Live like royalty: 7 castle stays where history becomes your home
Glenapp Castle, a 19th-century Scottish Baronial masterpiece on Scotland's southwest coast, invites guests for a multi-day Hebridean Sea Safari: explore remote islands by private boat, then glamp luxuriously on secluded isles with private chef and butler service. The castle itself blends five-star grandeur with rugged adventure and features one of Scotland's largest hotel suites—the 4,500 sq ft Castle Penthouse—complete with its own chef and dedicated butler. Ashford Castle, Ireland
Live like a member of the Guinness dynasty in a luxury hotel that was a major film set for the John Wayne classic, The Quiet Man . This 800-year-old castle offers a huge range of estate activities, but is most famous for being home to Ireland's first School of Falconry. Guests can also enjoy private screenings of The Quiet Man in the castle's 32-seat cinema. The castle has hosted royalty like King George V and is consistently named one of the best hotels in the world. Umaid Bhawan Palace, India
Check into one of the world's largest private residences, a stunning Art Deco palace that is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur. At the Umaid Bhawan Palace, guests can swim in the magnificent subterranean Art Deco Zodiac Pool, a truly unique and glamorous experience. The palace also features a museum, lush gardens and a vintage car collection belonging to the maharaja. This is a chance to experience living royalty, as guests may encounter the maharaja himself in the corridors.
Don't miss: Regal stays: 8 historic hotels with aristocratic and royal connections Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Scotland
Stay in a 19th-century baronial mansion at the foot of Ben Nevis that has hosted royalty, including Queen Victoria, along with luminaries such as Sean Connery, Liam Neeson and Mel Gibson. Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers world-class dining overseen by renowned chef Michel Roux Jr and features period grandeur in every room. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic country pursuits such as fishing, stalking and wildlife tours, arranged in the surrounding Highlands and on nearby historic estates. Ozu Castle, Japan
Ozu Castle's fully immersive cultural experience begins with a torch-lit ceremony featuring actors dressed as samurai, celebratory gunfire and the blowing of a conch shell trumpet. Guests wear traditional kimonos or samurai armour and enjoy a private performance of sacred kagura music and dance. The castle's main keep, authentically rebuilt in 2004 using traditional timber methods, is available to only one group per night, ensuring absolute privacy during the stay. Dalhousie Castle, Scotland
Sleep in Scotland's oldest continually inhabited castle, a fortress that has hosted centuries of royalty, from King Edward I to Mary, Queen of Scots. Guests can dine in the atmospheric Castle Dungeon Restaurant, try their hand at falconry and archery on the castle grounds or relax in the Aqueous Spa. The castle's history is its main draw—guests can stay in suites named for famous historical figures who stayed there, including Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria. Oliver Cromwell also used the castle as a base for his invasion of Scotland.
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Tatler Asia
23-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Live like royalty: 7 castle stays where history becomes your home
Glenapp Castle, Scotland Glenapp Castle, a 19th-century Scottish Baronial masterpiece on Scotland's southwest coast, invites guests for a multi-day Hebridean Sea Safari: explore remote islands by private boat, then glamp luxuriously on secluded isles with private chef and butler service. The castle itself blends five-star grandeur with rugged adventure and features one of Scotland's largest hotel suites—the 4,500 sq ft Castle Penthouse—complete with its own chef and dedicated butler. Ashford Castle, Ireland Live like a member of the Guinness dynasty in a luxury hotel that was a major film set for the John Wayne classic, The Quiet Man . This 800-year-old castle offers a huge range of estate activities, but is most famous for being home to Ireland's first School of Falconry. Guests can also enjoy private screenings of The Quiet Man in the castle's 32-seat cinema. The castle has hosted royalty like King George V and is consistently named one of the best hotels in the world. Umaid Bhawan Palace, India Check into one of the world's largest private residences, a stunning Art Deco palace that is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur. At the Umaid Bhawan Palace, guests can swim in the magnificent subterranean Art Deco Zodiac Pool, a truly unique and glamorous experience. The palace also features a museum, lush gardens and a vintage car collection belonging to the maharaja. This is a chance to experience living royalty, as guests may encounter the maharaja himself in the corridors. Don't miss: Regal stays: 8 historic hotels with aristocratic and royal connections Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Scotland Stay in a 19th-century baronial mansion at the foot of Ben Nevis that has hosted royalty, including Queen Victoria, along with luminaries such as Sean Connery, Liam Neeson and Mel Gibson. Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers world-class dining overseen by renowned chef Michel Roux Jr and features period grandeur in every room. