The Castle on the Hudson, New York
This sprawling, medieval-style castle, with a nod to the
Norman fortresses of the British Isles, overlooks the Hudson
River just half an hour out of Manhattan - in fact, one of the
dining rooms in its award-winning Equus restaurant offers a
view of the New York City skyline. The more than 100-year-old
estate is surrounded by acres of manicured gardens and grounds
that recall a distant era. The Castle’s luxurious suites
include wood burning fireplaces, turret alcoves and impeccable
service. Accommodations range from $695-750 per night for the
anniversary package which includes a four-course dinner at
Equus, chocolate-dipped strawberries and a split of champagne,
and $740 to $1,250 for the Romantic Spa Package, which
includes a Swedish massage. For reservations, call
1-800-616-4487, or (914) 631-1980. For more information, go to
http://www.castleonthehudson.com.
Castlebury, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A royal retreat, a secret hideaway, a castle in the mist on
an island in a charming seaside village. Sounds perfect,
right? Throw in a canopy bed, vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, a
two-person soaker tub and complete privacy, and you have the
ultimate honeymoon retreat. The Castlebury is a luxurious
combination of a 5-star bed and breakfast with the romanticism
of a private castle. You can watch the sun rise or set on the
Chemainus Bay from your ocean view "Juliet" balcony.
Package options include an in-suite catered feast with live
harp music, a horse and carriage at your door for a tour of
the town, elegant dining and live theater. Rates range from
$220-240 Canadian for the Camelot Suite. For more information,
call 1-866-246-9910 or (250) 246-9228, or go to http://www.castleburycottage.com/index.html.
Cinderella Castle Royal Suite, Walt Disney World,
Orlando, Fla.
The Royal Suite - created in early 2007 for overnight
stays by winners of Disney's two-year "Million
Dreams" promotion - will remain open for selected guests
this year on a limited basis, a Disney spokesperson recently
confirmed in an article in the Orlando Sentinel. The
suite is in a tower of Cinderella Castle, in the middle of the
Magic Kingdom theme park. Set into space originally reserved
as a possible apartment for company founder Walt Disney's
family, the 650-square-foot, three-room suite offers a mix of
17th-century French luxury, 21st-century convenience and
1950s-era Disney motifs. Features include stained glass, a
mosaic floor, original Cinderella movie concept art, a
whirlpool tub, and a fireplace with fireworks effects. Two
"magic" mirrors in the suite double as flat-screen
televisions. The room will continue to be available for use as
the prize for promotions, including some run by outside
companies, the Disney spokesman said. The suite was most
recently offered as a prize in a sweepstakes called
"Inside Your Celebration," organized by the Internet
travel portal Orbitz. For more information, go to http://hotels.about.com/od/disneyworld/a/cinderellasuite.htm.
Thornewood Castle, Washington State
Native American meets Elizabethan England in this
"house that love built" on the shores of American
Lake south of Seattle. Industrialist Chester Thorne had a
400-year-old Elizabethan manor dismantled in England and
shipped to the Pacific Northwest to provide the foundation for
his castle, which is surrounded by gardens designed by the
Olmsted brothers of New York City’s Central Park fame. It’s
a place of history and fairy tales, with whispers of a
Renaissance past, including a truly English "Secret
Garden." Crystal windows, staircases hewn from ancient
oak, and stained glass dating back to the 1300s mingle with
materials from the Northwest crafted 100 years ago, including
the original wishbone sticks (to ward off evil spirits and
bring good fortune) hung around the perimeter of the basement
by Native American workmen. Mysteries, theme evenings,
masquerade balls, film screenings and a romantic dinner are
all on the menu at Thornewood. For more information, call
253-584-4393, or go to www.thornewoodcastle.com.
Glenapp Castle, Ayreshire, Scotland
Experience the ultimate royal fantasy in this Victorian
castle on the coast of Scotland, 100 miles southwest of
Edinburgh. Built in 1870 and restored in 1994, the castle is
set amid 36 acres of gardens and woodland with spectacular
views over the Irish Sea to the Island of Arran and the
granite rock of Ailsa Craig. There’s also a touch of
history, as Glennap was the hotel where Winston Churchill
hammered out the D-Day invasion plan with Dwight Eisenhower.
The castle features guest rooms decorated with antiques bought
at Sotheby’s, outstanding cuisine, fine wines and
exceptional service. Beautiful gardens and grounds, sandstone
battlements and soaring turrets and towers have been returned
to their former glory. Nearby activities include salmon and
trout fishing, golf, mountain bike riding, bird watching and
walking tours. It’s pricey: rates for double occupancy range
from 375 to 435 pounds per night (about $545 to $635 American)
and include a six course gourmet dinner and full Scottish
breakfast. For more information, go to www.glenappcastle.com.
