New Scotland & Ireland Golf Itineraries
Scotland has over 500 golf courses and several hundred golf hotels. Ireland is equally rich in challenging and rewarding golf courses. Luxury Scotland in association with Ireland’s Blue Book have created two unique Scottish and Irish Golf Tours which we believe to be one of gthe bst introduction to some of the best Golf Courses and Luxury Hotels in Ireland and Scotland.
The 12 Day Scotland & Ireland Golf Tour is an exciting and well planned itinerary featuring Gleneagles Hotel and the PGA Centenary Course which will be the venue for the 40th Ryder Cup Matches in 2014. the tour continues on to the Old Course Hotel at St Andrews and the opportunity to play the legendary Open Championship course and Kingbarns, voted one of the top 100 golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. The itinerary then moves to Ireland and includes play at The K Club, the classic Killarney golf course, Doonbeg – designed by Greg Norman and a round at one of the world’s top links courses, the infamous Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club.
For further details including Luxury Scotland’s Whisky tour itineraries >>
Kinloch Lodge joins Luxury Scotland
We are delighted to welcome Kinloch Lodge into Luxury Scotland.
Kinloch Lodge is the highland home of Claire and Godfrey Macdonald. Located on the Isle of Skye. Voted one of the world’s top 25 small hotels in Condé Naste Traveller Magazine, Kinloch Lodge is renowned for its marvellous food and is Skye’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. It is also one of only seven restaurants in Scotland to be awarded the Michelin Guide’s Red Grape for their wine list.
To help celebrate their latest Michelin star and red grape awards, Kinloch are hosting a champagne evening in November – full details >>
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/kinloch-lodge-hotel/index.html
Luxury Scotland Welcomes The Torridon
The Torridon, one of Scotland’s most romantic hotels, has joined the ranks of Luxury Scotland.
The Torridon is one of Britain’s foremost retreat hotels with a reputation built on superb food and pampered luxury with a personalised touch. Set in 58 acres of parkland at the end of a magnificent sea loch, has one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations in the country. One of The Torridon’s unique features is the Torridon Boathouse – an idylic two bedroom hideaway on the shores of the Loch Torridon.
Whether you are looking for a reviving outdoor escape, a relaxing family holiday or that romantic breaks for two – The Torridon has the answer.
Discover Castles Galore in Scotland
Scotland is a country rich in reminders of an exciting and colourful past. There are literally hundreds of castles, tower houses and fortified houses in prominent and sometimes foreboding settings – beacons on the landscape that beckon us to find out more.
Our resident travel writer has chosen Castles as the subject for the October newsletter from Luxury Scotland. Today the castles throughout Scotland are well worth a visit. Just choose any region in Scotland and within a few miles you’ll come across the remains of a stronghold built on a cliff edge, a well-preserved fortress sitting on a loch-side or a magnificent castle fully functioning and open to visitors.
To discover more step back in time and enjoy our latest newsletter article – Scotland’s Countless Castles
NOTE: This is a 10Mb PDF file viewable online or downloadable for viewing and printing.
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/scotlands-castles-article/scotlandscastlesoct2011.pdf
The Luxury Scotland mouse mat could be yours
Our Luxury Scotland’s custom mouse mats have arrive!
With a unique illustrated map by Michael A Hill, this ultra thin and very stylish mouse mat will add a touch of luxury to any desk. Ideal for travelling it is thin and light enough to be stored inside a diary, note book or even under a laptop lid.
The mat is a quirky reminder of all things Scottish with our member properties and selected Scottish icons incorporated into Michael’s delightful illustration. A novel gift for that someone special or as a something to brighten up your desktop.
If you would like a chance to have one of these mouse mats just send an email to mousemat@luxuryscotland.co.uk telling us why you should have one – and we’ll send a mat to the first 100 interesting respondents.
ED: Whisky and mouse not supplied!
