Defy Gravity: 5 Stays Inspired by Magic and Mystery
After two decades of exploring a magical world within musical theaters, a new movie adaptation hits big screens on November 27, telling the tale of a rivalry that turns into an enchanting friendship between the two leading ladies. With over half (57%)* of travelers wanting to embrace ‘main character energy’ in 2024, where better to indulge in this musical adaptation than at properties that capture the essence of these witches? We reveal the most magical, green and luxurious stays (with a little bit of pink in there too for the good witch) to help travelers defy gravity.
The Enchantment Chamber, York, United Kingdom
Acclaimed as the most haunted city in Europe, York is no stranger to eerie tales of ghosts, ghouls and witches waiting to surprise unsuspecting visitors around its dark corners. With bricklaid walls creating a rustic and historic appearance, aged furniture decorations throughout, books of spells stacked high, potion bottles lining the shelves and a life-like owl keeping a stern eye on guests, this property screams magic. This wizarding-world themed property is an ideal hangout for budding witches and wizards. With a fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathroom and private sitting room, there’s plenty of space in this one-bedroom apartment for sorcery students to brew a potion or cast a spell or two. Those looking to delve into York’s bewitching history can experience the York Witches and History Walking Tour.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
This property is one for this musical's good witch and fit for any traveler with magic on their mind. Nestled on a lush garden estate in the heart of Cape Town’s city center, lies a five-star gem awash with touches of pinks and golds. Just a short walk away from Company Gardens, the oldest garden, park and heritage site in South Africa, this tranquil oasis boasts world-class facilities that no traveler will want to share. From indulging in the hotel’s famous afternoon tea while brewing a cup on the terrace, to dipping into one of the many swimming pools or the extensive wellness facilities on site, a visit fit for those most enchanted awaits. And with each room softened with chiffon sheets, silk textiles and elegant touches of light pink throughout, there’s definitely no place like this home! Don’t forget to explore the city’s highlights while visiting, including Table Mountain and Robben Island, all within close proximity.
Gardaland Magic Hotel, Garda, Italy
Set within three enchanted worlds, visitors to Gardaland are immediately drawn into a spellbinding atmosphere when they are greeted by a giant wizard’s hat at the entrance. Every room is unique and filled with its own charm to captivate the youngest of witches and wizards; sleep among trees and mushrooms in the Enchanted Forest Room or join the flying dragons and pure white unicorns in the glistening Magic Ice Castle Room. For the greatest magicians, the Wizard House Room awaits where guests can brush up on their magic powers. Beyond these magical walls is Gardaland Theme Park, a short trip using the hotel’s free shuttle service. In the summer months visit the nearby Blue Lagoon or take a short drive to the shores of Lake Garda.
The Roxbury, Catskill, United States
Click those heels and enter a world like no other. Where every room is unique and will captivate and enchant visitors from lands far and wide. In the Wizard’s Emerald Room guests are transported onto a magical yellow brick road leading to Emerald City with hues of green erupting across the rest of the room. Situated amongst the lush Catskill Mountains and a three-hour drive from New York City, this property sits in a mesmerizing natural world. Following a day of sorcery, guests can hang up their cloaks and relax in the property’s two spas fully equipped with sauna, steam and treatment rooms, or for an experience beyond the magical kingdom the atmospheric forest of the Catskill region provides a warmth and natural depth for travelers to uncover.
Hotel Skt Petri, Copenhagen, Denmark
Located on the border of the quirky Latin Quarter and historic Copenhagen, this property sits where two worlds collide. In a city renowned for its occult past, travelers are encouraged to explore its rich history of witch hunts, trials and the infamous Mother of the Devil. Visitors on city walking tours can explore significant sites including Gråbrødre Torv and Gammeltorv to learn about the lasting effects of those trials to this day. However, stepping inside this property will transport guests from a spooky past to a lighter, brighter and totally green space. Unique and spacious rooms within this Travel Proud property are furnished with an eye on laid back scandi luxury, with pops of emerald green throughout. From soaking up the city views on a rooftop terrace to lounging on the lavish velvet sofa in the foyer, guests can look forward to an enchanted green stay.
*Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,730 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from The Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the UAE, 1007 from the UK, 1005 from the US and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2023.