Amberley Castle, West Sussex, England
This 14th-century stone castle is an idyllic
getaway in the picturesque village of Amberley. It features
original medieval architecture, including a high curtain wall,
a twin-tower gatehouse and a water gate set amidst landscaped
gardens, a croquet lawn and tranquil lakes. This place is like
stepping back in time, as you can climb the rope bridge to the
thatched-roof tree house, play some tennis or a round of golf,
then retreat to a room furnished with antiques and fine
fabrics, a four-poster bed and a personal Jacuzzi. Wait up
until midnight and you'll be treated to the spectacle of the
awesome two-ton oak Portcullis being silently lowered for the
night. Rates for double occupancy range from 260 to 365 pounds
($382 to $536 American). Go to www.amberleycastle.co.uk
for more information, or call +44 (0) 1798 831992.
Castle Moffett, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
An elegantly romantic destination for a castle wedding or
honeymoon hideaway, this 200-acre estate buffeted by the Bras
d'Or lakes features a five-star, four-diamond inn. The Great
Hall is enhanced by a long staircase for the bride to descend
and a Grand Piano for the ceremonial music. Or, couples can
choose to be married outside by the fountain pond. Nearby is
the world-famous Cabot Trail with its romantic waterfalls and
26 walking paths. There are moonlight sailboat rides and
kayaking tours, relaxing massage and sauna and fitness
facilities, and romantic candle-lit dinners in the Windsor
Dining Room. A one-night Castle Getaway includes a four-course
dinner and full breakfast for $264-289 Canadian, while the
two-night getaway ranges from $475-525. For more Information,
call 1-888-756-9070 or go to www.castlemoffett.com.
Château St. Gerlach, Maastricht, Holland
This castle on the banks of the River Geul, which dates
back to the 15th century, was rescued from ruins by
a $26 million makeover from a rich Dutch hotelier. The
transformation is stylish while respecting the castle’s
heritage. Enveloped by the Ingendael Wildlife Preserve, the
garden-bedecked grounds contain an old farmhouse, convent,
granary and Baroque church. The convent operates as the estate’s
museum and the castle is home to Les Trois Corbeaux, well
known for its French cuisine. Also on site is the Kneipp
Wellness Center with its ornate Roman-style swimming pool. For
more information, go to www.chateauhotels.nl.
Ledson Castle, Kenwood, California
Experience the essence of Sonoma Valley’s vineyard-draped
landscape at this Gothic-inspired structure in the heart of
Ledson Winery, a family-owned and operated venue available for
weddings of up to 250 people. Nuptials are held on the front
lawn, with the castle itself serving as a backdrop along with
dancing waters from a fountain. The facility provides both
bride and groom suites for pre-wedding preparations, a
sweeping oak staircase for wedding photos, and the use of a
picnic area for the reception. Lodging can be found in nearby
Sedona at The Ledson Hotel, aowned by the Ledson Winery and
Vineyards. Six suites at the hotel are each furnished with a
king-sized bed and a whirlpool tub. For more information, call
707-537-3810 or go to www.ledson.com.
The Enchanted Forest, De Luz Valley, California
Located 50 miles from San Diego, the Enchanted Forest is a
perfect setting for that storybook wedding, including an
outdoor cathedral complete with white swans gliding on a
tranquil pond in front of a castle and tower. The events-only
facility offers a wide range of photo opportunities, and the
on-site wedding coordinator will help the bride feel like a
princess for the day. Accommodations can be found 12 miles
away. For more information go to www.enchantedforestweddings.com.
Cupid's Castle Bed and Breakfast, Pauma Valley, California
This bed and breakfast castle is perfect for a romantic
getaway or retreat, and ideal for a honeymoon or anniversary.
Hidden in the seclusion of a lemon orchard, the enchanting
gardens feature 400 year old oak trees, a grotto garden
complete with frolicking fairies (if you use your
imagination), a small pond, wind chimes, fountains and
flowers. Overnight guests have a choice of four romantic
suites with a two person Jacuzzi tub and a private balcony.
Ballooning and hiking are available nearby, and the castle is
located just a short distance from award winning wineries,
championship golf courses, and casinos. Suite rates range from
$200-275 per night. For more information, call 760-742-3306 or
go to www.cupidscastlebandb.com.
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