Go Green to Experience Scotland’s Natural Magic
According to our resident travel writer, there’s no better way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Scotland than to escape to the country and explore Scotland’s National Nature Reserves and National Parks. Go Green in Scotland and there is a veritable feast for your senses awaiting you amongst those green and pleasant landscapes
For lovers of the outdoors there is the promise of undisturbed wildernesses, waddling puffins, seabirds and seals, and carpets of wildflowers on woodland floors. Take a Scottish nature break or ecoholiday in Scotland and you could bring back memories of wonderful discoveries, new sites and sounds as well as discovering the joys and luxury of some of Connoisseurs Scotland’s hotels and destinations.
Full details on our monthly Luxury Scotland newsletter – now in downloadable PDF.
Airds Hotel joins Luxury Scotland
Luxury Scotland is delighted to announce that Airds Hotel at Port Appin has joined Connoisseurs Scotland and is featured on our Luxury Scotland web site. The Airds Hotel is a delightful family hotel run by Shaun and Jenny McKivragan. Winner of the 2011 Small Luxury Hotel Award at the Scottish Hotel Awards, Airds is famous forstunning views, fine dining and understated luxury.
Voted Scotland’s Small Luxury Hotel of the Year for 2011, this renowned 4-star hotel sits in a the romantic setting on the west coast of Scotland overlooking Loch Linnhe. The atmosphere and ambiance at Airds Hotel is one of relaxed elegance with a hint of country house style.
The hotel’s three AA rosettes confirm that only the best will do for Chef Robert MacPherson who has developed a reputation of international acclaim. Guests at Airds delight in the dishes inspired by our chef’s enthusiasm for Scotland’s wonderful larder.
In contrast to the laid back luxury and gourmet dining, guests will find a host of activities and sightseeing options at Airds Hotel. Sea safaris, sailing and even surf boarding are all available here and nearby Lismore Island is a particularly popular for cyclists. For mountain bikers the Nevis range just 45 minutes drive from Airds offers 60km of off road trails suitable for all abilities. Whether your preference is fishing, sight seeing or simply soaking up the fresh air, Airds Hotel can arrange it.
Then, after all that activity, it’s back to the comfortable, relaxing accommodation of Airds and an opportunity to indulge in some of the best of Scotland’s larder.
For more details and a chance to check out some special promotions visit:
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/airds-hotel/
Editor: One the best kept secrets at Airds is the small luxury cottage in the grounds of the hotel. Ask discreetly for details quietly.
Get on Your Bike and Enjoy Scotland
Whether your choice is for relaxed cycling in Perthshire or challenging downhill trails in the Glencoe Mountain, there are biking trails in Scotland and cycling holidays throughout Scotland to suit every kind of cyclist.
This month our Luxury Scotland Article covers a range of cycling breaks and biking holidays in Scotland. For gentle family cycling holidays in Scotland there are rides through lush forests and natural parks, along old railway lines, and beside picturesque lochs. For the adrenalin seekers there are active mountain bike holidays in Scotland hurtling down the UK’s longest purpose-built downhill descent in Sutherland, along red-graded biking routes in the Carron Valley in Stirlingshire and for real addicts, the epic Glen Sligachan ride on the Isle of Skye.
More details of cycling in Scotland can be found in our July newsletter:
‘The Ups and Downs of Cycling in Scotland’.
So get on your bike and enjoy Scotland!
What’s in a Map? Luxury Scotland’s Magic Map
From tales of treasure and pirates to Indiana Jones and even Winnie the Pooh – maps hold the secrets to famous storylines and the location of untold riches.
Look closely at the Luxury Scotland web site and you’ll find our new map. An inspired creation by Michael A Hill, this illustrated map adds sparkle and character to the locations of our Luxury Scotland members and hints at the activities and attractions close by.
Consider this the starting point for our own adventure and watch how this magic map plays an important role in the run up to our 20th year celebration in 2012.
Luxury Scotland invites Whisky Enthusiasts to savour a holiday in the Highlands.
