Imperial charm

Why dream of living like royalty when you can check into these opulent stays instead? Across Europe, historic castles have been transformed into luxurious hotels, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining to falconry. These three enchanting, continental escapes promise history, elegance and a stay truly fit for a king or queen.

Ashford Castle

County Mayo, Ireland Ashford Castle, once home to the de Burgo family, is today a five-star resort with over 800 years of history. Overlooking Lough Corrib, it offers activities like horse riding, falconry and features an award-winning spa. Celebrity enthusiasts might be interested to know that actor Pierce Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye Smith had their wedding reception here in 2001, as did golfer Rory McIlroy in 2017.

Château Herálec

Czech Republic Château Herálec, an hour’s drive from Prague, is a beautifullyrestored Bohemian castle dating back to the 13th century. Over the years, the castle has housed Czech nobles, served as a textile factory and later, a boarding school for children with disabilities. Property highlights include a luxurious L’Occitane spa and the five-star Honoria restaurant. But the crowning jewel is the King’s Suite, outfitted with a turret with a Moorish wood-paneled lounge and its own personal wine cellar.

Schloss Leopoldskron

Salzburg, Austria A 10-minute walk from Salzburg’s centre, this beautiful Rococo-style palace was the setting for several exterior shots of the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music . The property features 12 ornate suites in the main castle and 55 modern rooms in its former administrative building. And what better time to visit than the 60th anniversary of the fi lm?.

Compiled by Shriya Patil