Do you too have a list of things you would definitely still like to experience – the unusual, the daring, perhaps the seemingly impossible? Then now is the time to add to it: How about strolling alone in the evening through the deserted Tower of London and gazing in peace at the Crown Jewels? Riding in limousines which once chauffeured the Queen Mother? Or enjoying a private dinner in time-honoured Edinburgh Castle? Yes – ultimate, exclusive and limited luxury experiences like these do exist. Made possible by InterContinental
Hotels & Resorts – for a special reason: it’s not every day that you get to be 75.
75 years is an anniversary to be proud of. These years also characterise an impressive success story which, as is so often the case, begins with a vision: the founder of Pan American Airways, Juan Trippe, wanted to offer luxurious accommodation to his passengers at all of his flight destinations worldwide. A pioneer spirit that has paid off: when the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand was launched in the year 1946, it set a new standard for luxury travel. The hotels rapidly became a mecca for high-ranking personalities and heads of state, and some were the scene of historic milestones, such as when Charles de Gaulle dined at the InterContinental Le Grand, shortly after the liberation of Paris from the Nazis. The Charter of the United Nations was signed in the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. And who could forget Martin Luther King’s legendary ‘I have a dream’ speech? It was drafted in the InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C. And in more recent times too, this premium brand remains true to its founder’s vision: the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, opened in 2018, makes its own unequivocal statement as an architectural icon. And the fact that the InterContinental New York Barclay was selected as the official hotel of the 2021 U.S. Open confirms the high level of hospitality that is embraced in all InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. A rich heritage to look back on after 75 successful years, and a heritage which will be fittingly celebrated – from the anniversary cocktail to ultimate luxury experiences in selected hotels worldwide: the InterContinental Diamond Stay Packages.
When the first and largest luxury hotel brand celebrates its diamond anniversary, you can expect the exceptional. That’s exactly what the Diamond Stay Packages are about: making the impossible possible and giving a new dimension to the desire for exclusive experiences. A prelude of what’s to come: one of the European Diamond Stay Packages whisks its guests off to Great Britain. Thanks to their rich history, London and Edinburgh are already regarded as among the most attractive and worthwhile destinations in Europe, but you will completely rediscover them on this trip. As soon as you arrive at the InterContinental London Park Lane, located between Hyde Park and Green Park with a view of Wellington Arch and Buckingham Palace, a sense of royal flair enfolds. You are chauffeured in an iconic Daimler Limousine dating from the era of the Queen Mother to visit a royal jeweller, where you are allowed to take a look behind the scenes of this noble manufactory at royal craftsmanship in action. You will then be summoned to have your portrait photographed by the royal court photographer. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the evening is crowned by an exclusive guided tour through the Tower of London: walking through this fortress complex when it has been emptied of all tourists, seeing the Crown Jewels at a private viewing or visiting the Church of St Peter ad Vincula, the resting place of prominent figures such as Anne Boleyn – this is really special. And worthy of a toast with a cocktail. What could be more fitting than to do this with an InterContinental75, the anniversary version of the French75 cocktail with Piper Heidsieck Champagne and The Botanist Islay Dry Gin?
