LIFESTYLE

Regal Encounters in the Land of the New King

March 21, 2023

Images and words published in partnership with Pelorus

Calling all royally-obsessed! In May, for the first time in 70 years, a new King will be crowned as millions of people watch and celebrate around the world. To honor this momentous occasion in history, we asked our travel partner, Pelorus, to open their coveted “black book” of contacts, insider knowledge and access to a range of ultra-exclusive experiences for clients of LIVunLtd. Thinking about a trip across the pond? Here’s everything you need to make your trip feel especially regal. 

Everything you see here and more can be arranged by us and the expert travel designers at Pelorus. Simply contact our concierge team at LIVunLtd to initiate your travel request through the LIV appour web portal, or by emailing or calling us directly. We look forward to assisting you!

The Destination: England

England is a country steeped in history, with remnants of its past around every corner. Although small in size, the country features an abundance of historical architecture that is recognizable across the world, from the impressive Tower of London to the many prominent castles throughout the country. Each area in England is unique, from the iconic city of London to the historical Georgian masterpiece of Bath.

The picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, featuring their renowned stone cottages, cobbled streets, and thatched roofs, portray the quintessential English countryside. Jaw-dropping rolling hills as far as the eye can see are home to an array of small animals such as foxes, hedgehogs, badgers and otters, as well as a large number of species of birds. England features some of the most endearing wildlife in the world.

England is most known for their Royal Family, and the impact they have had on its history. Expect to delve deep into the lives of the Royal Family, with Pelorus providing exclusive access to some of the most incredible, behind-the-scenes encounters that very few have experienced before.

Itinerary Inspiration

London

  • Enjoy an exclusive helicopter ride over London (Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Westminster, Big Ben, Tower of London) to take in some of the city’s most iconic sights.
  • Venture to Hyde Park to watch the Household Calvary Division march out on horseback.
  • Explore the heart of London from the River Thames, while staying on board a luxury superyacht, docked opposite the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The Cotswolds

  • Stay at the prominent Cliveden House, where Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stayed the night before her wedding. Your helicopter will take off and land at this location.
  • Partake in a private dining experience or a decadent afternoon tea with one of the Royal Butlers.
  • Journey out to The Cotswolds and drive in an icon Aston Martin to enter Blenheim Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, for an early evening tour and dining experience.
  • Enjoy a private polo experience with one of Prince William’s old teammates on The Great Tew estate. While here, stay at The Thyme – loved by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
  • Visit Gatcombe Park in Stroud to experience a private visit and meet and greet with members of the extended Royal Family.
  • Take in the sunrise with a hot air balloon ride to view some of the Royals favorite haunts, pubs, private residences etc. A good chance to see Highgrove from above and potentially travel all the way to Bath.
  • Explore parts of the Badminton Estate with a shooting experience organized on the estate for those wanting to partake.

Accommodation Inspiration

The Goring

Located across the road from Buckingham Palace, The Goring features a large private garden, surrounded by flowers and a central lawn used for croquet in the summer. The hotel is decorated with hand-painted wallpaper of exotic animals in a romantic English setting. The gorgeous rooms and suites are decorated with exquisite silk-lined walls and spacious marble bathrooms, providing a historical note to each room.

The Goring was graciously granted by HM Queen Elizabeth II a Royal Warrant, the only hotel to have been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services. The Goring has always been a favorite among Royals, with the coronations of both George VI and Queen Elizabeth II filling the hotel with guests from all over the world.

The Dining Room at The Goring, is a Michelin Star restaurant, featuring imaginative cooking from the head chef Shay. Dishes are based on the best seasonal British produce, with an elegance to perfectly match the hotel. Whilst at The Goring, you should try Drumkilbo, a lobster and egg-based dish that was famously enjoyed by the Queen Mother.

The Goring is a favorite among the royal family with Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, staying there the night before her wedding.

Pelorus Travel Designer

Cliveden House

Located in the countryside surrounded by rolling hills, is the beautiful and historical, grade-one listed Cliveden House. The exquisite National Trust property features priceless tapestries and suits of armor dating back to the 18th century. The great halls are decorated in dramatic red tones with portraits lining the walls, as well as stone busts and elaborate flower displays and grand chandeliers lighting the room.

