From Princess Diana's glamorous Mediterranean escapes to the secluded Caribbean islands beloved by William and Kate, these are the destinations the Royal Family return to time and again
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When it comes to holidays, the British Royal Family certainly knows a thing or two about travelling in style. Think private Caribbean islands, glamorous Mediterranean hideaways, luxury ski resorts and sprawling Scottish estates, where generations of royals have escaped the pressures of public life in search of a little peace and quiet. And while some destinations have become longstanding family traditions, others are remembered for the iconic photographs they inspired – who could forget Princess Diana enjoying the sunshine in Saint-Tropez or hitting the slopes with a young William and Harry? Or Elizabeth II's favourite Scottish estate?
Of course, you don't need a royal title (or a royal budget, for that matter) to follow in their footsteps. From the snow-covered Austrian Alps to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, many of these destinations are open to ordinary travellers, too. Here are some of the Royal Family's most memorable holiday spots, and the famous faces who have visited them over the years.
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Lech am Arlberg, Austria
Princess Diana was very fond of a skiing holiday, and the picturesque Austrian village of Lech am Arlberg was one of her favourite winter escapes. Throughout the early 1990s, she regularly returned with Prince William and Prince Harry, with the trio photographed on the slopes in 1991, 1992 and 1994. They often stayed at the luxurious Hotel Arlberg, a family-run five-star property in the heart of the village. Today, Lech remains one of Austria's most exclusive ski resorts, known for its traditional Alpine charm, excellent skiing and rather discreet clientele.
Where to stay: For a truly royal experience, book a room at Hotel Arlberg, the five-star family-run hotel where Princess Diana stayed with William and Harry during their skiing holidays in the 1990s. Today, it offers an impressive spa and Michelin-starred dining at La Fenice. Families travelling with little ones will love Hotel Austria, a cosy Alpine retreat with a dedicated children's pool, kids' club and even a shuttle to ski school. For those who want to be first on the slopes, Burg Hotel in nearby Oberlech offers ski-in, ski-out access, excellent dining and a lively après-ski bar.
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Botswana
Botswana holds a particularly special place in Prince Harry's heart. Having first visited the country as a teenager, he returned repeatedly over the years, drawn to its vast wilderness and extraordinary wildlife. In 2016, he famously took Meghan Markle on a camping holiday here shortly after they began dating, and the couple returned in August 2017 to celebrate The Duchess of Sussex's birthday. For travellers, Botswana offers some of Africa's most remarkable safari experiences, from the wildlife-rich waterways of the Okavango Delta to the sweeping landscapes of the Kalahari Desert.
Where to stay: For a safari that brings you closer to nature, &Beyond Nxabega Under Canvas offers just three comfortable safari tents overlooking the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, with guided game drives and traditional mokoro canoe excursions. For something more luxurious, Wilderness DumaTau, in the wildlife-rich Linyanti region, is particularly good for elephant spotting, with spacious suites featuring private plunge pools overlooking the lagoon. For a completely different experience, head to Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where 1940s-inspired interiors, horseback safaris and encounters with habituated meerkats make for an unforgettable stay.
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Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Mustique is the pinnacle of royal glamour. Princess Margaret was gifted a plot of land on this exclusive Caribbean island in 1960, later building her beloved villa, Les Jolies Eaux, where she entertained everyone from aristocrats to celebrities. Decades later, the island remains a royal favourite: William and Catherine have holidayed here with their children, including in 2019, when they reportedly celebrated Prince George's sixth birthday. With its secluded beaches, private villas and famously discreet atmosphere, it's easy to understand the enduring appeal.
Where to stay: For a taste of Mustique's famously glamorous lifestyle, The Cotton House, the island's only hotel, offers elegant suites and cottages surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with a spa and beachfront dining. But for the ultimate royal experience, why not rent a private villa? Les Jolies Eaux, Princess Margaret's former holiday home, is a sprawling five-bedroom estate designed by Oliver Messel, with a swimming pool, a private plunge pool attached to one bedroom, and spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea. Both properties offer a glimpse into the island's exclusive world, where privacy is the greatest luxury of all.
