Castles & Palaces
Vacations & Venue
the world is your playground
Welcome to the most unique accommodations in the world! Castle and palace offer history and fantasy, memories and inspiration. You’ll feel like royalty when you snuggle into an antique four-poster bed, glide down a sweeping, elegant staircase, or feast on a sumptuous dinner in a tapestry-hung dining room that was once a great knights’ hall.
Palaces
Umaid Bhawan Palace
JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN, INDIA
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the palace has one thing in common with the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra—the palm court marble used in its construction. Perched on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace inspires with exotic views of the historical Blue City, vast sand dunes, and intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. The last of the great palaces of India, the property houses a family museum, as well as the resplendent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, with dancing peacocks and a subterranean Zodiac Pool, offers 70 utterly breathtaking Art Deco- style rooms and suites. Tantalise your taste buds at Risala with authentic Rajasthani and Indian cuisine. Discover an array of European and Mediterranean delicacies at Pillars, set in a lovely colonnaded veranda. Unwind at the Trophy Bar with its unique hunting-themed décor and vast selection of alcoholic beverages and cigars. Pamper yourself with rejuvenating signature treatments and therapies at the Jiva Grande Spa, or soothe your mind and body with yoga and meditation. Take a heritage walk and relive a fascinating bygone era brought to life through majestic monuments.
CAPACITY
Accommodation for up to 140 guests.
THINKS TO DO
squash / tennis / badminton / table tennis / carrom / foosball / billiards / chess / equestrian / kite flying / yoga / peacock feather hunt / vintage car ride / horse carriage ride / desert safari / cultural activities / kids activities / spa
WEATHER
Winter December to March, 21 - 35 Celsius.
Summer between 24 – 45 Celsius
Monsoon in Rajasthan begin in July and extend until September
SUITABLE FOR
Private Party / Themed Events / Family gatherings / Tranquility Vacations
ACCESS
The closest international airport (limited flights) is Jodhpur Airport (JDH), 13klm from hotel
Taj Lake Palace
UDAIPUR, INDIA
Jag Niwas, constructed between 1743-1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd custodian of House of Mewar, was used as a summer retreat by the Mewar Royal family over years until Maharana Bhagwat Singh, Mewar of Udaipur in 1963 converted it into a heritage hotel. A jewel floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace is a building made of marble locally sourced from Rajnagar, brought in by bullock carts travelling 66 kms to Udaipur. Architecture influenced from Mughals, predominantly lead by Mewari techniques this heritage hotel in Udaipur has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. It was the secluded lair of the film’s eponymous Bond Girl.
Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir.
CAPACITY
Accommodation for up to 170 guests.
THINKS TO DO
Jiva Boat Spa / cultural activities
WEATHER
October to March offer is the best time to visit Udaipur.
Monsoons arrive by July and continue through to the end of September. The season witnesses warm days and cooler evenings, with temperatures varying between 25°C to 35°C.
SUITABLE FOR
Private Party / Themed Events / Family gatherings / Tranquility Vacations
ACCESS
The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR)
Castles
Ashford Castle
COUNTY MAYO, IRELAND
As Ireland's first and only two Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is truly a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious experience.
This 800-year-old castle is truly remarkable, a grand, historic structure with national significance. The former home of the Guinness family, it has hosted countless notables over the years, including The Prince of Wales (who later became King George V) and President Ronald Reagan.
CAPACITY
Total capacity 166 adults & plus children subject to room allocation.
THINKS TO DO
Private Party / Corporate Events / Family gatherings / Tranquility Vacations / Nature lovers
WEATHER
January and February are the coldest months of the year, and mean daily air temperatures fall between 4 and 7 °C
Rain Season: December and January
Keep in mind that mild rain falls all over the year in the Islands.
SUITABLE FOR
Private Party / Themed Events / Family gatherings / Tranquility Vacations
ACCESS
The closest international airport (limited flights) is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Main airport is Dublin International. You can also arrive by helicopter.
Dromoland Castle
IRELAND
Ireland’s most magical address, Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. The ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland, we’ve got nobility and hospitality in their DNA.
From the imposing baronial façade to startling interiors, you’ll find a world of historic grandeur underpinned by the finest modern comforts. With lavish decor, indulgent dining, fabulous views and magnificent bedrooms, this is a place to feel at home.
Behind the warm Irish welcome is the belief that every guest is royalty. Stroll the 450-acre estate. Tee off on the world class golf course. Take afternoon tea by a roaring fire. Enjoy delicious cuisine. No matter what your preference, at Dromoland Castle there’s no escaping the sense that you are walking in the shadows of kings.
The pinnacle of excellence, come in the knowledge that all your expectations will be met. A remarkable retreat with an easy elegance, it’s time to make Dromoland Castle a part of your story.
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CAPACITY
Accommodation for up to XXXX guests.
THINKS TO DO
archery / clay shooting / falconry / golf /fishing / boating / cycling / swimming pool / tennis / gym / sauna / steam room / go-karting for kids / spa
WEATHER
Extreme winters are rare, and you're more likely to encounter a warm glow than a frosty reception, with average winter temperatures of between 40°F/5°C and 46°F/8°C. Summer temperatures are generally between 60°F/15°C to 70°F/20°C.
SUITABLE FOR
Private Party / Corporate Events / Family gatherings / Tranquility Vacations Nature lovers
ACCESS
Private aircrafts can fly directly to Laucala Island. Their concrete airstrip is 1,141m long and 23m wide, suitable for all aircrafts with a maximum take-off weight of 40 tonnes.
International flights land at Nadi International Airport (NAN). From here, guests will take a 55-minute connecting flight on the resort’s own King Air B300 planes: eight leather seats, twin-engine turboprop.
Thornbury Castle
GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND
The castle was originally conceived and constructed by Edward Stafford, the only man to rival the king’s wealth and status at that time. It was a display of wealth and ambition that Henry did not take kindly to, and after Stafford was found guilty of treason, the king took control of the castle he so coveted. A brief, beloved retreat for Henry and Anne Boleyn, Thornbury Castle has since weathered the tumult of British history over the centuries. Today, it stands just as tall as it did in those days of courtly intrigue; renewed with care by its current custodians and imbued with the regal grandeur of its past.
CAPACITY
Accommodation for up 52 adults.
Note: some suites are accessible through 64 to 77-step spiral staircases.
THINKS TO DO
archery / clay shooting / falconry / golf /fishing / boating / cycling / swimming pool / tennis / gym / sauna / steam room / go-karting for kids / spa
WEATHER
January and February are the coldest months of the year, and mean daily air temperatures fall between 4 and 7 °C
Rain Season: December and January Keep in mind that mild rain falls all over the year in the Islands.
SUITABLE FOR
Private Party / Corporate Events / Family gatherings / Tranquility Vacations / Nature lovers
ACCESS
The nearest airport to Thornbury Castle is Bristol (BRS) Airport.
Helipad is available within the castle grounds