February 2022 marked a milestone achievement for Queen Elizabeth when Her Majesty became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. To recognize the momentous occasion, the royal household honored the queen’s 70 years of service with year-long festivities.
A Brief History of Royal Jubilees
Royal Jubilees are a celebration of significant periods in a monarch’s reign and the national life. They are traditionally recognized every 25 years and few British monarchs have surpassed a reign of 50 years, which made Queen Elizabeth’s seven-decade rule a particularly impressive achievement.
The royal household described the importance of Royal Jubilees as such, “The queen’s reign has been punctuated by an unprecedented series of milestones. Her Majesty’s jubilees and birthdays have provided cause for celebration and reflection throughout the remarkable years since her accession. Such events help reinforce the sovereign’s role as a focus for national identity and unity as people across the Commonwealth come together to mark an important occasion for their head of state.”
The Platinum Jubilee
While the regal festivities were ongoing, some of the most epic events of the year took place over the queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, a four-day U.K. bank holiday. The event kicked off with the queen’s birthday parade where over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, 400 musicians and members of the royal family were guided by Platinum Jubilee beacons as they marched from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard’s Parade. Over the following days, further celebrations included a royal attendance at the Derby at Epson Downs, a Platinum Party at the Palace hosted by BBC and The Big Jubilee Lunch.
Many Brits saw the Platinum Jubilee as a much-needed opportunity to embrace joy and reconnect with their community in addition to honoring their beloved queen. The queen put it best saying, “I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbors and communities — after some difficult times for so many of us — in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with my reign.”
Plan a Royal Getaway
The jovial spirit and the lavish nature of Royal Jubilees are sure to inspire travel to majestic locales. While you may not be able to offer your clients the keys to Buckingham Palace, what if we told you they could live like royalty — at least for a night? Fit for a fairy tale, these three historic properties are nothing short of magical.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle has acted as home to many notable residents. First, was the powerful Anglo-Norman de Burgo dynasty, then the Governor of Connacht Sir Richard Bingham, and later, in the 17th century, Dominick Browne, the Mayor of Galway. However, perhaps the most recognizable occupant was Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, beer baron extraordinaire, whose family owned the property from 1852 until the early 1930s.
In modern times, Ashford Castle is owned by Red Carnation Hotel Group and acts as a historic setting for 5-star accommodations and unique experiences. And when we say unique, we mean it — where else can guests channel their inner outdoorsman with classic pastimes such as horseback riding, falconry, shooting and more? As for dining, six elaborately decorated restaurants and three moody bars — all of which are overseen by the Castle’s Executive Chef, Philippe Farineau — are sure to delight with fresh ingredients, signature dishes and mouth-watering desserts.
Fancy a nightcap or an afternoon lift? The Billiards Room is the perfect place to sip a stiff drink and sink into the comfiest of worn leather chairs. Step outside onto the adjoining Cigar Terrace for sweeping views of the River Cong and a long, and exclusive, list of smokes. For a daytime buzz, visit the Drawing Room, an ornately decorated space serving a wide selection of specialty teas, pastries and bites.
As for accommodations, Ashford Castle has 83 rooms and several stunning suites designed to represent ‘traditional elegance and finesse.” The castle is a cozy mix of modern luxuries and features original to the estate. Guests will enjoy unique works of art, carefully curated antique furnishings and fabrics, dramatic lighting, organic toiletries and the finest Egyptian Cotton bedding. However, those who really want to get away from it all might consider a stay at the Hideaway Cottage, a former boathouse turned romantic retreat nestled along the shores of Lough Corrib. Outside, guests can wander the private gardens and soak up lakefront views. Inside, await a complimentary welcome basket and a fully stocked bar amongst bespoke furnishings and hand-crafted details.
Ellenborough Park, England
Ellenborough Park is an elegant 15th-century mansion that has played host to many well-decorated tenants — including King George III — throughout the years. As one can imagine, with over 500 years of history, this countryside manor has lived many lives — first, as a residence, then as a school, and now, a high-end hotel.
Today, the homestead’s exterior exudes historic charm, but the interior boasts all the modern luxuries that travelers expect of the world’s most glamorous hotels thanks to a series of renovations in the early 2000s. The result is a simply enchanting mix of old and new as leaded stained-glass windows overlook antique furnishings amongst chic art pieces and modern conveniences.
In addition to 5-star accommodations, Ellenborough Park is also well known for its Indian-inspired spa and its culinary excellence. Simply named The Spa at Ellenborough Park, each tension-melting treatment here is performed using a curated selection of indulgent products to suit each guests’ unique needs. Plus, the staff makes it easy to enhance the wellness experience with complimentary access to all indoor spa facilities including a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and more to help guests truly unwind.
Dining at Ellenborough Park is as immersive as it is delicious as decadent dishes featuring freshly plucked produce and fabulous flavors are served at the manor’s two onsite eateries: Restaurant, a 15th-century eatery, and the Horse Box Brasserie. During the summer, guests can indulge in a craft cocktail on the South Lawn where they can enjoy panoramic views of neighboring Cheltenham Racecourse and Cleeve Hill from inside a one-of-a-kind dining carriage beneath intimate festoon lighting.
Castel Monastero, Italy
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Chianti vineyards, it might come as a surprise that the elegant Castel Monastero has endured a dark history. Dating back to Medieval times, this rustic stone fortress was the apple of everyone’s eye throughout the 12th and 14th centuries. For many years, it acted as home to the Berardenghi family and later the Commune of Siena before it was unsuccessfully sieged by the Florentines in 1208. Shortly thereafter, the Castle was conquered by Guido di Montfort in 1270. But the estate wasn’t done swapping hands yet, it was later purchased by the noble Sienese Chigi Saracini family who transformed the property into an opulent hunting lodge.
Today, Castel Monastero’s nearly 10 centuries of history are showcased amongst 74 rustic chic-style rooms and suites, two gourmet restaurants, a stunning restored Medieval village and monastery and of course, a fully stocked wine cellar that holds the best Chianti and Tuscan wines.
The rooms at Castel Monastero are furnished in a Tuscan country style, giving off cozy farmhouse vibes in the best possible way. Creams, browns and greys dot the color palette with colorful houseplants adding a touch of greenery to the warm atmosphere. Accommodations are available in three tiers: The Superior Room, The Deluxe Room and The Prestige Room. Whichever one is booked, a fantastic view is guaranteed, whether it be the beauty of the Italian countryside or the charming Piazza di Castel Monastero just outside the window. For a more spacious stay, consider one of the Castel’s equally stunning suites or Villa Lavanda, a 17th century 3-bedroom dwelling with terracotta tiled floors, exposed wooden beams and access to a patio surrounded by lush gardens.
Originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of The Compass magazine.
About the Author
comments