England’s Amberley Castle dates back hundreds of years, and was owned by Queen Elizabeth I from 1588 to 1603. The castle features 60-foot stone curtain walls, turrets, gardens, and even its own resident peacock. Inside, you’ll find centuries-old suits of armor, intricate tapestries, crossbows, and arched stone doorways. The 19 guest rooms are luxurious and feature elegant four-poster beds, and antique frills, as well as modern upgrades like en-suite whirlpool tubs.
The Castle Hotel and Spa is right across the Hudson River and just 30 miles from New York City. Though the property lacks royal credentials, it does have its own royal touch: The paneling in the Oak Room comes from a Parisian house that was given by Louis XIV to James II for use during his years in exile. Here, you’ll find five spacious rooms and suites complete with turret alcoves, four-poster beds, and opulent furniture.
Château de Castel-Novel is tucked away in a serene pocket of the French countryside. This 14th-century, 27-room property features sweeping balconies, terraces, and rose gardens. Fun fact: The famed French writer Colette found inspiration in the property, and even penned several novels here.
Constructed in the 15th century for the royal mistress of King François I, Château de la Bourdaisière offers elegant accommodations, and is owned by a real-life prince (Prince Louis Albert of Broglie). The castle is less than an hour away from Paris, which makes for an ideal easy escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the city. The property features 11 guest rooms, three apartments, and six rooms in the adjacent Pavillon Choiseul.
Commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the swank Gritti Palace has hosted a long list of VIPs (think royalty, rock stars, literary greats, political figures, and more). While some claim the place has seen better days (it is, after all, nearly 500 years old), others argue there is no more celebrated and history-rich hotel in all of Venice.
Guests at Morocco's Kasbah du Toubkal usually arrive one of two ways: Either on foot, or on the back of a mule. The 17-room property is located in the Atlas Mountains (about an hour away from Marrakech), and is a popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The property has also received the Hollywood treatment, back in 1997, when it served as the setting of the Tibetan Monastery of Dungkar in Martin Scorsese's film, Kundun.
Built atop fortified Roman and Moorish walls, Palácio Belmonte dates back hundreds of years. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The property features 11 palatial suites, each decorated in colorful silks. There’s also an extravagant black-marble infinity pool; a 4,000-book library; an array of African and Japanese artifacts; and over 3,800 Portuguese tiles that date back to the 1700s.
Built as a summer retreat in the mid-1700s for Maharajah Jagat Singh II, the property was intended solely for leisure pursuits – and the same principles apply today, now that it’s become an opulent 83-room hotel (with an additional 17 luxurious suites). Distinguished guests include Queen Elizabeth II, Jackie O., the Shah of Iran, and the King of Nepal.
The majestic Waterford Castle is situated on a sprawling 310-acre island off the coast of southern Ireland (the only way to get here is via the hotel’s private ferry). Here, you can golf on the 18-hole championship course, horseback ride in the surrounding woodlands (set just off the island), or fish in the River Suir. The 16th-century, 19-room castle maintains an eye-catching assembly of turrets, towers, and gargoyles, and is decorated with colorful tapestries and antiques.
Once a summer haunt for the Guinness clan, Ashford Castle (which was built in 1228) features turrets, towers, Waterford chandeliers, fireplaces, exquisite decor, and beautiful artwork. The property spans 350 acres of landscaped gardens and wild forests along the shores of Lough Corrib (Ireland's second largest lake), which provides many options for outdoor adventures.
