Three-day weekend? Skip the beach and visit these dreamy Scottish luxury hotels instead
Courtesy of Glenapp Castle
Travel plans can often change last minute, as travel plans are often wont to do — and sometimes you’re left with an unexpected 3-day window to fill. In summer’s busy vacation time, many head to southern European locales with warmer climates. If you’re opting for something a little cooler and less crowded than thrumming beachside destinations, Scotland’s coastal breeze and foggy weather is calling. With swaths of green, grassy landscape and moody shorelines, it’s the perfect antidote to sweaty city summers.
From New York City, a quick 7-hour overnight flight lands you in Edinburgh, where you’re instantly greeted with the cool relief of Scottish weather. From there, a 2-hour drive lands you in the southwest region, where the vast expanse of Scottish landscapes — green highlands, craggy coastline and the call of seagulls in the distance provide a much-needed respite from urban environs. And with an incredibly rich heritage that spans craft, culture and history, Scotland has no shortage of sights to see, nature to experience and museums to visit. If you’re craving a summer beach crowd alternative, these three wonderful Scotland stays encourage you to take in some scenic countryside, explore the capital and get the best of both.
Located on Scotland’s scenic southwest coast in the region of Ayrshire, Glenapp Castle is a historic 1870 castle and estate situated on 110 acres of lush, verdant landscape, filled with hiking trails that snake through woodlands and stunning manicured gardens. Originally owned by the Earl of Orkney, the Edinburgh architect David Bryce was commissioned in 1870 to design the castle as a home in what’s known as “Scottish Baronial style” — a design language that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements to create the grand architecture seen today.
With the opening of Glenapp’s brand new restaurant, The Azalea by Glenapp Castle — a fine dining experience situated in a 130-year-old glass-domed, greenhouse-like structure in their stunning Walled Garden — the concept of farm-to-table is quite literally on display from the front door. Dishes on the restaurant’s menu use ingredients like “curry plants, marigold leaves and rhubarb” from the abundant herb and vegetable gardens in an indoor-outdoor dining experience.
Inside the main house, 21 rooms and suites are decorated in traditional, opulent Baronial-style decor that feels homely yet luxurious, including a 4,500-square foot penthouse suite ranked as the most lavish in Scotland. Carpeted floors, modern amenities and toiletries by the Royal favorite, Penhaligon’s, all lead to a countryside escape so cozy it feels hard to leave. And with over 70 activities available on-site from falconry to archery to curling, you won’t want to.
For a return to city life, there’s no better way to experience “Old Reekie” — a.k.a. Edinburgh — than a stay that feels like stepping back in time. Located at the very top of The Royal Mile, The Witchery is a hotel unlike any other, located so close to the front gates of Edinburgh Castle it almost feels like you’re sleeping inside. Equal parts five-star luxury hotel and medieval fantasy, the “restaurant with rooms” is situated in two buildings located across from one another in Edinburgh’s UNESCO-designated Old Town.
Nine different suites are located in a building called Boswell’s Court, which dates back to 1595. Decorated in Baroque style, each room is individually designed with gothic tapestries, cardinal red upholstery and antique, canopied four-poster beds. The dramatic interiors, reminiscent of a medieval bedchamber — one of which is said to have inspired Hogwarts — are courtesy of hotel owner James Thomson, one of Scotland’s best-known restaurateurs and hoteliers. For dining, The Witchery restaurant is one of Edinburgh’s tucked away splendors — a romantic, oak-paneled dining room dating back to the 16th century that feels like a hidden gem from the bustle of tourist-trodden Castlehill. From there, sightseeing is merely a hop, skip and a jump away.
Further down the road, Prestonfield House feels like a countryside escape — albeit one that’s still in the middle of the city. Just a 5-minute drive from Edinburgh center, Prestonfield House is an oasis from the thicket of Princes Street and the Royal Mile. After spending time checking out the National Galleries of Scotland and local vintage shops, retire to the pastoral 18-bedroom country estate that dates back to the 17th century, situated on 20 acres of landscaped gardens, complete with grazing Highland cows and roving peacocks.
Prestonfield’s Rhubarb restaurant is an urban destination in and of itself — bringing in locals for afternoon tea and farm-to-table dining helmed by chef John McMahon. But before dinner, enjoy a walk on the hotel grounds with a view set against the stunning backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, a natural rock formation that looms in the distance. Built by the same architect as nearby historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, only three families have presided over Prestonfield House for more than three centuries. Many of the original artifacts and details are still intact, including the 17th century Cordoba leather panels and Mortlake tapestries that hang in common areas. The decor is just as luxurious and historic, complete with fully-upholstered velvet walls, textured antique fabrics and gilded furniture.
3 Hotels in Scotland Worth Traveling For
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