Each room is unique with ranging color schemes. The rooms feature traditional elements, antique furniture and paintings, as well as a four-poster bed, traditional fireplace and a freestanding bath, providing a historical and characteristic feel to each room. The traditional element of formal dining at Cliveden House perfectly blends to the grade-one listed hotel, featuring an ornate French dining room with modern flashes. The restaurant serves modern European cuisine ranging from; black truffle risotto to the traditional beef Wellington, as well as featuring an extensive wine list with a sommelier on-site to perfectly pair your meals.

Cliveden has been the home to a Prince of Wales, two Dukes, an Earl, and finally the Viscounts Astor. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stayed here the night before her wedding, and it is a favorite among British high society.

Pelorus Travel Designer

The Thyme

The Thyme is located in the picturesque town of Southrop, composed of a cluster of 17th-century honey-stone cottages such as an old farmhouse, cottages and barns. All rooms are named after flowers and plants and have been individually decorated to suit their name. All rooms at the Thyme are unique, with one of our favorites being the Nepeta, decorated in an earthy tone and stamped by antiques from Tetbury. The room also features a gland freestanding bath as well as a skylight shower.

This peaceful hotel beautifully balances luxury, whilst honoring the history of the various buildings. With former lambing sheds converted into The Baa (hotel bar) featuring sheep seats made from the fleeces of the flocks grazing Thyme’s own fields. As well as The Ox Barn restaurant, a chic barn that has been redesigned to utilize the lighting to open your eyes up to a host of venerable old beams.

The location of The Thyme in the Cotswolds, provides easy access to Highgrove as well as many other experiences.

Pelorus Travel Designer

The Destination: Scotland

Characterized by awe-inspiring landscapes and ever-changing scenery, Scotland is a remarkably dramatic location of overwhelming beauty. From rugged mountainous peaks and vast tranquil lochs, to the enchanting coastline of beaches and striking islands, Scotland is a mesmerizing landscape that captures the heart.

Scotland’s coastline is a thriving hub for wildlife with the rich waters home to various species of whale, dolphin, seals and otters, as well as countless bird species including puffins and eagles. Inland, you will discover herds of red deer as well as the iconic highland cow.

A playground for the outdoor adventurer, Scotland’s diverse terrains provide endless hiking opportunities through craggy peaks and rugged landscapes. Scotland is home to many Royal roots and has been loved by many members of the Royal family over the years, with Balmoral castle being the Late Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite home.

Itinerary Inspiration

Edinburgh and St Andrews

  • Enjoy a private guided tour of Holyrood Castle as well as Edinburgh Castle before they open, allowing you to absorb the culture and history these castles hold without disturbance.
  • Set out on a private behind-the-scenes tour of Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a former royal yacht of the British monarchy, where you will enjoy evening cocktails.
  • Enjoy a private guided tour of the historic St. Andrews, also the meeting place of Kate & William.
  • Listen to music and hear the experiences of renowned local musicians who have even played for the Queen on several occasions.

Yacht Experiences

  • Cruise up to some of Scotland’s iconic, historic, coastal castles; including Eilean Donan Castle, Tantallon Castle, Duart Castle, Armadale Castle, and Dunnottar Castle.
  • Anchor off the coast of Castle Toward, an ancient castle that has been recently renovated. Enjoy a spectacular evening of entertainment here including a traditional Scottish Ceilidh accompanied by a local band, highland games, and fine dining.
  • Transfer in 4×4 to a highland estate near Braemar to a private bothy (cottage) to enjoy lunch, storytelling and musicians.
  • Venture out on a beautiful guided hike, where your expert guides will lead you around the historical cairns erected by the Royal Family on the Balmoral Estate. This area was beloved by the late Queen.
  • Ride through the Royal Family’s treasured 20,000-acre Highland estate on a guided Land Rover tour that takes you through manicured parkland and deep into the surrounding forest.
  • Tour a beloved medieval castle with a private specialist guide. This atmospheric, turreted fortress was the childhood home of the Queen Mother and also had a starring role in one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
  • Take part in a private tour of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, this distillery malt was first made for one of Queen Victoria’s royal banquets. Here you can enjoy a tasting of the different malt whiskeys.