Luxury Scotland is inviting guests to join the thousands of whisky aficionados making their pilgrimage to the Scottish Highlands with a stay at The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa or Rocpool Reserve Hotel – two of the luxury properties in the Luxury Scotland collection.
Staying at these hotel, guests will be able to enjoy Scotland’s “water of life” in style with luxury accommodation right in the heart of Scotland’s largest whisky producing region.
Located in the Speyside region, these five-star properties offer the perfect base for exploring the source of the great Scots malt whiskies – heavy, rich sherry flavored malts and light, complex floral malts for which the area is so famous.
From savoring a scotch and chatting with the knowledgeable locals in Rocpool’s whisky bar to taking a tour through the historic distilleries along The Malt Whisky Trail, guests are offered rare insight into one of Scotland’s best-known traditions.
The Malt Whisky Trail is a 68-mile route through the picturesque glens of Speyside features the Speyside Cooperage and seven of the area’s well-known distilleries, including Benromach, where guests can hand-fill their own unique bottle; Glen Moray, which offers a comprehensive tasting and distillery tour led by the manager; and Strathisla, producer of the famous Chivas Regal brand. Continue Reading >>
Water Sports Activities from Luxury Scotland
Scotland has a lot to offer on the water front – scenic coastal paths, dolphin spotting, sailing, angling, kite-surfing, white-water rafting, land yachting, cruising Scottish Highlands and islands… plus lots more
This month our intrepid travel journalist, Linda Jackson, explores some of of Scotland’s 31,000 lochs, lochans, rivers and 6,000 miles of coastline to find Scottish active outdoor vacations that you just can’t resist.
Adrenalin-seeking adventurers might head for the lochs of the West Highlands of Scotland where they’ll discover Inverlochy, a luxury hotel in the Highlands that offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits guaranteed to match the adventurer in you.
Surrounded by some of Scotland’s best sailings waters, Crinan Hotel is not only ideally placed for sailing, but also for fly fishing, family-friendly day boat trips and boat charters round the Isles. Passing by boat through the Crinan Canal, rich in history and wildlife, is a scenic and memorable experience with fifteen locks and seven bridges to tackle.
Savour 30 minutes of flight-seeing by seaplane around the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond when you stay at Cameron House on Loch Lomond – this is an exciting opportunity to catch a bird’s eye view of the famous loch and surrounding national park
Full details in our June newsletter Article – Water Water Everywhere >>>
A warm welcome to Bernd Doerler – Der Feinschmecker Magazine
Bernd Doerler is a well known food & travel writer who is currently visiting Scotland for Der Feinschmecker Magazine. Bernd is in Scotland researching an article about Luxury Scotland. Earlier this week he visited 21212 Restaurant in Edinburgh, Gleneagles, Greywalls and the Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian.
We hope to keep you updated on Bernd’s trip and the Scotland article.
Prestonfield Hotel – venue for Salmond Election Speech
The name ‘Prestonfield‘ was on the lips of many media reports and broadcasters today as the results of the Scotland’s elections were discussed. Prestonfield is a stunning luxury hotel in Edinburgh just minutes from Scotland’s parliament buildings and was the setting for Alex Salmond’s declaration of victory in the Scottish Elections. Those familiar with our Luxury Scotland website will know that Prestonfield is one of Scotland’s top luxury hotels and a members of Connoisseurs Scotland.
Even though the hotel was only the backdrop to Alex Salmons presentation it was commented on by many of the press and media. One Radio 5 commentator remarked at the existence of a chandelier and chaise longue in the gents restroom. Once described as a stunning mix of opulence, grandeur and comfort is was a fitting venue for Alex Salmond’s victory presentation.
Full details at: http://www.prestonfield.com/
Scotland’s Golf Courses – Hard to Beat!
Choosing which of Scotland’s golf courses to play might well be a headache for golfers looking to enjoy a Scottish golfing break. Scotland has a fabulous variety of courses - championship golf courses, loch-side gems, lush hillsides courses, leafy woodland courses and exhilarating links golf courses by the sea.
