Castles, Villas, One Island One Hotel, and Staying in Top-Tier Accommodations for a Luxurious Night

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network | Source/MOOK Editorial Department

 

While traveling the world and exploring various countries, recording scenic spots and local cuisines in your travel journal, uniquely styled luxury hotels also bring great anticipation. Whether it's a fairy-tale-like Canadian castle hotel, an entire island dedicated to one resort in the Maldives, or a villa embraced by natural landscapes and greenery, accommodation here transcends the ordinary rest and sleep, becoming one of the best experiences of exotic charm—no less than visiting famous sights or savoring delicious food.

Opened in 1912, the Fairmont Château Laurier is one of Ottawa’s landmarks. Countless political and business celebrities have stayed here, such as former Beatles member John Lennon, 007 actor Roger Moore, and photography master Yousuf Karsh. The architectural style and bronze-colored roof of the hotel are a complete replica of late medieval French architecture, which has also influenced the style of most of Canada’s “national buildings.”

 

The construction of the hotel began in 1907 under the supervision of Charles Melville Hays, General Manager of the Pacific Railway Group. Unexpectedly, on the eve of its grand opening in April 1912, the new manager Hays and some brand-new furniture that was supposed to be shipped from Britain all sank with the Titanic, forcing the opening ceremony to be postponed—an incident that became the most famous anecdote in the history of the Château Laurier. This hotel was also the headquarters of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In 1920, 500 guests gathered at the hotel to listen to a voice transmitted from 100 miles away, marking a new chapter in Ottawa’s broadcasting history.

If you were to vote for the most photogenic luxury hotel in the world, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac would surely be on the list. After all, its construction was initiated by the wealthy elite who prospered thanks to the Pacific Railway, aiming to set a new standard for luxury in the world. Though the definition of luxury has changed over time, the charm of the Château Frontenac remains rooted in the 19th century. Yet, it is precisely this sense of temporal dislocation that evokes beautiful imaginings of palaces and nobility, further enhancing its fame.

 

The bronze French sloped roof, small turrets on dormer windows, and surrounding round towers all evoke images of 16th-century French castles. In fact, the architectural inspiration for this hotel comes from the Loire Valley castle group in France, led by Château de Chambord. The architect in charge was Bruce Price, who had already built the Banff Springs Hotel for the Pacific Railway Company, making him the natural choice for the new project. True to expectations, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, completed in 1893, not only became his career-defining masterpiece but also an irreplaceable landmark of Quebec City. Viewed from Place d’Armes, Dufferin Terrace, or even from the St. Lawrence River, it consistently ranks among the most photographed sights, possibly even ranking highly on the world heritage list. But above all, it remains the city’s most iconic observation spot.

 

Maldives — Enjoy One Island One Hotel

1. Angsana Ihuru Resort & Spa

2. Banyan Tree Madivaru Resort & Spa