Sometimes it’s the setting that is the key that unlocks that luxury experience. Scotland has a fabulous locations in spades – from majestic landscape to intimate quirky interiors. Whether it’s a city bolthole or a country retreat, they are right here on our doorstep.
FINGAL
One of Scotland’s most luxurious locations has the style and glamour of a super yacht with an old-world elegance that’s truly unique. Fingal, which has been rated Edinburgh’s top hotel on Tripadvisor, has 22 cabins full of beautiful curves and contours that tell of Fingal’s seafaring past. This floating Art Deco-inspired palace has two sweeping staircases which descend to the spectacular double-height ballroom, perfect for a wedding or corporate celebration. You can sit under the shimmering ceiling of the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar and savour a five-course afternoon tea of specially prepared sweet and savoury delicacies. Then watch the vibrant Leith Docks transform from bold daylight into soft, dusky tones and dine on a menu of sumptuous, seasonal dishes, made on board, with a signature cocktail in hand. Or for the full Fingal experience, stay the night in the magnificent Skerryvore Suite, with its sitting room and private decking. Although royalty has slept here, there is little evidence of Fingal’s working past ferrying keepers, supplies – and their Royal patron – to the string of lighthouses illuminating Scotland’s shores. Soft leather sofas, velvety fabrics and dazzling wallpaper add more than a touch of luxury. Why not share the experience and treat your loved one to the best gift under the tree? Fingal gift vouchers make plain sailing out of Festive giving.
STOBO CASTLE HEALTH SPA
Stobo has long been Scotland’s outstanding destination for a luxury spa experience. Its reputation is built on the unrivalled range of health and beauty treatments and highly trained therapists who ensure you embrace the full benefits of disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life.
This haven embraces the very latest in spa trends and its customised treatments will detoxify, smooth and revitalise as the mood takes you. Take a swim in the 25-metre pool with its spectacular views or join a class in the exercise studio. Add a work-out in the state-of-the-art gym and you can boost your fitness (especially useful after a spot of festive indulging). There is something indescribably magical about an ancient Scottish castle and the core of the Stobo resort has its origins in the 12th century.
The present-day castle was built in the early 1800s, with its beautiful Japanese garden added 100 years later by its then owner, the English cricketer Hylton Philipson. It’s all too easy to relax in the grounds with the picturesque loch and shady trees amid the Peeblesshire countryside. Meals created by executive head chef, Stephen King, using the finest produce Scotland has to offer means being healthy becomes an indulgent treat. Add rich, elegant rooms each with their own personality – that unique feature which comes with staying in a castle – and you have the recipe for a luxurious escape.
