The Best ACOTAR Guide to the 7 CourtsWhile the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series by Sara J. Maas is set in the fictional world of Prythian, here are a few real-world examples of the decadent faerie worlds that she paints in her books! Check out this mini-guide to each Court for your next fantastical trip! ✨Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsFranceItinerary

Spring Court: Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo Scenic
Lake Tekapo, AKA the Spring Court IRL from Maas’s ACOTAR series, screams fresh air, colorful lupin flowers, chilling dips in the cerulean Lake Tekapo, and duh, all things Spring! Surrounded by rolling green hills and the snow-capped Southern Alps of NZ, the area around Lake Tekapo has a soft, fertile feel to it, just as Maas described. The mention of "starlight" in connection to the Spring Court and Feyre's time there creates a link, as Lake Tekapo is part of the International Dark Sky Reserves. Its combination of “rolling green hills, lush forests, and clear... lakes" (from the book) makes Lake Tekapo a perfect trip for those seeking the Spring Court.
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The Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Shepherd feels like it came right out of a fairy tale. Nestled along the shores of Lake Tekapo, the traditional architecture and incredible views looking at the milky, turquoise waters make for a "Spring Court" photo op and history lesson wrapped into one visit.
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Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo
Stay at the darling Peppers Bluewater Resort, just steps from the sparkling blue waters and blooming flowers. Rooms are simple, yet homey for visitors coming from all over, especially with their incredible views overlooking the lake! Indulge in snacks and drinks on the property for a truly faerie-style stay.
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Lupin Flowers Tour Lake Tekapo
Take this guided tour to see the lupin flowers of Lake Tekapo, a true Spring Court experience. With a local guide, you'll have access to otherwise restricted areas and lush lupin fields to snap beautiful photos in!
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Lindis Pass
As the flower season continues, follow the lupin growth up Lindis Pass, just south of Lake Tekapo proper, for a chance to see them a bit after their peak (mid to late November through early January).
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Summer Court: Dubrovik, Croatia

Dubrovnik Observation Point
Dubrovnik serves as a real-world basis for Adriata, the capital of the Summer Court in "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series. Located on the Adriatic Coast (see what she did there), Dubrovnik is famous for the medieval walls of its UNESCO-recognized Old Town, similar to Lord Tarquin's city in ACOTAR.
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Villa Orsula Dubrovnik
Just like the palace atop a mountain-island in the heart of a half-moon bay, in Adriata, Villa Orsula Dubrovnik will have you feeling like royalty. With its elegantly decorated rooms, charming terrace area overlooking the ocean, and amenities like a sauna and spa, your stay in Dubrovnik will be of the high fae!
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Boat Tour to Mljet National Park & 3 Islands
Take a scenic cruise to Mljet National Park and three nearby islands, just like when High Lord Tarquin hosts Feyre, Rhysand occurs on the Pleasure Barge in the Summer Court's capital city of Adriata. It's the perfect Summer Court day trip!
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Fall Court: Aspen, U.S.A.

Maroon Bells
The Fall Court in ACOTAR is infamous for being filled with golden colors, beautiful hues of fall, crisp weather, yet its people are cutthroat and highly competitive, a court of foxes... Remind you of Aspen yet?
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Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection
Stay at the Hotel Jerome in the heart of downtown Aspen for a truly luxurious experience as the leaves change here. Not quite the seat of the High Lord, AKA the Forest House, a large complex built into the trees and rocks, but Hotel Jerome will place you right into the luxurious fae-style atmosphere of Aspen, Colorado, amongst changing colors.
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Kebler Pass
Kebler Pass is home to the largest Aspen grove in all of Colorado. Kebler Pass will show up and show out as the seasons change and the fall colors come out. Picture golden groves of Aspens, a few deep reds, and staggering mountains: what a Fall Court view to behold!
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Winter Court: Lapland, Finland

