad Palace has been turning fairytales into reality. It offers a dreamland of powdery slopes for skiing and activities for summer memories that last a lifetime. With unique rooms and a classic alpine design, Gstaad Palace has the option to rent entire floors for your stay.
There are six restaurants on the grounds. The key featured restaurant, Walig Hut, is a restored alpine hut dating back to 1783. It offers enough space for a small party in an intimate setting. Located 1,700 meters above sea level, Walig Hut is a quintessential place to try fondue and cured meats, with scenery only found in storybooks. Le Grille emphasizes the warm, high-end elegance Gstaad is well known for. Craftsmanship exudes from this gourmet restaurant with 16 Gault Millau points. The hotel boasts a dazzling pool that is clearly worthy of any royal visit, while it brings the Swiss scenery to you.
Within the spa, you’ll find an indoor pool that may feel familiar. That’s because it was featured in The Return of the Pink Panther, earning its notoriety and reputation. In the wellness space, you’ll find the jacuzzi, which puts you in a front-row seat to the Alps. The spa menu highlights rituals designed by ancient techniques around the world, including Japanese facials and organic Swiss products that will leave you glowing on your way out.
Destination: Cheval Blanc Rhandeli
Location: Maldives
Prince William and Kate Middleton chose to honeymoon in the Maldives — and it is easy to see why this resort topped their list to begin their life together. The private island welcomes you by chartered plane. It feels as though they have been waiting for your arrival before you booked your stay. The island escape feels like a reset with their spa facilities, bungalows that sit over crystal blue water, and cuisine rooted in French tradition. After taking a stroll through the property, you’ll find art in the water by Jean-Michel Othoniel, Vincent Beaurin, and Manuel Merida, also arranged around the island to enhance the feeling of tranquility.
Each living space is designed to bring out barefoot luxury from its essence. The spa designed by Guerlain offers honey healing treatments and Hammam rituals that honor heritage for internal and external wellbeing. Book your massage with an endless view of the ocean.
The nine various dining experiences bring a wide range between upscale plates, nutritious eating and a cigar lounge for your night-cap. Tennis courts are US Open standard. Enjoy a movie under the stars or sail away at sunset, with activities at your beck and call. At Cheval Blanc, the architect, Jean-Michel Gathy, imagined the space with wellness at its core, and it is easy to see how, in this utterly rejuvenating space.
Other Articles You’ll Like
Where The Devil Wears Prada 2 Was Filmed
Charlize Theron Travels
Eileen Gu Travels
FAQs
Q: What is the best season to visit the Maldives?
A: Between November and April, during the dry season.
Q: Why was Princess Margaret gifted 10 acres of land?
A: The 10 acres of land was a wedding gift to Princess Margaret from Colin Tennant. She went on to build Les Jolies Eaux villa, which was designed by her uncle-in-law (Oliver Messel).
Q: What is the best way to arrive in Gstaad?
A: The best way to arrive in Gstaad is by train, for the best views of the Alps.
