Brilliant Scottish Breakaways to Book now
Nowhere offers drama on the same scale as Scotland
The Pierhouse Hotel
Hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, by the pier on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland, you’ll find The Pierhouse Hotel. With just 12 rooms (some with views directly onto Loch Linnhe, the island of Lismore and the Morvern peninsula beyond) it’s the perfect retreat and there’s seafood by the boatload at this gorgeous boutique hotel. Chef Michael and his team are passionate about working with the finest local suppliers, fishermen and farmers, and have two AA rosettes to show for it. In the bar you’ll find Scottish artisan producers and a collection of whiskies from each of the Scottish regions. Not a fan of whisky? There’s an extensive collection of Scottish gins, from as close as Ballachulish in the next village, and from many of the Hebridean islands too. With everything from wild swimming and whispering cow walks to hill walking and bird watching on offer here, it’s a place you’ll just fall in love with.
Port Appin, Appin PA38 4DE
pierhousehotel.co.uk
The Birdhouse
Originally an old cow byre, this beautifully restored self-catering hideaway in the picturesque village of Culdie in Applecross is the most romantic of escapes. The luxury accommodation is just perfect for two, with its king-size bed, cosy sitting room with woodburning stove and an abundance of creative charm which has made great use of natural materials throughout, whilst soft tweeds, fine linen and plenty of cosy cushions add to the air of understated luxury. Light and airy, there are stunning, west-facing views over the Cuillin Mountains of Skye and the Inner Sound. The nearest beach is a short walk away, and beautiful Coral beach is within 45 minutes on foot. Locally, The Applecross Inn is great for food, there’s a good fish and chip shop and stunning walled garden with a well-thought-of café nearby too. Walking and hiking you can find roaming red deer, mountain hare, pine marten, and the occasional solo wild cat. Around the lochs you are likely to see otters, seals and dolphins. Applecross
welcomeescapes.com
Glencoe House
This historic mansion built in 1896 was the former home of Lord Strathcona. Its unrivalled location gives panoramic views over mysterious Glencoe. The house is made up of 14 one- to two-bedroomed private suites giving you the space and privacy to really unwind. A distinguishing feature of Glencoe House is the unique dining experience; breakfast and a candle-lit three-course dinner are all served in your own private dining table in your suite. Dress up, or down, the choice is yours but the experience is always special, just without fellow diners. Alternatively, the Strathcona Lodges just metres from the main house have a bedroom, sitting room with woodburning stove, fully equipped kitchen, well-stocked bar and a private walled garden with a hot tub.
Glencoe PH49 4HT
glencoe-house.com
Dornoch Station
A true testament to its surroundings, Dornoch Station is a wild and welcoming haven. Immersed in the rugged beauty of the Highlands, and on the very doorstep of the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club, one of Scotland’s finest Championship courses, the hotel is perfect for golfers and adventure seekers alike. Part of the prestigious Marine & Lawn group, there are 86 rooms and suites in this newly renovated hotel, all designed in an elegant, muted palette to reflect their surroundings, many with views of the golf course and across to the Dornoch Firth. Bar Ross is the quintessential Highland bar at the heart of the hotel where you’ll find everything from classic cocktails and a wide selection of whiskies alongside the all-day snack menu, and The Golden Gorse restaurant serves the best of local, in-season Scottish cuisine. Peloton bikes in the hotel’s gym, and complimentary bike hire at the front desk mean guests can be as active as they want and as Dornoch is a stop-off point on Scotland’s ultimate road trip, the North Coast 500, there’s lots to explore here, from Dornoch’s award-winning beach and activities such as fishing, biking, hiking and wild life safaris to plenty of local restaurants and distilleries for whisky fans.
Grange Road, Dornoch IV23 3LF
marineandlawn.com
Fonab Castle
This traditional Scottish castle is a seamless blend of modern and original. A five-star hotel, all 42 bespoke bedrooms come with huge beds and crisp white linen. Stay in the castle or one of the contemporary lodges, many with breathtaking views over Loch Faskally, and start your evening with an aperitif in the Lounge Bar before heading to Sandemans for traditional fine dining, or to 1982 On The Loch for great food with less fuss. The luxury, loch-side spa is an oasis amongst the trees where you’ll find an indoor pool, sauna, thermals suite and outdoor hot tubs.
Pitlochry PH16 5ND
crerarhotels.com
100 Princes Street
In the heart of Edinburgh, within the storied walls of what once was the headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street is a carefully-curated haven that echoes the ambiance of an elite members’ club, and offers an exclusive escape into a world where tradition and modern luxury converge. In the rooms, skilled local artisans were commissioned to create custom-made furnishings, fabrics and artworks that are totally unique to the hotel, and handpicked antiques and nautical design elements have been cleverly woven throughout to reflect the building’s illustrious history. There 30 rooms and suites, several with breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, a view shared by The Wallace, the plush dining room, bar, library and tasting room where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, Scottish whisky tastings and a menu that pays tribute to much of Scotland’s best produce.
100 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 3AB
100princes-street.com
Lundies House
This beautiful, Scandi-style lodge on the most northerly stretch of the Highlands makes the seemingly endless journey more than worthwhile. It sits at the end of one of the most stunning road trips, but is still over two hours from Inverness, and once safely ensconced and surrounded by the incredible landscape you’ll be glad you came. The house manages an art house aesthetic but with enough homely touches to make you want to move in. There are bedrooms in the main house, studio apartments in the old steading block and a self-catering property sleeping four too. Muted tones, murals, free-standing bath tubs and a host of surprising touches make this feel very special. Breakfast changes daily and packed lunches are handed out to fuel your day’s exploring, before returning for a carefully prepared dinner using only the best local ingredients. Wines are available by the glass or bottle and dinner with a ringside seat in the kitchen can be arranged to watch the chefs at work.
Tongue, Lairg IV27 4XF
lundies.scot