Accommodation Inspiration

Gleneagles Townhouse

Located in Saint Andrews Square, a stunning area in Edinburgh that features architectural gems, within the old bank of Scotland is the Gleneagles Townhouse. The hotel is decorated in electric design, maximizing Victorian art deco and mid-century styling. The lobby features a luxurious red velvet staircase leading you to the stunning stained glass windows on the second floor. The rooms also feature modern touches in the bathrooms, with polished green tiles, marble basins and accents of gold. The hotel features a stunning art deco bar with scalloped armchairs and curved banquettes as well as the Spence restaurant with an open kitchen and a menu that celebrates the fantastic local ingredients such as Argyle rock oysters and wild deer haunch.

The Gleneafles Townhouse is the newest and the best hotel now in Edinburgh. This boutique hotel features outstanding facilities as well as dining in a phenomenal location.

Pelorus Travel Designer

Fife Arms

Located in pretty Braemar, surrounded by the Cairngorm mountains, in an area famed for the Royal Highland games is the Fife Arms. The hotel perfectly balances tradition and contemporary art, with Queen Victoria‘s watercolor of a stag’s head hanging next to Richard Jackson’s neon, blown glass antler chandelier.

The interior features stunning fabrics and is filled with beautiful antiques. Each room hosts its own theme, from “Scottish culture” to “nature and poetry”, with most rooms featuring the famous dash of tweed and large windows offering a stunning view of the mountains.

After a day exploring Scotland, head to the hotel pub The Flying Stag, a spot frequented by locals that offers classic local ales, live entertainment and a selection of over 180 whiskies. Dine at the hotel’s restaurant, The Clunie Dining Room, which showcases the finest seasonal produce, from fresh seafood and game, to local whiskies, with many ingredients sourced from local gamekeepers and farmers.

Queen Victoria had huge affections for Braemar and the Victorian Coaching Inn (which is now the Fife Arms). This encouraged many noble visitors to the area.

Pelorus Travel Designer

Inveraray Castle

Located in the county of Argyll in western Scotland upon the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch, is Inveraray Castle. This castle is one of the earliest examples of Gothic revival architecture and has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll since the 18 century. The castle is built out of greyish green turreted stone, with spires on the four corner turrets, set within large beautiful grounds.

The house still has original furniture and tapestries which maintains its Georgian roots, but has been updated to include modern bathrooms and heating. The interior features fascinating artwork in a variety of vibrant colors, as well as an impressive collection of armories that hang from the walls. This Scottish castle is situated on a large estate that offers wonderful walks and places to explore. Previous Dukes of Argyll have created several follies and other stone buildings that offer fantastic views over Loch Fyne and the surrounding area.

The Castle was recently featured in the TV series, A Very British Scandal, which showcased the regal castle and stunning grounds.

Pelorus Travel Designer

Spirit of Fortitude

The Spirit of Fortitude is a 108-foot tri-deck luxury superyacht, brimming with character. Expect a handcrafted interior that blends a classic Scottish feel with a contemporary twist. With six sumptuous state bedrooms onboard as well as several areas for relaxation, including a library room and sun deck, the Spirit of Fortitude offers a luxurious base from which to explore Scotland’s rugged and wild coastline. Limited to 12 passengers, she has ample space onboard without ever feeling too crowded.

Up on the Bridge Deck, the “Whisky Viewing room” benefits from larger windows and is great for viewing while sittingon a comfy sofa soaking up your surroundings. As the name suggests it benefits from a well stocked Whisky Bar, a perfect place to spend your evenings.

Pelorus Travel Designer
Feeling inspired?

Everything here and more can be arranged by LIV and a Pelorus travel designer, and you can send your travel request through the LIV appour web portal, or by emailing or calling us directly. Please note that vendor availability for the weekend and weeks before/after the coronation is tight.

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