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Saint Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean
Long before the Caribbean became a favourite holiday destination for the younger generation of royals, Princess Diana was enjoying its white-sand beaches with her young sons, William and Harry. In In January 1993, the three travelled to the tiny island of Nevis, staying at the charming Montpelier Plantation Inn, where they enjoyed a Caribbean escape away from their usual royal surroundings. Part of the twin-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, this laid-back Caribbean paradise is known for its unspoilt beaches, lush volcanic landscapes and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Where to stay: For a secluded Caribbean escape, Paradise Beach Nevis offers a collection of private beachfront villas and beach houses, complete with private pools and personalised service, perfect for families or groups of friends. Across the water on Saint Kitts, Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour is ideal for those looking for a more traditional luxury resort experience, with a beautiful beachfront setting, a spa and suites with private plunge pools. For something more intimate, Sunset Reef is a boutique retreat with just seven suites, spectacular Caribbean Sea views and an infinity pool heated using renewable energy.
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The Maldives
For their first major holiday together after becoming parents, Prince William and Catherine chose somewhere suitably spectacular: the Maldives. In March 2014, the couple escaped to Cheval Blanc Randheli, an ultra-luxurious private-island resort in the Noonu Atoll. Often described as a second honeymoon, the trip offered a rare opportunity for the couple to unwind before embarking on their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand. With its impossibly clear waters, pristine beaches and overwater villas, the Maldives remains the ultimate tropical escape.
Where to stay: For a truly royal experience, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers sprawling beachfront and overwater villas with private pools, exceptional dining and a Guerlain spa on its own dedicated island. Families will love Six Senses Kanuhura, spread across three tropical islands, where children can enjoy everything from snorkelling adventures to cooking classes. For a more peaceful, wellness-focused escape, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers secluded villas surrounded by lush vegetation and a beautiful treetop spa overlooking the island's greenery.
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Balmoral, Scotland
If there's one destination that truly belongs to the Royal Family's holiday traditions, it's Balmoral. Nestled among the rolling hills and forests of Aberdeenshire, the Scottish estate has been a favourite royal summer retreat since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert acquired it in 1852. Queen Elizabeth II spent many summers here with Prince Philip, while King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued the tradition, often joined by William, Catherine and their children. Although the castle itself remains a private royal residence, visitors can explore parts of the estate during designated opening periods and discover the spectacular landscapes of Royal Deeside.
Where to stay: Art lovers should book a room at The Fife Arms in the picturesque village of Braemar, a former Victorian coaching inn transformed into a luxurious Highland retreat, where an extraordinary collection of contemporary art and antiques fills every corner. Guests can join guided art tours or unwind with a dram at Bertie's Whisky Bar. For a more traditional Scottish escape, Balmoral Arms in nearby Ballater offers cosy rooms, roaring fireplaces and hearty Highland cooking at its restaurant, 1852, named after the year Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle.
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Greek islands, Greece
The Greek islands have long held a special appeal for the British Royal Family, particularly Corfu, where Prince Philip was born in 1921. King Charles and Queen Camilla have holidayed on the island on several occasions, including in 2017, when they reportedly stayed at the Rothschild family's estate near Kerasia. Prince Edward and Sophie have also enjoyed a family holiday here with their children. In 2025, Prince William and Princess Catherine chose another Greek Island, Kefalonia, to explore the Mediterranean paradise aboard of a luxury yacht.
Where to stay: On Corfu, Domes Miramare, a glamorous adults-only beachfront resort once owned by the Onassis family, offers a taste of the island's jet-set past, with elegant sea-view suites, centuries-old olive trees and a private speedboat for exploring the coastline. Over on Kefalonia, F Zeen is an adults-only wellness retreat overlooking Lourdas Beach, where guests can start the day with yoga overlooking the Ionian Sea, unwind in one of three swimming pools or enjoy a film under the stars at the hotel's outdoor cinema.
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Saint-Tropez, France
Few royal holidays have been photographed quite as extensively as Princess Diana's trip to Saint-Tropez in July 1997. Accompanied by William and Harry, she spent time aboard Mohamed Al-Fayed's yacht, enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine during what would become one of her final summer holidays. But Diana wasn't the only royal drawn to the French Riviera's glamorous shores. Princess Beatrice has also holidayed here, while Princess Eugenie has also visited the region.
Where to stay: For a quieter side of Saint-Tropez, Muse Saint-Tropez is an intimate boutique hotel tucked away in the lush gardens of Ramatuelle, with individually designed suites named after famous muses, some featuring private plunge pools. For a taste of the Riviera's legendary nightlife, Hôtel Byblos, in the heart of Saint-Tropez, is the place to be, with a glamorous swimming pool, a Sisley spa and the iconic Les Caves du Roy nightclub, which has attracted celebrities for decades.