| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | THE STRAITS TIMES |

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CASTLES IN THE

Ashford Castle, 1 County Mayo, Ireland AIR This regal retreat is possibly the closest people can get to a Bridger- ton experience. Think lush green woodlands, Binge-watched Bridgerton? tranquil lakeside views and a majestic turreted castle with Imagine the high life with individually designed rooms that pair old-world grandeur with modern-day castles around the world technology. Set on the banks of Lough Chin Hui Shan From Canada to Ireland and Corrib, the nearly 800-year-old Turkey to India, there are stunning castle offers quintessential coun- castles that can be rented for a try pursuits such as falconry, clay If you have binge-watched the vacation worthy of the lavish shooting and archery, as well as soapy Regency-era drama Bridger- Bridgerton lifestyle – once travel re- modern-day zip-lining, just to ton on Netflix, it is likely that you sumes after the pandemic, that is. name a few. have fallen in love with its deca- Ahead of the series’ second sea- Its over-the-top amenities dent manors and classic English son, which will begin filming in the include a glamorous cinema with castles. coming spring, you can still dream 32 red velvet seats and a luxuri- Rates: From: $842 a night Ireland’s Ashford Castle The good news is that you do not about the high life with this list of ous spa decked with seashell Info: ashfordcastle.com (main picture, top and above). have to be English nobility or go castles around the world. chandeliers and a Tree of Life PHOTOS: ASHFORD CASTLE, THE RED back in time to live out the Bridger- mural. MORE STORIES on C2 CARNATION HOTEL COLLECTION ton fantasy. [email protected] C2 life travel | THE STRAITS TIMES | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 |

FROM C1

Rich colours abound in India’s Taj Lake Palace (above and left), which is nestled on Lake Pichola. PHOTOS: TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR

Taj Lake Palace, If you can afford it, splurge on 2 Udaipur, India one of the heritage suites. Each Seemingly afloat on glistening suite has its own personality and Lake Pichola and surrounded by all are embellished with rich the Aravali mountains, this colours, antique furniture, silk palace-hotel lets guests retreat fabrics and exquisite mosaics. into their own world. With its beautiful interiors and One of the most romantic 360-degree view of Udaipur, Taj hotels in the world, the Taj Lake Lake Palace tops this castle- Palace is adorned with white loving writer’s list. marbled walls, pillared terraces Rates: From $666 a night and resplendent gardens. Info: str.sg/JHJM

Ciragan Palace Fairmont Le Chateau 3 Kempinski, Istanbul, 4 Frontenac, Quebec, Turkey Canada If you are looking for a Middle Besides mountains and crystal- Eastern equivalent of Bridger- blue lakes, Canada has its fair ton-style accommodation, share of castle-hotels around Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the country. likely the one for you. One of the most photographed Guests get pampered with a hotels in the world, Chateau Turkish bath or unwind in the Frontenac is known for its outdoor infinity pool overlook- dramatic copper spires and ing the Bosphorus strait. extravagant interiors filled with With intricate tilework, an- historical artefacts. tique furniture and abundant Nestled atop a cliff that looms velvet and satin upholstery, you over Saint Lawrence River, the can luxuriate like royalty in a century-old castle romances complex that once housed guests with grand views of the Ottoman sultans. fortified city of Old Quebec. Every room comes with floor- This castle, listed as a National to-ceiling windows and a Historic Site of Canada, has balcony, for vistas of the gar- Ciragan Fairmont Le hosted political leaders, celebri- dens or the Bosphorus that Palace Chateau ties and, yes, royalty. divides Turkey. Kempinski Frontenac Rates: From $312 a night Rates: From $451 a night (above and (above and Info: www.fairmont.com/ Info: str.sg/JHJQ left) in Turkey right) has frontenac-quebec once housed hosted Ottoman political sultans. leaders, stars PHOTOS: and royalty. CIRAGAN PHOTOS: PALACE FAIRMONT LE KEMPINSKI CHATEAU FRONTENAC

Schlosshotel Kronberg, Domaine Les Crayeres, 5 Kronberg, Germany 6 Reims, France If there is a castle that should be A list of castles would be incom- on your bucket list, it is plete without a French chateau. Germany’s Neuschwanstein Decorated in classical French Castle – the inspiration for style, this elegant abode of only Disney’s Cinderella Castle. 20 guest rooms lets you imagine Of course, the fairy-tale castle is the aristocratic life. a tourist attraction and does not There is a whiff of Bridgerton accommodate stays. fantasy in the manicured gar- Travellers, however, can turn dens and palatial setting, and to Schlosshotel Kronberg, a the good life continues with castle-hotel that was once the wine-tasting tours and dining at private residence of Victoria, Em- two-Michelin-starred restau- press Frederick of Germany, rant, Le Parc. daughter of Queen Victoria. The chateau is closed for the Perched above the pretty town time being due to France’s of Kronberg and set next to an coronavirus restrictions. 18-hole golf course, the mixed Rates: From $515 a night German Renaissance-style cas- Info: lescrayeres.com/en tle is decked out in historic decor Schlosshotel France’s and gallery-worthy paintings. Kronberg Domaine Les Rates: From $383 a night (above and Crayeres Info: schlosshotel-kronberg. left) was once (above and com/en the private right) has residence of only 20 Victoria, guest rooms. Empress PHOTOS: Frederick of DOMAINE LES Germany. CRAYERES PHOTOS: BOOKING.COM

There are vast grounds for exploration at Scotland’s Dunskey Estate Castle (right and far right). PHOTOS: DUNSKEY ESTATE

Dunskey Estate Castle, plete your stint as “royalty”. 7 Portpatrick, Scotland Outside, the estate offers This Edwardian castle is a walled gardens, vast grounds for secluded gem that combines old- nature exploration and outdoor world style with modern updates. adventures that include forest From its heritage-rich porch to bathing, kayaking and even party- the elegant drawing room, every ing in the rave cave. Lodges cater- room is a new experience. ing to small groups are also avail- Elevate your experience by able within the estate. doing arts and crafts at the in- Rates: From $719 a night castle studio or playing dress-up for one person in the “magic parlour” to com- Info: www.dunskey.com