From Spanish fortresses to Devonshire follies, which fairy-tale castle will
you stay in?
Cap Rocat, Spain
Cut into the cliffs of a private peninsula on Majorca’s Bay of Palma, a golden castle-cum-hotel welcomes guests. The sandstone walls and crenellations of this former fortress teeter above more than a mile of secluded coastline. The castle opened to the public in 2010 after a refurbishment by Claudia Schiffer’s personal architect, Antonio Obrador. The 24 spacious and stylish bedrooms carry reminders of the building’s past: there are bullets for door handles, and gun carriages reworked as coffee tables; the original gunpowder bunker is now a magical events space. You’ll also find a glittering saltwater swimming pool overlooking the bay, along with an endless supply of fresh seafood.
Cap Rocat (+34 971 747 878), from about $535 a suite a night B&B.
La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel, France
Along Bordeaux’s Route des Châteaux du Médoc, the sight of sweeping Sino-Indian pagodas interrupts the vineyards. This is Château Cos d’Estournel, a fine-wine estate now owned by hotelier Michel Reybier, who has opened up his private house, La Chartreuse, to guests. It offers Rubelli-furnished rooms; baby-bath-warm swimming pools; massages; and helicopter rides to the nearby Bassin d’Arcachon for oysters. But most indulgent is the wine tasting (pick a vintage – dating back to the early 1800s) and the four-course degustation menu from the in-house chef.
La Chartreuse de Cos d’Estournel (+33 5 56 73 15 50), from about $18,000 a night for exclusive hire (sleeps 16).
China Tower, Devon
The Landmark Trust’s newly refurbished China Tower was built by Lady Louisa Rolle as a surprise birthday gift for her husband, the first Baron Rolle, in 1839. This octagonal Gothic revivalist folly stands among conifers atop a knoll with sweeping coastal views. On four storeys, China Tower sleeps four guests comfortably. Perfect for acting out your favourite folk-tale fantasy.
China Tower (01628 825925), from £265 for four nights mid-week; from $600 for three nights over a weekend.
Castello Di Santa Santa Eurasia, Italy
When Evgeny Lebedev found this 12th-century castle in Umbria, he was determined to open a hotel here. The only problem? It was utterly dilapidated. Cue a restoration by the architect Domenico Minchilli and the interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. They scoured the world for the finest Umbrian Renaissance art and furniture; local artisans produced ironwork to 17th-century designs. The result is like a time warp – open fires, rustic food and views over rolling hills towards Florence make for Medici levels of splendour. This is a place to escape the world: loll on your draped four-poster or wander across olive groves to a state-of-the-art pool, gym and hammam.
Castello di Santa Eurasia (+39 075 857 0083), from about $5,400 a night for exclusive hire
Balfour Castle, Orkney islands
As temperatures plunge in the Highlands, where better to curl up by an open fire with a dram of sloe gin than the world’s most northerly castle hotel? Nestled on the Orkney island of Shapinsay – a private launch, Reggie, transports guests from the mainland – this 19th-century Baronial pile has Gothic turrets from which to survey the grounds and islands beyond. Its five-star rooms boast giant, cloud-like beds, and bathrooms lined with De Gournay painted silk. Chef Jean-Baptiste Bady makes clever use of the kitchen garden, surrounding shores and game-filled woods in his quest to win Orkney’s first Michelin star. Those who venture out can shoot, fish, birdwatch or hike across the wild beauty of the island, but with Balfour’s enchanted world offering a spa, billiards- and cinema-rooms, and even a golf simulator to hand, there’s really no need to leave.
Balfour Castle (01856 711282), from $6,700 a night for exclusive hire (sleeps 18).
source : Harper’s Bazaar
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