Dearest gentle reader, esteemed members of the GCC travel crowd will be making their way across the globe this summer to escape the region’s sweltering heat.
We’re declaring this the summer of our regency era, which means we’re only making travel plans that are fit for a queen (or a viscountess, ofc). For those among us who are Bridgerton obsessed (if you aren’t, we can’t be friends…sorry), we’ve rounded up some of our favourite hotels that certainly would earn Queen Charlotte’s stamp of approval.
Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, played by Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan, have us hooked on their love story for the third season of the period drama, which follows them as they go from friends to lovers. This week, part two of the series is FINALLY dropping, meaning we get an extra dose of Polin drama (here’s everything you need to know about season 3 to get you up to speed).
Here are some regal-inspired hotels that would earn you a place in Lady Whistledown’s society pages
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, England
Bath is *literally* where much of Bridgerton is filmed. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, therefore, is a perfect match. A couple hours from London, this luxe hotel is quintessentially British in its charm and elegance. It has 45 rooms, 17 suites and a spa and croquet lawn. You’ll feel like a member of high society with this undoubtedly regal stay.
Rates start from Dhs1,400 a night. Click here for reservations.
Royal Mansour Casablanca, Morocco
Stay like a royal at Morocco’s exciting new hotel in Casablanca. With lavish decor paying homage to its historic location, the The Royal Mansour Casablanca boasts 149 rooms, complimented by on-site restaurants led by Michelin starred chefs. The hotel also offers a 360-degree views of the beautiful city of Casablanca and the Atlantic Ocean, promising an experience worthy of a queen.
Rates start from Dhs2,000 a night. Click here for reservations.
Grantley Hall, England
North Yorkshire’s five-star hotel has seen celebrities, artists and even Royalty walk through its luxurious doors. With 47 rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and award winning wellness facilities (including a altitude chamber that mimics oxygen levels at Everest base camp…because, why not), this is the perfect escape to the English countryside. Side note: try the famous afternoon tea for the ultimate Bridgerton-esque vibe.
Rates start from Dhs2,400 a night. Click here for reservations.
Ananda in The Himalayas, India
What better way to channel your inner Bridgerton than by staying in a literal palace? The world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda, has the perfect balance of wellness and luxury. Hidden within the Himalayan foothills of North India, this former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal screams opulence. With gardens, forests and a range of facilities across its 100-acre grounds, Ananda is the perfect escape over summer for those looking for relaxation with some royal-class treatment.
Retreat rates start from Dhs4,000. Click here for reservations.
Cliveden, England
Oh, nothing. Just a neoclassical manor house with a freestanding summerhouse by the Thames. This hotel is the one for you if you’re after a truly luxurious country house stay, with world-class amenities including a Pavilion spa, boathouse and a helipad. Come for the opulence, but stay for the manor’s fascinating and scandalous history – it’s worth a visit just to learn of its tales alone.
Rates start from Dhs2,400 a night. Click here for reservations.
Le Grand Jardin, South of France
Dating back to the 13th century, this is one of the most exclusive properties in the South of France, just moments from Cannes by boat. Le Grand Jardin is the sole residence on the island of Sainte Marguerite, with some of its previous owners including Louis XIV and the 15th-century Dukes of Guise, and legend has it that Napoleon once grazed his horses in the verdant gardens, whilst observing the passing ships. For a one-of-a-kind trip to the French Riviera, it doesn’t get much more Bridgerton coded than this.
For booking inquiries, click here.
Sanasaryan Han, Istanbul
A taste of royalty in the heart of Istanbul, Sanasaryan Han in the Old Town district is a luxurious respite from the city’s busy streets. The hotel is on the doorstep of Istanbul’s top attractions, and is the perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance. For those new to the country, the hotel’s dining options are also a great gateway into Türkiye’s rich cultural tapestry, too.
Rates start from Dhs1,068 a night. Click here for reservations.
W Budapest
Ok, nothing gives Bridgerton quite like a Palace that was previously home to the Institute of Ballet. The iconic Drechsler Palace is located on Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s most luxurious shopping street. With world-class restaurants, elegantly decorated rooms, and an exclusive underground speakeasy, you’re guaranteed to feel like you’ve been granted access into Bridgerton’s high society.
Rates start from Dhs993 a night. Click here for reservations.
Claridge’s, London
Summer in London brings with it a bit of that Bridgerton-esque magic. A beacon of quintessential English service and contemporary glamour, Claridge’s is an attraction in and of itself. From world-class afternoon tea, to summertime Al Fresco dining at the newly-opened The Terrace at Claridge’s Restaurant, this London hotel is a great entryway into that elegant British charm.
Rates start from Dhs4,300 a night. Click here for reservations.
Psst, heading to London this summer? Read our Arab it-girl guide to London’s Knightsbridge and Mayfair here.