To make a golfers life easier, many of Scotland’s regions offer special golf passes that allow you to play a number of top courses at bargain prices. But where to stay? Many of Luxury Scotland’s hotels have their own courses while other member properties are very close to some of Scotland’s golfing gems.
In this month’s Luxury Scotland Newsletter Linda Jackson explores some of the options for enjoying the best of Scottish Golf Breaks.
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/golf-courses-scotland-article/index.html
BODYCAMPS from the ‘QUEEN OF THE DETOX SCENE’
If you found our recent feature on Wellness and Scottish Spas interesting then you might be excited at the chance to participate in one of the Detox and Weightloss camps being held next month at Stobo Castle.
Join TV Fitness and Wellness expert Amanda Hamilton at Stobo Castle for her InShape Bootcamp Break. Designed to help you achieve fast results the course costs £650 per person for 3 nights and includes:
- Confidential pre-arrival support and welcome talk
- Three nights’ en suite accommodation
- All meals with menu designed and planned by Amanda Hamilton
- One detox day including healthy juice, broth and supplements
- One Body Check + One Body Scrub
- Between 3 and 4 hours of exercise per day
- Full daily programme of indoor/outdoor activities
- Guided nutrition and fitness workshops
Skibo is also offering a range of additional treatments at an exclusively discounted rate during the course.
The InShape Bootcamp runs from Monday 2nd May, departing after lunch on Thursday 5th.
A 4 night package is also available at £822.50 per person departing on Friday 6th May 2011.
Full details and reservations at http://www.stobocastle.co.uk/Tariffs/amanda_hamilton
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/scottish-spas-wellness-article/index.html
Easter Breaks & Gourmet Dining from Luxury Scotland
We have a host of Easter and Spring Breaks at Luxury Scotland – full details can be found on our newsletter page.
On Easter Sunday the Easter Bunny will be popping up at The Old course Hotel in St Andrews and holding a Childrens Workshop to make and decorate Easter bonnets and Easter eggs, before taking all the children on an Easter Egg hunt.
The Old Course Hotel at St Andrews has an innovative three-night family package including tickets to The Scottish Deer Centre and the St Andrews Aquarium with a picnic lunch provided by the hotel on both days. The package, which is valid on the nights of Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th of April costs £850 for two adults and two children, and is based on a family of four sharing. Subject to availability.
At Greywalls in East Lothian there might not be any Easter Bunnies but they do have an eggcellent Easter package. Between 22nd and 25th April Greywalls are offering 2 nights B&B with dinner for two on one of the evenings in their Chez Roux restaurant. This package includes complimentary afternoon tea for two on arrival.
Gourmet dining inspired by renowned chef Albert Roux can also be enjoyed at Inverlochy Castle and Inverlodge. Both hotels also offer Easter Breaks.
http://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com/easter.html
http://www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/tariffs/easter_packages.html
Greywalls – truly wonderful in all seasons.
Acknowledged as one of the very best country house in Scotland, Greywalls in East Lothian is an ideal retreat for anyone contemplating a family gathering, a wedding, corporate event or a classic golfing holiday.
I was lucky enough to be showing an American couple some of the sights of East Lothian. After a visit to Dirleton Castle, just a few minutes drive from Greywalls, we arrived at the hotel for some lunch and to view the splendid gardens. Even at this time of year the gardens have a very calming and contemplative effect on visitors. with the spring colour still a few weeks away the gardens were alive with all manner of small sculptures and well trimmed box hedges.
We enjoyed a light lunch in the lounge in front of a warming, flickering fireplace. Excellent service as usual. It seems no matter when I travel to Greywalls the gardens and the house reflect a peaceful tranquility that makes any journey worthwhile.
