Brilliant Scottish Breakaways to Book Now
Nowhere offers drama on the same scale as Scotland
Knockinaam Lodge
In brief: A former Victorian hunting lodge tucked away on the very edge of the Irish Sea with its own secluded cove, this intimate, 10-bedroom hotel featured in John Buchan’s The 39 Steps.
Our highlight: The food is fabulous (there’s a 3 AA Rosette restaurant here) but the breakfast itself is worth staying for – think Galloway kippers, kidneys and local bacon.
Insider guide: This award-winning seaside hotel remains unapologetically traditional, staying true to its history and character. Bedrooms are elegant, the public lounges charming and the views outstanding. Explore the 30 acres of landscaped grounds stretching down to the beach or just sit a while on the terrace drinking in the views out to sea.
Portpatrick, Wigtown DG9 9AD
01776 810471
knockinaamlodge.com
The Fife Arms
In brief: A truly unique five-star Highland hotel imbued with rich Scottish history.
Our highlight: The stunning Royal Suites, inspired by some of Braemar’s most notable visitors.
Insider guide: All 46 individual rooms and suites tell their own part of the tale of Braemar at The Fife Arms. The Victoriana suites reflect the hotel’s history as a 19th century coaching inn, and there are Culture, Nature and Poetry rooms, too. The Clunie dining room takes its name from the river which runs past the hotel and the Flying Stag is the hotel’s characterful bar. Bertie’s Whisky Bar is a labyrinth of amber bottles and was inspired by King Edward VII’s love of the stuff, while Elsa’s is a beautiful Art Deco cocktail bar named after Elsa Schiaparelli, who was a regular visitor to Braemar. All this, plus fishing, hiking, wild swimming and golf all on the doorstep, it’s one for the bucket list.
Mar Road, Braemar AB35 5YN
01339 720200
thefifearms.com
House of Gods
In brief: A hedonistic hotel bathed in neon lights.
Our highlight: On-call Prosecco at the press of a button.
Insider guide: A hotel celebrating excess and debauchery, House of Gods is unlike any other. With 22 rooms extravagantly decorated in a style inspired by Versailles, this is the perfect romantic getaway in Edinburgh’s beating heart. In the evenings, escape to their famous cocktail lounge for rock n’ roll-style cocktails under the glitzy lights of a disco ball.
233 The Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ
0330 174 4422
houseofgodshotel.com
Cromlix House
In brief: A transformed Victorian country house hotel with a famous owner.
Our highlight: The Wimbledon-purple tennis court.
Insider guide: Sir Andy Murray bought Cromlix House near his hometown of Dunblane with the aim of transforming it into a luxury hotel. The fact it had its own tennis court was, of course, a bonus. Everything here takes inspiration from the glorious 34 acre grounds, gardens and woodland, in which there is a chapel and lochan. The rooms are nature-inspired and two of them are inside the fairytale turrets, making for a storybook stay. At the Glasshouse restaurant guests can dine in a light and airy brasserie whilst seeing inside the open kitchen, where head chef Darin Campbell and his team make the most of wonderful Scottish produce.
Kinbuck, near Dunblane FK15 9JT
01786 820310
cromlix.com
Boutique 50
In brief: A well-designed boutique hotel in Glasgow city centre.
Our highlight: Book the Luxury One with its bathtub with views over the city.
Insider guide: With just 10 bedrooms, all designed by local interior designer Robbie Crocker, no two stays at Boutique 50 are the same. Rooms range in size from twin to luxury, and a complimentary continental breakfast is served in the contemporary dining room. The hotel is perfect for exploring Glasgow, whether you’re seeing the sights or attending a gig at the Hydro.
50 Bentinck Street, Glasgow G3 7TT
0141 338 6666
boutique50.co.uk
Rusacks
In brief: This grand dame of golf has a new lease of life as a chic, boutique hotel.
Our highlight: Soaking up the sunset views from the rooftop bar and restaurant 18’s terrace over the golf course and out to sea, and the chance to practice some putting on the bar’s private green at the same time.
Insider guide: Yes it’s famous for its position looking down the 18th fairway of one of the world’s most famous golf courses, and as expected there’s a multitude of golfing memorabilia scattered throughout, but Rusacks is not just for golfers. Close to St Andrew’s sandy beach, this luxury hotel is also on the edge of the university town with its many independent shops, bars and cafés, its ancient cathedral and castle (bicycles are available to borrow from the hotel). The Highland-inspired rooms include the Swilcan King with its own balcony, and dining options vary from the family friendly The Bridge, the classic One Under Bar, and the rooftop 18, all serving seasonal, Scottish-inspired dishes.
St Andrews KY16 9JQ
01334 474321
marineandlawn.com
The Leddie
In brief: A new, boutique hotel in Aberlady.
Our highlight: Good food made great using the best local ingredients.
Insider guide: The idea behind The Leddie was simple: the basics done brilliantly. The building has been stripped back and restored to its former glory. The bedrooms are sophisticated but still cosy, with earthy colours and plenty of subtle lighting, and in the kitchen, head chef Shaun and his team take inspiration from the seasons and surrounding seascape to craft mouthwatering plates that showcase fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Aberlady, East Lothian EH32 0RE
01875 440644
theleddie.com
