Terry Ward
These trips are fit for a king—literally
As befits the sultan of Brunei, if your digs were endowed with more than 1,700 rooms, merely venturing between wings could be considered a holiday of sorts. But your vacations are bound to get decadent when you can afford 531 Mercedes Benzes, 185 BMWs and a bevy of Lamborghinis in addition to your own private Boeing 747 decked out in gold-plated accoutrements. And that’s just a peek at the Sultan’s alleged material inventory.
As is the case with many a moneyed royal, the sultan’s private life is so secretive that it’s difficult to confirm where he unwinds when he’s not busy bulking up his multi-billion dollar automobile collection...
These trips are fit for a king—literally
As befits the sultan of Brunei, if your digs were endowed with more than 1,700 rooms, merely venturing between wings could be considered a holiday of sorts. But your vacations are bound to get decadent when you can afford 531 Mercedes Benzes, 185 BMWs and a bevy of Lamborghinis in addition to your own private Boeing 747 decked out in gold-plated accoutrements. And that’s just a peek at the Sultan’s alleged material inventory.
As is the case with many a moneyed royal, the sultan’s private life is so secretive that it’s difficult to confirm where he unwinds when he’s not busy bulking up his multi-billion dollar automobile collection...
Terry Ward
These trips are fit for a king—literally
As befits the sultan of Brunei, if your digs were endowed with more than 1,700 rooms, merely ventur... more
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1
Villa la Angostura, Argentina
The entire Dutch royal family rang in New Year 2008 in Villa la Angostura in the Lake District of Argentina, the native country of Princess Maxima, who is married to Holland's Prince Willem-Alexander of Orange. "The Lake District, at the foot of the Andes, is very much like Switzerland married to Alaska," says Lisa Lindblad of Lisa Lindblad Travel Design in New York City. "It's perfectly beautiful, absolutely stunning, with glacial lakes... with wonderful fly fishing, hiking and horseback riding opportunities."
2
Aqaba, Jordan
Queen Rania of Jordan's much loved family vacation destination for weekends and school vacations is close to home, in the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba in the south of Jordan. For snorkelers and divers, there's much to be discovered underwater along the coast of Aqaba toward Saudi Arabia, with frequent charters departing Aqaba's port.
3
Tjøme, Norway
King Harald V of Norway, an avid sailor, spends much of summer on his 52-foot-long competition sailboat, the Fram XVI. But when he's berthed in Norway, he and Queen Sonja pass lazy days in the royal cabin on the island of Tjøme, off Norway's south coast. Nicknamed the "summer island," Tjome's population swells nearly tenfold during the summer months, when weather along the Oslo Fjord coastline is generally perfect.
4
Verbier, Switzerland
Denmark's crown prince and his Australian-born wife spent winter holiday 2008 with their children in this posh Francophone resort in the Swiss Alps. New to Verbier's luxury chalet rental market this year is The Lodge, "Sir Richard Branson's Mountain Retreat." With room for 18 adults and 6 kids, the property sits on a private glade close to both the town and ski lifts, and boasts its own mini ice skating rink and indoor pool.
5
Mission Hills Golf Club, China
Princess Birgitta of Sweden, an avid golfer, was in Shenzhen, China, in January 2008 to celebrate her birthday while partaking in at least a few of the 216 holes on tap at Mission Hills Golf Club. More than 12 celebrity golfer-designed courses are within an hour's drive of Hong Kong at this enormous luxury resort.
6
Marbella, Spain
The House of Saud has long laid a summertime claim to this most stylish of the Costa del Sol hotspots along Spain's arid southern coast. And when Prince Alwaleed et al are in town, Marbella counts on millions of dollars in additional revenue, daily. International jet-setters with cash to burn and a weakness for golf base themselves at the Marbella Club. The hotel's 18-hole golf course is the exclusive domain of hotel guests, and bungalows surrounded by fabulous gardens let onto the glittering Mediterranean.
7
Damascus, Syria
A no-go zone for western tourists until the last decade, Damascus is arguably the most alluring destination in the Middle East. Saudi and Gulf State royalty arrive by private jet into Damascus, then head for the surrounding hills to escape the summertime heat. The winding souks of the Old City, where gold, silk and spices are hawked, are straight from Arabian Nights. And if you're worried about the hassle of arranging a visa through an embassy, book into the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Damascus and let the concierge take care of the paperwork before you depart.
8
Cascais, Portugal
A beautiful seaside fishing village within easy striking distance of the world-class golf course at Oitavos Dunes and Lisbon's nightlife and moody fado clubs (the capital city is only 30 minutes away by train), Cascais has the good life down pat. King Juan Carlos of Spain purportedly stays at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa named in his honor, when he's in town for the annual sailing regatta.
9
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
If it's good enough for the sultan of Brunei… His royal richness joins Bill Gates among the privileged property owners in this uber-wealthy San Diego-area enclave. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, renowned for its tennis facilities and luxury casitas set in pastoral surrounds, is the most indulgent place for the rest of us to relax.
10
Klosters, Switzerland
The British royals have long staked claim to posh Klosters in Switzerland's eastern German-speaking canton of Graubunden for their annual ski holidays. Prince William spent Easter 2008 in the alpine hamlet with girlfriend Kate Middleton. Klosters' terrain links to the larger neighboring resort of Davos, making the schussing options as appealing as the luxury lure.
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