Perhaps
the most alluring part of a fairy tale is the setting, filled with grand castles,
forbidden forests, and charming villages galore. These fascinating worlds come
to life before our eyes thanks to the rich descriptions of our favorite fairy
tale authors. And there's good news for all of the dreamers out there: many of
these otherworldly settings were inspired by real life destinations around the
world.
Now we
all know Sleeping Beauty's castle was based on the gorgeous Neuschwanstein
Castle in Bavaria, Germany, and that Colmar, France
could be La Belle et La Bete's hometown, but what about lesser known fairy
tales?
From Sicily
to Scotland,
we have the scoop on some of the most idyllic lands of folklore that are just
waiting to be discovered -- and, of course, the dreamy hotels where you can
almost imagine Prince (or Princess!) Charming awaiting your hand for a dance.
Sicily
Sicily remains one of the most intriguing
regions of Italy. A mix of cultures -- including Italian, Spanish, Arabic,
Greek, and African -- provide the island with a heady history filled with
intrigue. You can see the blend of cultures reflected in the island's cuisine,
architecture, language, and -- yes -- folklore. Fairy tales from Sicily have
all of the traditional components: heroes and heroines, magic and might. But
they also have some surprising twists that make them entirely their own. In Sorforina,
for example, our titular heroine is a well-educated young woman, the daughter
of a Sicilian merchant, who falls in love with a young, belligerent prince. The
tale of their love affair is tortured, filled with artful witchcraft and steamy
seduction (this is an Italian fairy tale, after all). It is a fairy tale of its
own unique making, filled with the wry and unabashed sarcasm Sicilians are
known for in the face of insurmountable obstacles.
Stay: Grand
Hotel Villa Igiea
The Grand Hotel
Villa Igiea offers a magnificent and ornate example of Sicily's
19th-century architectural history -- as well as a plausible backdrop for our
Sorforina. Visitors have noted that this is considered one of the best, if not the
best, hotel in Palermo. The grounds are spectacular, and the outdoor pool was
built to incorporate ancient stone ruins. Inside, there’s a romantic bar with
vaulted stone ceilings and wall frescoes.
Ireland
The
Irish are known for their storytelling, so it should come as no surprise that their
folklore tradition is alive and well. Many of the stories take place amid
Ireland's stunning countryside, where larger-than-life hunters, warriors,
kings, and fairies play out some of the island's most treasured tales. The
landscape comes into play in nearly every story, but none so great as the
legend behind Giant's Causeway, which folklore would have us believe was
created by actual giants many centuries ago. In the story, Irish giant Fionn
mac Cumhaill was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. How
Fionn managed to defeat his much larger foe is still debated, but it is said
that in his haste to be away, Benandonner destroyed the causeway behind him so
that the two could never meet again. The remaining basalt columns on either side
of the Irish Sea stand as the testament to their great battle.
Stay: Ashford Castle
Though
some distance from Giant's Causeway, Ashford Castle
embodies a different Irish folklore fantasy: that of castles and kings,
medieval honor and political intrigue. The hotel features a massive historic
stone facade, complete with towers and turrets; gorgeous, manicured grounds; a
stunning setting on a huge lake; and common spaces that are truly grand, with
rich wood paneling, chandeliers, and antique furniture. The wide range of
estate activities includes falconry lessons, boat tours on the lake, golf on
the 9-hole course, clay shooting, and archery. You'll be ready to join Tristan and Isolde's court
by the end of your stay.
Hong Kong
China's
folklore tradition sees the blending of the mystical with reality in many of
the country's most treasured stories. Pu Songling is one of the best known
Chinese storytellers, having composed or collected over 500 supernatural tales
during the 17th century. His stories are filled with magical foxes, ghosts,
scholars, court officials, exorcists, and mythical beasts. Fox spirits are
prevalent in a large portion of Asian folklore (in Japan, they are called kitsune)
and are akin to Western fairies; they are mischievous and can be good or bad
depending on the story. The setting for these tales range from the Chinese countryside
to its vast shores, with some stories talking of mermaids and demons guarding
treasure buried deep beneath the waves.
Stay: Intercontinental Grand Stanford
Travelers
today flock to Hong Kong,
where its harbor location speaks to much of Chinese folklore. Location is
indeed a big draw at the InterContinental,
as it is within walking distance of museums and major sights. The rooms are
also a highlight, and are tastefully decorated in a classic style, with
understated wood furnishings and neutral-toned carpeting. Some rooms offer
beautiful views of the harbor and Hong Kong skyline, which is especially
stunning at night.
Norway
Though
traditionally one often thinks of Hans Christian Andersen when reminiscing on
fairy tales of the Scandinavian variety, to the north of Andersen's Danish
homeland lies a nation equally as rich in storytelling. Countrymen Asbjornsen
and Moe are considered the Brothers Grimm of Norway,
having amassed a collection of traditional tales and legends some 150 years
ago. Their stories feature mountain trolls and talking bears and foxes, as well
as figures that resemble the Nordic gods and goddesses that once prevailed
throughout Scandinavia. The Norse god of thunder -- Thor -- is a familiar hero
whose likeness can be seen in several stories. He steals and lies, and boasts and
kills to get his prize -- often with magical help. He is not a perfect hero,
but he is vastly entertaining. Set against Norway's stunning natural
beauty, his stories become a grand adventure of battles and witchcraft. Disney
fans will also be keen to visit Norway: The setting of Frozen was based
on the country's rugged landscape and charming architecture, despite the actual
story drawing inspiration from Andersen's The Snow Queen.
Stay: Britannia Hotel
The Britannia Hotel
is Trondheim's grande dame. This historic luxury property (opened in 1897) has
hosted royalty, celebrities, and diplomats over the years, and today continues
to be one of the city's most prestigious options -- we're sure Elsa would
approve. Its rooms have traditional decor (most have plaid fabrics and wood
furniture), but the hotel's real draws are its historic character, impressive
restaurants, and most notably, full-service spa -- one of the only hotel spas
in Norway.
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