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic country pursuits such as fishing, stalking and wildlife tours, arranged in the surrounding Highlands and on nearby historic estates. Ozu Castle, Japan Ozu Castle's fully immersive cultural experience begins with a torch-lit ceremony featuring actors dressed as samurai, celebratory gunfire and the blowing of a conch shell trumpet. Guests wear traditional kimonos or samurai armour and enjoy a private performance of sacred kagura music and dance. The castle's main keep, authentically rebuilt in 2004 using traditional timber methods, is available to only one group per night, ensuring absolute privacy during the stay. Dalhousie Castle, Scotland Sleep in Scotland's oldest continually inhabited castle, a fortress that has hosted centuries of royalty, from King Edward I to Mary, Queen of Scots. Guests can dine in the atmospheric Castle Dungeon Restaurant, try their hand at falconry and archery on the castle grounds or relax in the Aqueous Spa. The castle's history is its main draw—guests can stay in suites named for famous historical figures who stayed there, including Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria. Oliver Cromwell also used the castle as a base for his invasion of Scotland. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Tatler Asia
22-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
How to spend 48 hours in the ancient capital of Hue
Above The resort features 122 rooms and suites (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue) Above The building is a classic showcase of Art Deco flair (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue) Commanding a prime spot on the banks of the poetic Huong River, Azerai La Residence Hue is an elegant retreat set amid over 2.5 hectares of gardens, with more than 200 metres of frontage along the water. The resort features 122 rooms and suites, anchored by a striking central mansion that once formed part of the French Governor's residence, dating back to the 1930s. With sweeping curves, intricate maritime motifs and crisp geometries, the building is a classic showcase of Art Deco flair. Flanking wings, added in 2005, offer modern comfort with a refined nod to traditional architecture, creating a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary style. Watch the sunset on the Huong River and explore Dong Ba market Above The Truong Tien Bridge appears like a glowing brushstroke, illuminating the twilight canvas of the ancient capital (photo: Vietnam Record Institute) Above As dusk descends, make your way to the Huong River and pause to admire a sunset that casts a golden sheen across the water, turning the river into a ribbon of silk (photo: phongnhalocals) As dusk descends, make your way to the Huong River and pause to admire a sunset that casts a golden sheen across the water, turning the river into a ribbon of silk. Hire a dragon boat and drift along the gentle current, where the rhythmic splash of paddles mingles with lilting Hue folk songs. From this tranquil vantage point, the Truong Tien Bridge appears like a glowing brushstroke, illuminating the twilight canvas of the ancient capital. Above As night falls, continue your wanderings with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant soul of Hue (photo: Vinpearl) Above Before you leave, make sure to browse the fabric section, where flowing ao dai in fine Hue silk whisper of elegance and tradition (photo: Vinpearl) As night falls, continue your wanderings with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant soul of Hue, a short walk from the river's edge. Inside, a lively yet familiar hum fills the air: vendors calling out their wares, the warm scent of beef noodle soup wafting through the aisles, and stalls brimming with colourful local delicacies. Sample a delicate banh nam right at the stall, or pick up sesame candy and sour shrimp to take home. Before you leave, make sure to browse the fabric section, where flowing ao dai in fine Hue silk whisper of elegance and tradition. Day 2 Start your day with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum restaurant Above There's no finer way to begin the day in Hue than with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue) Above This elegant venue pairs culinary finesse with a serene riverside setting (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue) Above Choose a window seat, sip Hue's signature lotus tea, and watch the river shimmer into morning: an awakening of both senses and spirit (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue) There's no finer way to begin the day in Hue than with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum, the refined dining space at Azerai La Residence Hue. Nestled by the Huong River, this elegant venue pairs culinary finesse with a serene riverside setting. Savour local specialities such as beef noodle soup with a fragrant, deeply flavoured broth; crisp banh khoai served with fresh herbs; or a delicately sweet corn pudding. The international spread features classics like eggs Benedict, flaky croissants and fruit preserves made in-house. Choose a window seat, sip Hue's signature lotus tea, and watch the river shimmer into morning: an awakening of both senses and spirit. Visit the tombs of Kings Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Above Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time (photo: Discover