Five Destinations Fit for a Queen

Britain’s royal family is having a big year: 2012 is the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the first anniversary of William and Kate’s wedding. What better way to celebrate the royal family than with a holiday fit for a queen? Check out these five destinations that have been popular with the royal family.

The Caribbean

The royal family’s love affair with the Caribbean is well documented, and Prince Harry toured the islands earlier this year as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. The private island of Mustique was a favourite holiday venue of the late Princess Margaret and the Middleton family enjoyed a  trip here in January. Relax on a pristine beach with a cocktail, try your hand at some watersports in the tropical waters, or dance to Reggae beats in a lively and cosmopolitan city; holidays in the Caribbean offer something for every taste.

Seychelles

Prince William and Duchess Catherine celebrated their honeymoon last year in the Seychelles, an island paradise in the Indian Ocean. The nation’s 115 islands are blessed with exquisite white beaches and some of the most beautiful tropical island landscapes in the world. During the honeymoon William reportedly enjoyed a spot of scuba diving, an activity popular with holidaymakers in the Seychelles. Visit the islands and discover a little romance of your own.

Ibiza

Kate Middleton fever truly started when images surfaced of her and sister Pippa frolicking on a yacht in Ibiza. Pack your own white bikini and enjoy the sun-drenched party scene of this popular Spanish island. Head to Ibiza Town for the big clubs, or if you’re after a more refined atmosphere (or the Ibiza Rocks music festival) visit the chic town of San Antonio. Ibiza’s beautiful landscape, seas and ancient monuments are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the island enjoys water temperatures of up to 27 C in the summer.

Kenya

The royal couple got engaged during a rustic holiday in Kenya, a country that is also a favourite of Harry, the Queen and Prince Phillip. Relax at a luxurious safari lodge, go camping (or glamping) under the stars, or relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are 19 national parks and reserves in the country, the most famous of which is the wildlife-packed Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Scotland

Kate and Wills met while studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The royal family have long loved holidays in Scotland, particularly to the family’s famous getaway at Balmoral Castle. It may not be as exotic as an African safari or tropical retreat, but the Scottish landscape is equally beautiful. Have a game of golf at the famous Old Course in St. Andrews and head south to Edinburgh for even more royal fun. Visit the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and head up Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to the iconic castle.