Pretend You’re Royalty At These Beautiful Castles
Take treating yourself to the next level by envisioning yourself as the king or queen that you are. Some of these castles have actually been converted into luxury hotels where the staff aims to make you feel like royalty, and that's something we can all appreciate.
Rambagh Palace, India
Here's your chance to be treated like a royal from the past at the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
The monument is known as the "jewel of Jaipur," and it's a stunning representation of ancient Indian architecture with staples like elegant carpets, intricate wall motifs and textures, and delicate gardens.
Eilean Donan, Scotland
This famous castle was made recognizable thanks to the 1986 film Highlander. It's located on an island between three lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh).
It was originally established in the 13th century as a stronghold for Clan Mackenzie. Sadly, it was destroyed in the 18th century during the Jacobite rebellions but then rebuilt again in the 20th century!
Himeji Castle, Japan
This whitewashed monument is actually often referred to as "White Heron Castle" because it almost looks like a great bird taking flight.
It was completed in the early 17th century and stands today as both a Japanese national treasure and World Heritage Site.
Xara Palace, Malta
This castle is steps away from beach resorts on the coastline, but it gives you a taste of 17th-century aristocratic Malta.
It was once used as a mess hall for Allied officers during World War II. Now, staying the night is an opportunity for beautiful hilltop views of the surrounding countryside.
Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Location is everything, and this one is placed on a rocky mountain with the stunning background of the Berchtesgaden Alps.
The castle was built between 1075 and 1078, and it has served as everything from a fort, to a residence, to a hunting retreat, to a state prison! Nowadays, it's a museum that's definitely worth a visit.
Château De Chambord, France
If you enjoy luxury, you'll love Château de Chambord 's impressive 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases! The French monarchy didn't cheap out.
It was King François I who started its construction as a weekend hunting retreat in 1519. He decorated the castle with beautiful works of art, including some by Leonardo da Vinci. Funny enough, he found the result to be too elaborate and only stayed there for a few weeks throughout his reign.
La Mamounia, Morocco
This castle was built in the 12th century, with elegant touches like mosaics and a private-pool. Yet the real attraction is the castle garden, which was a wedding gift to Prince Al Mamoun.
It is carefully cultivated with 5,000 rose bushes, 700-year-old olive trees, 21 cactus species, and a 16,145-square-foot vegetable garden!
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This castle was built not out of necessity, but just to show off by Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the 'mad king.'
This means that it was built to look stunning, with incredible attention to detail on the aesthetics both inside and outside the castle. Did we mention this is the palace that inspired the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty?!
Windsor Castle, England
When you think of the royal family's home, you might think of Buckingham Palace, but Winsdor Castle has been home to kings and queens for over 1,000 years!
It stretches over a whole 13 acres. It's actually the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, but you're welcome to tour it year-round.
Castle Of Coca, Spain
A Spanish aristocratic family with an eye for luxury is behind this 15th-century castle. At the time, it served primarily as their residence. However, the surrounding areas lacked in resources so they resorted to building it with bricks instead of stones. That's why it looks red on the outside.
Today, it serves as a school of forestry, but it can be toured.
Culzean Castle, Scotland
You can actually sleep here, along with a rumored seven ghosts. This castle has been standing along the Ayrshire coast since 1777.
It was once home to the Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy, but it's now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
Château Frontenac, Canada
Château Frontenac, converted into a luxury hotel, is the most photographed hotel in the world, and for good reason. It's as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Plus, it gives a breathtaking view of the surrounding city of Quebec.
Gravensteen Castle, Belgium
Gravensteen Castle takes its name from Count Philip of Alsace, as the name literally means "castle of the Count."
It was built in the late 12th century as a symbol of the influential noble family's wealth and power. It worked, as it's still standing over 800 years later!
Castello Di Pavone, Italy
Each room in this castle is uniquely decorated. The dining rooms are meant to make you feel like you've traveled back in time. Even if you don't stay the night, the medieval architecture and the cute town of Pavone Canavese are worth a day trip.
Blue Cave Castle, Jamaica
This is a 15-room coral palace above an old pirate's cave on a Caribbean cliff in Jamaica. Now, it serves as a go-to destination if you are looking for a medieval-meets-tropical vibe.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
This castle, which sits between the counties of Mayo and Galway, is rich with culture while still being surrounded by 350 woodland acres of the Irish countryside.
The luxurious Ashford Castle offers beautiful views along with exquisite dining. Although, staying the night isn't exactly cheap, with room rates beginning around $700 per night.
Kasteel Huis Berg, Netherlands
This castle has sadly suffered multiple fires and 80 years of war since it was first built in the 12th century.
Its ownership changed hands several times, with each new set of hands reshaping and upgrading the castle. Today, it stands as an art gallery, museum, and hotel all in one.
Castle Wartegg, Switzerland
This castle was originally built in 1557 for the exiled Empress of Austria, Zita of Bourbon-Parma.
Now, it serves as a hotel with 25 rooms equipped with all-natural mattresses, from which you wake to an organic breakfast on the lakeside garden terrace, and finish the day off at the castle's 1920s Persian-glazed turquoise bath.
Çırağan Palace, Turkey
Picture Turkish baths, saunas, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a private balcony, plush beds with six pillows, and even a pillow menu. It's complete luxury.
If you get hungry, the hotel's Laledan Restaurant is known for its legendary feasts, with made-to-order risotto, Turkish meats and cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, and a mobile Bloody Mary bar!
Pousada Castelo De Óbidos, Portugal
This seaside castle is hidden behind crenelated stone walls. Once you discover it, you'll feel like you traveled back in time to a medieval fortress, with stone corridors, watchtowers, and secluded gardens.
You can spend the night in the authentic castle or spend the day in the cobblestone-lined village nearby.