Bagpipers, kilts, mountains and whisky: this is what comes to mind when we think of Scotland, the second stop on this Diamond Stay Packages trip. The Botanist also proves that they can also distil superb gin here. A tasting is also on the agenda – in majestic Edinburgh Castle no less, which is visible from the elegant InterContinental Edinburgh The George. The imposing castle complex sits enthroned upon Castle Rock, towering over the city; it is filled with a rich history and countless artworks including the Scottish Crown Jewels. Experience an exclusive private dinner surrounded by the majestic ambience of this centuries-old royal residence – an unforgettable highlight. The theme of historic heritage is continued with a visit to Broomhall House. This country residence of the royal Bruce family dates back to the year 1306 when Robert the Bruce was on the throne. Lord Charles Bruce takes you personally through the estate belonging to his father, Lord Andrew Bruce, 11th Earl of Elgin and 15th Earl of Kincardine. The tour through the rooms resembles an historic journey through time with authentic settings and exciting artefacts such as the centuries-old books in the library, including the celebrated Bible de Genève of 1561. The day then continues in slightly more down-to-earth fashion: in Araminta Campbell’s weaving studio, beautiful tweed and tartan fabrics are handwoven in traditional craftsmanship. They are used both in Araminta’s own collections and those of renowned luxury labels. History, culture, pleasure: for its 75th anniversary, InterContinental is offering only the best – for a true 'once in a lifetime' experience.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS & RESORTS
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the first and largest luxury brand in the world – with a total of 206 hotels in over 60 countries. Over 70 hotels are planned for the coming years, both at popular established destinations as well as emerging destinations; they include Barcelona in Spain, Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, Sorrento in Australia, Kaohsiung in Taiwan und Appi Kogen in Japan. The Diamond Stay Packages, created for the 75th anniversary year, are unique, exclusive experience holidays at selected hotels all over the world and are only bookable for a limited period of time. The Great Britain Package portrayed here has been realised by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in partnership with BEYOND CURATED and MACLEAN & BRUCE – experts who focus on incomparable, customised travel experiences.
DIAMOND STAY PACKAGES
Day 1
Located on the site of the childhood home of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth ll, InterContinental London Park Lane is steeped in Royal heritage and is the perfect place to begin your journey of two charming cities. From our prestigious address in the heart of Mayfair, you will roam Historic Royal Palaces, uncover worlds of rare jewels and delight in a plethora of unique private-dining experiences.
Chauffeur driven throughout the day in a classic Daimler once owned by the Queen Mother, you will experience a private visit to Kensington Palace on the morning of day one. Enjoy an exclusive viewing of their current exhibition of royal garments, including Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress.
After a sparkling visit to a Royal heritage jeweller, you’ll return to InterContinental London Park Lane for a quintessentially British Royal Afternoon Tea, served in our Royal Suite.
Luxuriate in one of our exquisitely designed Mayfair Suites ahead of the evening’s private boat tour and visit of the Crown Jewels, where a Royal photographer will take your portrait against the stunning backdrop of the Tower of London.
Day 2
Enjoy a gentle start to your day two with a Royal ride past Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and other prestigious palaces from the opulence of your 1946 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. Arriving at a secret location, you’ll receive a private orientation of this iconic British heritage landmark and discover the royal secrets of the impressive setting. As you savour your afternoon with a fine wine tasting and indulgent three-course lunch, a Winston Churchill expert will reveal rare insights into the character of the world-changing British statesman.
Take to the skies as you board your luxury private jet to the elegant city of Edinburgh, where on arrival you will check in to your grand Master Suite at InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
Day 3
After delighting in a special Botanist gin experience at world-renowned Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, you’ll receive a traditional piper welcome and walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. With the spectacular fortress all to yourselves, sit down to indulge your second private dining experience.
Day 4
On day two in Edinburgh, immerse yourself in Scottish culture as you design a bespoke tartan piece of your own in luxury textile designer Araminta Campbell’s private showroom. Come afternoon, travel by helicopter to an exclusive lunch hosted by Sotheby’s Scotland at the magnificent Marchmont House, where you’ll enjoy a short tour with a curator who will highlight a few extra special pieces in the incredible private collection.
Take a moment to savour the memories you have made across two wonderful cities by rounding off a truly memorable four days with an enchanting evening performance by tribal drummers, Clanadonia. Whilst you sip on a glass of champagne outside Marchmont House, raise a toast to InterContinental’s 75th anniversary and the wonderful few days you’ve had.
About the Diamond Stay Packages
Please find, via the link below, an overview of the Diamond Stay Packages with detailed information regarding hotels, programmes and booking options: www.intercontinental.com/75thanniversary
The experience highlights listed can be booked depending on availability. Changes to the programme are possible. All Diamond Stay Packages are limited and are only bookable until April 2022.
Prices start at £75,000 for two people and may vary if further amendments are made to the programme.