WELLNESS & THE ‘QUEEN OF THE DETOX SCENE’
Our Luxury Scotland newsletter for February focused on Wellness and showcased the fabulous selection of Scottish spas and health spa treatments to be found within the Luxury Scotland properties. Written by our Writer in Residence, Linda Jackson, it was a timely reminder, now that the days are getting longer and Spring has arrived, to look after our bodies and souls in time for summer.
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/scottish-spas-wellness-article/index.html
Scotland’s Winter Seafood
Winter Seafood in Scotland is our newsletter article for February. Written by travel writer and broadcaster Viv Devlin it contains some fascinating notes on Scotland’s seafood as well as information on Scottish seafood suppliers and some delicious recipes. Over 5,000 fishermen and 2,000 fishing boats work the Scottish coastline and islands.
‘Good Food’ tourism is a fast growing business and Scotland is well positioned to thrive on the many regional specialities that a visitor can enjoy. Over two thirds of visitors to Scotland say they are keen to taste traditional Scottish dishes and Scotland’s fresh local produce. With Luxury Scotland’s excellent city and country house hotels, Michelin and Award winning restaurants, it’s easy to plan a gastronomic journey
http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/seasonalwinterseafoodarticle/
Falling for Alva Fishing – Hook, Line and Sinker
Whether you are an experienced angler or you have never fished before, you may get hooked by an enjoyable and very informative article written for Alba Fishing by Linda Jackson, one of Luxury Scotland’s regular travel writers.
Scotland boasts some of the best and most exciting fishing in Europe. With locations ranging from wide smooth flowing rivers, deep pools in secret locations, dramatic rushing waters in the highlands, Scotland’s fishing heritage has produced a class breed of gillies like no others with skill and local knowledge passed down over the generations.
Alba Game Fishing, one of our partners at Luxury Scotland, combines elegant hotels and exclusive fishing venues off the beaten track to provide a unique Scottish fishing experience for their clients, who get the whole place to themselves for the day… not disturbed, not fished by the public and completely private. Because of that, fishing is dynamic and the experience is unforgettable… regardless of what they eventually bring home!
Most of Alba Game Fishing’s clients tend to be beginners and on corporate days over three quarters of those attending have never fished before. Interesting to note the number of budding female anglers is rising year upon year and, perhaps not surprising, attract more fish than the guys. (Editor is now smiling).
Luxury Scotland Unveiled New Video Series
The spotlight lights have been switched off, the film crew packed up and now, after days in the editing suite our CEO and latest screen idol emerged with some tantilising video clips that help communicate the magic and luxury that is ‘Luxury Scotland‘.
Featuring castles, food, golf, whisky and exploring Scotland’s capital cities, these videos will be used to promote the wonderful experience and the member hotels that make up Luxury Scotland. One of the videos showcases the luxury yacht that has become such a favourite of HRH Queen Elizabeth II – the MV Hebridean Princess. As well as providing a portal to some Scotland’s 5 star luxury hotels, Luxury Scotland offers visitors the option to travel in style on The Royal Scotsman, to be chauffeured in idylic luxury by our partners Littles Chauffeur Drive or, like royalty, enjoy the dramatic beauty of Scotland’s West coast aboard a luxury yacht.
Outdoor Activities in Scotland
The days are now beginning to get longer here in Scotland. Just as Luxury Scotland continues to grow, so does the range of outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy in Scotland.
One of our Luxury Scotland news articles highlighted the various outdoor activities that you can enjoy.
So whether you favour paragliding or rock climbing – or if you have never tried canyoning in Scotland , you might be inspired by this newsletter article entitled A Sense of Adventure.
Scottish Gift Hampers from House of Bruar
In our Luxury Scotland Newsletter for November, food and travel writer Viv Devlin describes a recent visit she made to The House of Bruar and in particular on the food hampers on offer from this Luxury Scotland partner.