Hue) Above Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time (photo: Discover Hue) Above Each site tells its own story—a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of Hue's soul (photo: Discover Hue) Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time. Tu Duc's resting place, with its tranquil lotus pond and pine-shaded paths, evokes the heart of a poet-king. Minh Mang's grand mausoleum, framed by undulating hills, reflects imperial balance and strength. Khai Dinh's tomb stands apart with its fusion of Eastern and Western design, resplendent in intricate detail. Each site tells its own story—a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of Hue's soul. Enjoy lunch at Madam Thu, Hue restaurant located in the Western Quarter Above Madam Thu captures the culinary essence of Hue in a setting both charming and inviting (photo: Madam Thu Restaurant) Above The scent of beef noodle soup drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle elegance of banh beo chen and the vivid freshness of local herbs (photo: Madam Thu Restaurant) In the vibrant heart of the Western Quarter, Madam Thu captures the culinary essence of Hue in a setting both charming and inviting. The scent of beef noodle soup drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle elegance of banh beo chen and the vivid freshness of local herbs. Each dish from spicy mussel rice to delicately grilled spring rolls is prepared with quiet precision, telling tales of a regal past and the finesse of Hue's famed gastronomy. Explore Hue Imperial City and experience wearing traditional costumes Above Step into the Imperial City and find yourself transported to the golden days of the Nguyen Dynasty (photo: Discover Hue) Above Don a traditional ao dai ngu than or a royal ensemble and feel the silk settle gracefully against your skin (photo: Discover Hue) Step into the Imperial City and find yourself transported to the golden days of the Nguyen Dynasty. Moss-covered walls seem to murmur stories of centuries gone by. Don a traditional ao dai ngu than or a royal ensemble and feel the silk settle gracefully against your skin in a quiet transformation into another time. Stroll beneath parasol trees, past Ngo Mon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace. With the breeze catching the fabric's flow, and Hue's signature purple in the air, this is an encounter with the living spirit of the ancient capital. Read more: Are heritage retreats poised to become a new 'revolution' in Vietnamese tourism? Cozy dinner at Alma restaurant and sip with Aura Mixology Above Alma Restaurant has earned its place among Hue's most esteemed dining destinations (photo: Melia Vinpearl Hue) Above Alma is ideal for intimate dinners, romantic occasions, or moments worth marking (photo: Melia Vinpearl Hue) Alma Restaurant has earned its place among Hue's most esteemed dining destinations. Located on the 33rd floor, it offers panoramic views and a refined ambience that lingers in the memory. Step inside and be welcomed by contemporary interiors and the soft murmur of music setting the tone for an elevated dining experience. Known for its premium steaks and warm atmosphere, Alma is ideal for intimate dinners, romantic occasions, or moments worth marking. Above After the meal, make your way to Aura Mixology, where each cocktail is a story in itself (photo: AURA - Mixology & Karaoke) Above The ambience offers a perfect close to a day rich in discovery (photo: AURA - Mixology & Karaoke) After the meal, make your way to Aura Mixology, where each cocktail is a story in itself. Sip on a 'Hue Mong Mo', delicately infused with lotus tea and warm ginger, and watch as the Perfume River shimmers into view. The warm, refined, and luxurious ambience offers a perfect close to a day rich in discovery. Day 3 Rowing and watching the sunrise on Tam Giang lagoon Above At dawn, Tam Giang Lagoon stirs to life beneath a wash of golden light (photo: vivuvietnam) At dawn, Tam Giang Lagoon stirs to life beneath a wash of golden light. A wooden boat glides across still waters, reflecting a sky brushed with soft pink and amber. Morning mist drifts gently, carrying a fresh breeze and the rhythmic sound of paddles, steady and serene, echoing the quiet soul of the city. In the distance, the silhouettes of fishermen casting their nets flicker like living brushstrokes on a mirrored canvas. Cradling a cup of warm ginger tea, you may find yourself entirely at ease, your spirit woven into the timeless hush of Hue. Enjoy delicious local seafood Above Amid the cool morning air of Hue, a local seafood spread awakens the palate with the essence of the sea (photo: lagunalangco) Amid the cool morning air of Hue, a local seafood spread awakens the palate with the essence of the sea. Begin with a crisp river shrimp pancake that is golden, fragrant, and paired with a broth that dances between spice, sweetness, and savoury depth, conjuring the essence of the Perfume River itself. Then, a modest bowl of mussel rice reveals its quiet complexity: the sweetness of fresh shellfish mingled with herbs and the distinctive edge of shrimp paste. Finally, a steaming bowl of clam porridge infused with ginger brings warmth to the stillness of morning—a gentle, satisfying close to a soulful meal. NOW READ Hoi An's shadow in a heritage coffee space Discover the world of Louis Vuitton trunks: Heritage, innovation and the art of living Legacy 50: How has the Vietnamese tourism industry changed after 50 years?
