William and Kate travel extensively for royal duties, visiting countries around the world to engage with communities and support charitable causes.
Despite their busy schedules, they also make time to enjoy private family retreats, finding moments of respite in quieter locations like Cornwall’s very own Tresco Island. Dubbed as ‘Mustique without the mosquitoes’ the second-largest of the Scilly Isles is blessed with crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and stunning villas on this pretty island that is often likened to the Caribbean with warm summers and mild winters.
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A group of over 200 islands and rocks located 28 miles from Cornwall, Tresco is part of an impressive property portfolio taken on by the Prince of Wales, inherited from his father when he became King Charles. While the island is currently leased to private owners, the Duchy still owns property on the island, including an impressive holiday home known as Dolphin House.
The island is car-free, adding to its peaceful charm. In 2020, Kate and William visited with their three children George, Charlotte and Louis, they are believed to have stayed at the seaside holiday home, enjoying some private time together on the island.
Home to just 150 residents, Tresco offers a rare level of privacy, making it an ideal escape for those seeking peace and solitude. But even in the winter months, there’s no shortage of activities to keep visitors entertained from cycling along scenic trails, as the royals have done, or unwinding with yoga and meditation at the island’s very own spa.
The Restorative Retreat combines yoga with mindful meditation set against the backdrop of the island’s serene beauty. Peaceful and perfect, the retreat offers visitors the opportunity to pause, unwind, and rejuvenate.
For those who crave adventure, the island provides opportunities for snorkelling and even swimming with seals in its crystal-clear waters. Nature lovers can explore the renowned Tresco Abbey Gardens in winter which is anything but bleak with over 20,000 plant species from more than 80 countries.
Guests can also indulge in some retail therapy at local shops, where unique island-inspired jewellery, paintings, and homeware are available.
History buffs will find plenty to explore on the island as well. Tresco is home to King Charles’s Castle, a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, dating back to 1550. Nearby, Cromwell’s Castle, built in the 1650s by Abraham Tovey, stands as another fascinating historical landmark to visit.
This secluded island has a long connection to the royal family. Prince William first visited as a young boy with his mother, Princess Diana, who loved its wild, unspoiled beauty and quiet beaches.
For those looking for a serene getaway with royal-approved allure, Tresco Island promises a mix of natural beauty, family-friendly charm and a storied connection to Britain’s royal heritage.