When it comes to accommodation we enjoy offering options that are a little out of the ordinary and add to the overall experience of your trip. Heritage hotels are a particular favourite of ours so we’ve put together our guide to six of the best heritage hotels below.
1. Castle Bijaipur, India
An enchanting castle standing high on a plateau of the great Vindhyachal ranges, Castle Bijaipur is one of our favourite heritage hotels. More elaborate homestay than commercial hotel, the castle gives breath-taking views of the valley and village encircling it, through which you can horse ride, cycle or take wonderful walks. The rooms of the castle, and its more contemporary Victorian wing, are all individually styled. Facilities include a lovely courtyard and a large swimming pool, plus a wonderful rooftop terrace to do some yoga, have a romantic dinner or just watch village life go by. Castle Bijaipur offers a laid-back, unpretentious and aesthetically Indian experience.
2. Hacienda de San Antonio, Mexico
Hacienda de San Antonio is located at the bottom of an active volcano in Mexico’s picturesque highlands. All of the suite rooms encompass the rich traditions of Mexico’s arts and crafts and are individually decorated, making each room a unique and sumptuous space. The lush formal gardens look out over vast expanses of unspoiled natural beauty. The mild mountain climate is perfect for activities such as horse riding, hiking and bird watching, or you can enjoy gentle walks or sunbathing by the wonderful outdoor swimming pool.
3. FCC Club, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Foreign Correspondents Club in Phnom Penh offers a hotel, bar and restaurant and is a renowned meeting place for intrepid adventurers, locals and visitors from around the world. Its colonial setting and riverfront location have long attracted visitors to the city, back to the days when only a handful of people visited Cambodia. Renovated from a French colonial-era villa the rooms are spacious and modern. The rooftop terrace is a popular location for live music and cocktails whilst watching the sunset.
4. Khaplu Palace, Pakistan
Pakistan’s Khaplu Palace (above) offers the chance to stay in unique historical buildings dating back to the 1840s. Located on the upper side of Khaplu Town in the Baltistan region, this luxurious boutique hotel combines modern amenities with the restored original architecture of a 19th century Raja Palace. The historical guest rooms are situated in the original Old Palace, whilst the newer Garden House bedrooms are more modern and conventional. Its location and picturesque setting on the legendary route to the incredible glaciers of Concordia are perfect for those who enjoy experiencing nature and culture.
5. Cataract Hotel, Aswan, Egypt
Aswan’s Cataract Hotel is located in a 19th-century Victorian palace on the banks of the river Nile. With views of Elephantine Island the hotel has always been known for its luxurious décor and more recently underwent an extensive refurbishment to restore its Victorian beauty and Egyptian atmosphere, alongside a new rejuvenating hamman and infinity pool. One of the Cataract Hotel’s most famous guests was Winston Churchill, who stayed there in 1902 and many times afterwards. Nowadays a luxurious suite is named after him, combining classic Victorian style, Egyptian mystique and French elegance.
6. Mountbatten Lodge, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Mountbatten Lodge is located just outside the old highland town of Kandy and was once the residence of Lord Mountbatten when he was in Sri Lanka. All of the original furniture, fittings and pictures have been retained by the present owners, but the property itself has been renovated and refurbished into an up-market boutique style bungalow. The rooms and suites are richly furnished with four poster beds and bathrooms reminiscent of the stately Victorian era. Set on almost 6 acres of carefully tendered grounds, the lodge also has two small tea plantations for clients to enjoy.
