This week marks a momentous occasion: Queen Elizabeth's II's Platinum Jubilee. Across the country, Union Jacks are flying, cakes are being cut and neighbors are coming together for wonderfully retro street parties. To celebrate this historic event, we've compiled a list of our most regal Platinum Jubilee holidays inspired by the Queen's incredible travels (HRH has clocked up a staggering one million plus miles in her 70-year reign, taking 73 trips to 48 different countries in the 1970s alone). From an unforgettable safari adventure in Kenya to a decadent stay in a former palace in India, read on for a roundup of our favorite holidays fit for a Queen…
Elephant Spotting in Kenya
It was while watching elephants in Kenya that the then Princess Elizabeth learned that she was to become Queen, and she returned from that trip as the new Head of State. While you might not experience anything quite so dramatic, seeing elephants in the wild is still a never-forgotten experience and one you can enjoy on an exciting Kenyan safari. We can arrange for you to stay in Kenya's first eco-lodge - Borana Ranch & Safari Lodge – where you will be hosted by the Dyer family, who are famous for their dedication to conservation and commitment to the preservation of black rhinos. During your trip you can join the anti-poaching team on night patrols of the land, go rhino-tracking, and enjoy a flight to the Reteti Elephant Orphanage, piloted by one of the Dyers, where you can visit the baby elephants for their morning feed and learn about Kenya’s conservation efforts.
Community Lodges in Canada
Queen Elizabeth II's most-visited country is Canada, with a whopping 27 trips under her belt - and she has good taste, as it's one of our favorite countries too. Enjoy an authentic insight into the country's culture while staying at Haida House, on British Columbia's north coast. The lodge is 100% owned by the local Haida First Nations community, who are committed to protecting the beautiful surrounding nature and land. During your stay, enjoy cultural and heritage programs, immersive eco adventures and regional cuisine featuring a variety of fresh seafood and local seasonal vegetables. You can also explore the 50 acres of serene natural landscapes surrounding the lodge, complete with rushing rivers, ocean views, a fruit orchard and a network of forest trails.
Exploring Rajasthan in India
Queen Elizabeth II visited India three times, the last of which was in 1997 to mark the republic's 50th anniversary of independence from British rule. Those visiting now must stay at the Six Senses Fort Barwara, which is new for 2022 and is a beautiful restoration of a 14th-century fort in Rajasthan. Originally owned by one of the many Rajasthani royal families, the opulent 48-suite resort incorporates two original palaces and two temples within the walled fort. The painstaking renovations took over a decade to complete and the property now includes a sumptuous spa (a Six Senses signature) and restaurant fit for a king. Spend three nights here as part of an 11-night itinerary, which also includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Culture and Diving in Malta
The last state visit made by the Queen was in November 2015 to Malta, where the Queen and Prince Philip famously spent some of their happiest times as a young family in the 1950s. We can plan the perfect Big Short Break to Malta and its little sister island of Gozo, which can include a car and driver for private tours of Valletta's baroque beauty and Gozo's fascinating history, from its pre-historic Ggantija Temples – 500 years older than Stonehenge – to its Roman temples and 18th-century cathedral. An afternoon dive can also be arranged – Gozo is renowned as one of the finest dive destinations in the Med.