Tatler Asia
06-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections
Above The Menil House in Houston by Philip Johnson (Photo: Facebook/Menil Collection) Above The interiors of the Menil House were designed by Charles James (Photo: Instagram/communedesign) The 5,500 sq ft structure featured a track lighting system by Edison Price under Kelly's direction, with calculated angles eliminating glare while properly illuminating artwork. Interior walls employed specifically calibrated white tones—what the de Menils called their 'color of shadow'—later adopted in the Menil Collection museum. The courtyard incorporated strategically positioned skylights and clerestory windows, delivering natural light that complemented rather than compromised the artworks. See also: Lego Art meets Van Gogh: Inside the revolutionary 'Sunflowers' design 2. Broad residence, The Late Eli and Edythe Broad's Los Angeles Residence Above Eli and Edythe Broad (Photo: The Broad) The late Eli and his wife Edythe Broad's Brentwood home was initially designed by Frank Gehry on a dramatically sloping hillside plot. Though the firm Langdon Wilson ultimately completed the project at Gehry's suggestion, the residence bears hallmarks of his signature style: sculptural bravado, soaring volumes, and unconventional materials. The 13,000-square-foot dwelling was specifically designed to showcase their extensive collection, with the lower level devoted to gallery spaces and guest quarters. Above The Brentwood, California home of collectors Edythe and Eli Broad by Franj Gehry (Photo: Instagram/@theartreporter) The Broads' home features a welded-steel ceiling in the living room, described by designer Rose Tarlow as 'a giant Japanese paper kite hovering above the voluminous space.' The three-acre grounds provide dramatic opportunities for displaying outdoor sculptures, most notably a monumental Richard Serra piece comprising four curved steel plates weighing 15 tons each. Throughout the interior, museum-quality lighting and display conditions support a collection that has included masterworks by Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as sculptures by Alberto Giacometti, Alexander Calder, and Jeff Koons. Don't miss: Home tour: A modern country house in Vancouver with an expansive art-filled garden 3. Maja Hoffmann's London Residence Above Maja Hoffman's London home by India Mahdavi (Photo: Instagram/@collectorwalls) Above Maja Hoffman's London home by India Mahdavi (Photo: Instagram/@collectorwalls) The pharmaceutical heiress and art patron's London home consists of two adjacent 1770s houses designed by Scottish architects Robert and James Adam. Working with designer India Mahdavi, Hoffmann created a residence that balances historic preservation with contemporary art display. The property maintains the Adam brothers' neoclassical architectural elements while adapting spaces specifically for her collection. Above Maja Hoffmann (Photo: Luma Arles) The residence preserves the original moldings in their elegantly weathered condition, creating distinctive backdrops for contemporary works. A vast drawing room features a gilded-copper ceiling complemented by Rudolf Stingel's carpet installations, serving as both display space and venue for arts institutions Hoffmann supports. The white-walled interiors provide a neutral setting for works by artists including Isa Genzken and Sigmar Polke, while custom furnishings by Mahdavi integrate with modernist pieces by Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé, establishing a dialogue between art and design within the historical framework. Read more: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel 4. Eugenio López Alonso's Mexico City Residence Above The library of Eugenio López Alonso's home in Mexico City designed by Luis Bustamante Interiors (Photo: Instagram/@ricardolabougle) Above The pool of Eugenio López Alonso's home in Mexico City designed by Luis Bustamante Interiors (Photo: Instagram/@luisustamanteinteriors) The Jumex Collection founder's 16,000-square-foot modernist house in Mexico City's upscale Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood serves as both home and showcase for one of Latin America's most extensive private art collections. Originally built in the 1970s, López transformed the residence in collaboration with Madrid-based interior designer Luis Bustamante to create an environment where architecture and art coexist harmoniously. Above Eugenio López Alonso (Photo: WikiCommons/Fundación Jumex) The residence features a breathtaking double-height library on the ground floor, housing thousands of art books and exhibition catalogues. Throughout the home, warm oak accents create an inviting atmosphere while complementing the diverse array of artwork on display, including significant pieces by Richard Serra, Rudolf Stingel, Jeff Koons, Ellsworth Kelly, and Damien Hirst. The spacious layout and architectural elements were specifically designed to accommodate substantial contemporary works while maintaining the comfort and functionality of a private residence. See also: Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts 5. Agnes Gund's New York Apartment Above Agnes Gund in her New York apartment with Mark Rothko's 'Two Greens With Red Stripe' (1964). Beside her is Christo and Jeanne-Claude's 'Wrapped Champagne Bottles' (1965). (Photo: Instagram/@abstracttrend) Above Agnes Gund's dining room, where Kristen McGinnis set Roy Lichtenstein's Masterpiece, 1962, against one of the designer's signature blue hues and added an antique English dining table and chairs (Photo: Instagram/@art_collectors_at_home) The art patron and philanthropist's Park Avenue residence serves as both home and exhibition space for selections from her 1,400-work collection. Working with decorator Kristen McGinnis, Gund created an environment where, as McGinnis notes, "It's about the art," while maintaining functionality for a home that hosts four children, eleven grandchildren, and constant art world visitors. The apartment's lighting was specifically redesigned by McGinnis to showcase major works including Johns, Rauschenberg, Gorky, and LeWitt. The installation process required precise technical planning—Rauschenberg's piece needed Museum of Modern Art conservators to oversee its placement, while Johns's "Untitled" (1995) had to be craned through a bedroom window. When wall space proved insufficient, Scottish artist Richard Wright created a site-specific painting directly onto the dining room ceiling. Throughout the residence, clean lines and a muted palette establish a backdrop for the collection, with occasional bold elements like deep blue dining room walls providing counterpoint to the predominantly serene environment. 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