Norvajärvi
Finnish Lapland is the Winter Court come to life! Just as the Winter Court is filled with snowy, evergreen landscapes, reindeer, and large, white bears, Finnish Lapland paints a perfect picture. Filled with magical sights like Santa Claus's workshop, the Northern Lights, and incredible, modern stays, Lapland will not disappoint!
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Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle
Admire the winter atmosphere from all angles in one of Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle! Stay warm in the sauna, like the roaring hearths of the ACOTAR books, and feel like high fae in your own personal igloo!
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Northern Lights Trip to a Magical Place in Lapland
Experience the Northern Lights in Kivalo’s highest, darkest point. Enjoy cozy facilities, fireplace, drinks, snacks, professional photos, and breathtaking skies—perfect for groups of any size.
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Santa Claus Village
On the note of fantasy, visit the Santa Claus Village for a taste of Winter Court and holiday magic! Don't forget to send a postcard with a special Arctic Circle postmark back home.
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Night Court: Zermatt, Switzerland

Gornergrat
Valaris, the city of Starlight, looks quite similar to Zermatt, Switzerland from its alpine glow at the base of the Matterhorn and clear, starry nights amidst the peaks! Zermatt is a real-life destination that perfectly captures the beauty and enchantment of the fictional City of Starlight, Velaris! Take a ride on the tram of Gornergrat to admire the mountain scenery as it whisks you from town up into the snowy mountains.
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3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat
Stay at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, above Zermatt, to feel like you're in the real-life House of Wind, a Rhysand's incredible home built into a mountain above Velaris. You'll feel like you're dreaming as you stay at the "headquarters for the Court of Dreams."
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FLYMATTERHORN VIP Paragliding from Zermatt, With Matterhorn View
Fly like a winged Illyrian warrior on this paragliding tour over Zermatt with incredible views of the Matterhorn as you soar!
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Mürini
The Mürini Hill is famed for its amazing views over the glowing downtown of Zermatt in the evenings. Head up for sunset and watch as the lights to each little home come on, appearing just like Velaris would too.
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Dawn Court: Luang Prabang, Laos

Royal Palace & National Museum
Visit Luang Prabang's version of the Dawn Court Palace at this museum space! Thesan's palace is known for its opalescent "sunstone" and features wisteria-draped bridges and gardens, just like this opulent, golden temple that holds manicured gardens within. You'll waltz through feeling like you're settling right into the Dawn Court.
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The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel
Sleep along the lazy Mekong River in this gorgeous boutique hotel. Bask in the morning light out on your balcony overlooking the river and enjoy a bed and breakfast-style breakfast. A Dawn Court stay, but this time it isn’t a fantasy!
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Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls
Luang Prabang is reminiscent of the Dawn Court from the ACOTAR series in its lush, sparkling rivers, small city amongst red-rooftops, and connection to the hours of dawn themselves. The name Luang Prabang comes from the Pha Bang, a sacred Buddha image, and the town is famously associated with the daily morning ritual of tak bat, or almsgiving. With nearby ornate temples, natural ways of healing, and incredible outdoor attractions, we can see why it would be seen as a real-life ACOTAR setting.
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Tat Sae Waterfalls
Picture sparkling, blue-green multi-tiered limestone formations surrounded by lush jungle to explore. Jump into the pools or chill by the waterside, taking in the golden light and natural relaxation vibes here. Sure to be reminiscent of the winding rivers of the Dawn Court in a warm, summer-like environment.
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Day Court: Marrakech, Morroco

Ryad Dyor
Nestled in the medina, Ryad Dyor blends Moroccan craftsmanship with minimalist design... Think arched doorways, soft terracotta tones, and courtyards where morning light dances like magic from the Day Court itself.
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Air ballooning: Marrakech Desert and Atlas Views
Rise above Marrakech as light spills across the desert. Imagine drifting through the skies of the Day Court as you do!
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Bacha Coffee
Housed inside the historic Dar el Bacha palace, Bacha Coffee pairs gilded ceilings with over 200 coffee varieties from around the world. A morning ritual that feels straight out of the Day Court’s golden halls.
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Koutoubia
The Koutoubia’s golden minaret catches the sun from every angle, standing tall and timeless, a reflection of the Day Court’s brilliance and power.
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Jardin Majorelle
Wander through cobalt blue walls and golden palms at Jardin Majorelle, a garden so radiant it feels touched by Day Court light.
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Madrasa Ben Youssef
Once a center for Islamic learning, Madrassa Ben Youssef glows with carved cedar, zellige tilework, and shafts of light that pour through latticed windows. It's truly a temple of knowledge and artistry worthy of Helion’s Court.
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