The House of Bruar prides itself on showcasing some of Scotland’s finest produce, clothing and rural artwork. Nestled at the food of the Falls of Buar visitors can browse and purchase a wide range of quality gourmet foods from Scotland in the modern food hall, House of Bruar also features an excellent restaurant and a series of shopping experience covering outdoor clothing, men’s and women’s fashions, gifts and tableware with many of the items are sourced from Scottish suppliers. House of Bruar opened in 1995 and continues to develop as one of Scotland’s most exciting retail experience.
The country living department and the art gallery were added a few years ago and continue House of Bruar’s mission of delivering some of the best of quality gifts from Scotland – www.houseofbruar.com
Viv’s article is very enjoyable and comes just in time for some festive inspiration.
Luxury Scotland – now on Facebook and Twitter
Beam me up Scotty!
Lights! Action! Whisky! … Luxury Scotland on Film
This week I found myself centre stage as the narrator in a short film we are making for Connoisseurs Scotland. As I sipped my whisky at Prestonfield House, a crew of cameraman, sound recordist, producer and others were recording my every move. Daunting at times but great fun and an exciting project which will help show our potential visitors a glimpse of this fascinating country of ours. Our filming schedule included shots from Calton Hill over looking Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, whisky tasting at Prestonfield and golf at St Andrews.
Next week we travel west to film Turnberry and other locations. Scotland is looking wonderful cloaked in all the Autumn colours and I hope we capture this in our finished production. More details on our progress will be posted here next week.
City Slickers – Shopping in Scotland
Be inspired, take a city break!
With Easter and warmer weather no so far way I thought we might revisit this Luxury Scotladn Newsletter item posted last November. Entitled ‘CITY SLICKERS’ it briefly explored some of Scotland’s cities and looked at the opportunities for sight seeing and shopping
A tour of Turnberry’s Ailsa Golf Course
I thought this was an interesting YouTube Clip – a tour of Turnberry’s Ailsa Championship Golf Course with head greenkeeper George Brown. Turnberry was the venue for the Open Championship 2009
Exploring Museums and Art Galleries in Scotland with Intermezzo
Claire McLeod
One of the most enjoyable ways to visit a museum or art gallery is in the evening when you and your guide have the whole building to yourselves.
If you are visiting Glasgow you can achieve this by contacting Intermezzo Productions run by Clare Macleod. Intermezzo arranges private visits to several Glasgow Museums and Galleries including Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
An explanation of Clare’s work is our featured Luxury Scotland newsletter article for January.
Inverlochy Castle
Inverlochy is Scotland’s finest hotel and restaurant uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland. At Inverlochy you will experience one of the most relaxing and exciting vacations of a lifetime, where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered.
Gleneagles Conde Nast Traveller
Gleneagles is one of our Luxury Scotland members and is internationally known as Scotland’s most luxurious 5 star golf and spa resorts. A recent investment programme in excess of £70 million has helped shape this luxury destination for the 21st century.
Set in 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles is home to three of the top Scottish Championship Golf Courses , one of Europe’s top luxury spas and a wide range of exhilarating outdoor leisure activities.
Here is a recent YouTube video clip featuring Gleneagles.
Welcome to Taittinger
There are often times in life when only a glass of champagne will suffice to mark an important moment, a celebration or a wonderful day.
For those moments we welcome Hatch Mansfield as a Commercial Partner of Connoisseurs Scotland.
Hatch Mansfield keep our properties supplied with Taittinger Champagne and Louis Jadot fine wines from Burgundy. Next time you are at one of our member properties why not take the opportunity to enhance your enjoyment with a glass of Taittinger.
Two New Members
Braemore Apartments and Inverlodge
We are delighted to announce that Connoisseurs Scotland / Luxury Scotland continues to grow and now with the addition of Braemore Deluxe Residences in Edinburgh and Inver Lodge Hotel at Lochinver we now represents some of the 24 finest hotels and accommodation providers in Scotland.
Braemore Residences, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, offer a range of five star short let luxury apartments for leisure and business travellers.
Inver Lodge is located at Lochinver in Sutherland is our most northerly member and is managed by Inverlochy Castle Hotel Management International. It will open for the season in April.