The best venues in Scotland for you to spend your first honeymoon night!
STIRLING: Glenskirlie Castle
Glenskirlie in Stirlingshire is Scotland's youngest
castle, by at least a few hundred years. It has two distinct but
equally opulent Castle Suites, both with boldly styled themes and all
the necessary ingredients for a romantic overnight stay. Each suite has
a four-poster bed, separate walk-in dressing rooms to protect your
modesty, and turreted bathrooms with huge sunken baths. The venue has
quite a few different packages aimed at couples, any would be perfect
for newlyweds. For £495 you can enjoy your first honeymoon night in a Castle Suite with
benefits including an a la carte dinner next door in Glensklrlie House,
a bottle of Champagne and a full Scottish breakfast. You can also take
a much needed late check-out and receive a bottle of Molton Brown
Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish and Body Souffle, ideal to use in the
sunken bath and luxury shower.
Tel: 01324 840 201 – www.glenskirliehouse.com
INVERNESS: The Rocpool Reserve
The Rocpool Reserve has only been open a couple of years, but already has a reputation as one of the most stylish hotels in the highlands, and was awarded the title of 'Most Excellent UK City Hotel 2008' (by Conde Nast, not Bill and Ted). They have some quirky room categories to choose from; none of your classic and grand labels here –instead the room types are classified along the lines of chic, hip, decadent and extra decadent. In the latter you have your own private terrace, with a hot tub on it, so you can relax on your first honeymoon night with a bottle of bubbly and enjoy fantastic city views as you do so! There's a great restaurant and cocktail menu downstairs, but with a plasma TV, DVD player, king-size bed and bathroom boasting a rain shower and deep bath, you probably won't want to leave your room.
Tel: 01463 240 089 – www.rocpool.com
EDINBURGH: Prestonfield
Prestonfield near Edinburgh has just launched the new luxurious Owners Suite, its most indulgent accommodation yet. Accessed via stone turret stairs, the suite is hidden away on the second floor, guaranteeing privacy. Your hallway is adorned with ancient oak carvings, and the suite itself starts with a gothic book-lined lobby. The sitting room contains historic paintings and memorabilia from Prestonfield’s former owners and some of their famous guests. The suite is loaded with books and collectibles worth exploring, and you'll find DVDs and CDs behind the media cabinet's secret door. The bedroom features a mahogany four-poster bed and amazing views, but the piece de resistance has to be the bathroom's huge and exceptionally deep silver chariot bath. At the moment there's an introductory rate of £350 per night, which includes a bottle of Champagne and breakfast.
Tel: 0131 662 2323 – www.prestonfield.com
GLASGOW: Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
Visitors to this hotel in Glasgow's west end won't be surprised to hear that it's where the likes of Robbie Williams and Madonna stay when in town. It has a whole host of gorgeous rooms and suites, all offering a sense of modern luxury. Try Geoff Merill, a Grand room that will see your jaw dropping as you step inside. Bigger than most west end flats, its centrepiece is the roll-top bath, which sits on a raised area within the main living space. There are generous supplies of organic Arran Aromatics toiletries, which you're encouraged to take away. Nice touches include candles placed around the bath, and a huge telly you can watch while you're soaking. The bathroom itself has underfloor heating and when you've tired of all the elegance you'll sleep like a contented log in what's got to be the world's comfiest bed. If you're peckish before heading down to the excellent restaurant, don't fret – complimentary warmed buttery shortbread will be delivered to your room to keep you going.
Tel: 0141 339 2001 - www.hotelduvin.com
ARGYLL: Ardanaiseig Boatshed
For theultimate in post-wedding relaxation, few places offer the luxury, space and privacy of the Boatshed at Ardanaiseig House Hotel. Built on the hotel grounds,your very own golf buggy will take you to the Boatshed, which is completely separate from the house. Thanks to a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge, you'll feel yourself unwinding as you take in the outstanding views offered by floor-to-ceiling windows, and you'll spot Loch Awe below and Ben Lui beyond. If you do venture outside you can explore in your own boat, moored at the end of the jetty.Wander around the grounds, take the boat out or just sit back on your patio and appreciate your idyllic surroundings. Despite having its own kitchen, a quick buggy ride back to the house will see you well-fed and watered in the restaurant,which recently came top in a survey of Scotland's five best hotel restaurants. Run and managed as a home rather than a hotel,the atmosphere ensures all tensions disappear from the minute you arrive at this quite exceptional piece of paradise. The one thing this purpose-built self-contained apartment isn’t is a shed!
Tel: 01866 833 333 – www.ardanaiseig.com
EDINBURGH: The Balmoral
Nice as it is to spend a few quiet days with your new spouse in a rural retreat, there's a lot to be said for a break enjoyed in the city too. For one thing it's an opportunity to Indulge in some retail therapy by spending any vouchers received as wedding gifts. The Balmoral in Edinburgh has several gorgeous suites worthy of your newly wedded status, including the massive Royal Suite. With breathtaking views over the capital, the room itself is filled with antique and modern furnishings, luxurious fabrics and two living flame fires. There's a private dining menu, a well-stocked bar and walk-in dressing rooms. The bathroom is equally opulent, with a custom-made mosaic and marble design, free-standing bath and double walk-in shower. And with any of the hotel's pricier suites you receive a whole host of complimentary extras, including a packing and unpacking service (well, you'll be so tired after the wedding), in-room check-in and even use of a Nokia mobile for local calls.
Tel: 0131556 2414 – www.roccofortecollection.com
BORDERS: Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
Thanks to a recent refurbishment, The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel in the borders town of St Boswells is now an even more luxurious place to spend your first honeymoon night. Most areas have been upgraded, giving this traditional country hotel a fresher look. Along with the renovations, the hotel also just launched its new Lady of Mertoun suite.With underfloor heating, window seats in the sitting room and bedroom, and a warm inviting colour scheme, it's perfect as a romantic hideaway. With four stars the place is certainly luxurious, but there's not a hint of aloofness from the genuinely warm and down to earth staff. But it's really the hotel's newly decorated restaurant that makes it special. Existing period features such as high ceilings and ornate chandeliers are complemented by opulent red, cream and gold interiors. Enjoy impressive views across the pretty River Tweed from your bay window table – all this as you tuck into some of the finest dining you're likely to experience, with creatively designed dishes that you can tell are made from top quality ingredients. If you feel like going outside, take a walk around the grounds, or borrow a couple of the hotel's bikes and explore the beautiful rolling hills.
Tel: 01835 822 261 – www.dryburgh.co.uk
GLASGOW: Saint Jude’s Hotel-Restaurant-Bar
This is a contemporary converted townhouse in Glasgow city centre. The focal point to the main building is the glass dome on the roof which lights up the central staircase. As well as five bedrooms they have a gorgeous penthouse suite that’s perfect for couples embarking on their honeymoon journey. As well as having a bathroom for each of you, plus its own lounge area and a kitchenette ensuring you don’t need to venture out, the suite’s piece de resistance has to be the huge stainless steel bath in the en suite. And of course it has a king size bed for you to enjoy your Champagne and strawberries on, and all the entertainment facilities you could possibly need. If the penthouse suite is already taken, try Saint Jude’s luxury serviced apartments instead.
Tel: 0141 352 8800 – www.saintjudes.com
