FIELD GOOD FACTOR
Forget the snooty Parisians and the crowds of Venice, if you want the perfect romantic break, it’s waiting for you in the rolling Angus countryside
WHEN you consider a romantic break for two, you might think Venice or Paris... glam but not very private.
So let’s keep the glam part but make the location a secret and, better still, put it right here in Scotland.
In fact, let’s place five-star luxury lodges in the beautiful Angus countryside, far from the toils of everyday life, but within touching distance of the fabulous city of Dundee.
That’s what seems to have happened at the Hideaway Experience, which combines high-end design and finishes with stunning views and fabulous local produce.
And it truly is a hideaway. Four plush lodges – the Honeymooners, the Lovers, the Dreamers and the Romantics – can be found if you look hard enough, down a winding road leading north from Dundee. And all are placed far enough from the others to offer seclusion, peace and privacy.
Our check-in was for the dreamers and the setting itself was dreamy. Surrounded by a vibrant working farm, this lodge is the last word in luxury and design. A wood-burning fire serves both the huge bedroom and the stylish lounge, and the cool kitchen has all mod cons. But that is just the start.
There’s a cocktail bar in the lounge and the bathroom is sheer indulgent luxury, with a huge multi-function double shower and a stunning stand-alone bath.
And that door in the corner? That is the private sauna. Yes, a private sauna.
And because we were on a special break, it would have been crazy not to enjoy the outside hot tub on the porch. It offered warmth even on a cold night, and a stunning view of the lights of Dundee – crowned by the Law Hill – to the south-west. Few experiences will rival this.
The outside area offers separate sections for cooking on the barbecue, eating, or just lounging and enjoying the countryside.
Greeting us on arrival was a fabulous welcome pack including a bottle of Prosecco, but the stars of the show were the superb local products, such as butter from St Andrews, delicious local sausages and bacon, and cracking jam from nearby Carmyllie.
It was a true showcase of local produce. And to crown it all, we were then delivered a loaf that was so fresh it was still hot from the oven.
So that is the outstanding flavour of the Hideaway Experience. The service is top-notch and discreet, and is also pet-friendly.
You really don’t have to leave
the lodge, because they’ll deliver anything you order.
We sampled a fish platter from the local Angus market and it was delicious. It included the famed Arbroath Smokies, but you could just as easily order oysters or lobsters if you fancy pushing the boat out.
The adults-only Hideaway Experience is set in 650 acres of beautful countryside.
It’s a perfect luxury break for couples, away from the kids and the in-laws.
If you fancy a cosy getaway with your significant other, it would make a truly stunning surprise. And there are bespoke packages on offer for honeymoons, birthdays and anniversary celebrations.
The owners, Caroline and Ross Millar, have placed the emphasis very much on privacy and luxury, and they have scored a direct hit.
Ahead of your stay, personal touches such as arranging spa treatments, restaurant visits, food deliveries, flowers and car hire can all be arranged.
The Hideaway Experience showcases the very best of Scottish luxury, hospitality and privacy all in one.
And because of its location, it is well within driving distance in an afternoon for the majority of Scots.
It is luxury and style on a different level and you don’t have to travel far to get it. The reality for most of us is that it’s on our doorstep – although we would have been more than happy to drive a very long way to check into the Hideaway Experience.
Seek it out, then hide away and relax with your special someone.