The gift of a wish at The Balmoral

Christmas is a time for goodwill, where giving is better than receiving. It is a time for family and friends, where acts of kindness last a whole year. Combine this with The Balmoral, the iconic Rocco Forte hotel set in the heart of Edinburgh, and you have a magical festive destination where wishes can come true. This year guests visiting will be immersed in a world of festive cheer, from enchanting wishing trees to discovering tempting seasonal fare. Expect sparkling Afternoon Teas; decadent Christmas dishes with all the trimmings and enticing cocktails to celebrate the occasion.

For Christmas shopping breaks to the city, look no further than the Balmoral’s newly refurbished signature suites – each with its own character and personality. The Bowes Lyon Suite is charming and quirky while the grandeur of the Glamis Suite or the Scone & Crombie Suite can accommodate up to six people offering home-from-home luxury.

Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux, the Balmoral’s newest dining experience, is the ideal location for a festive family gathering or after-work cocktail. The food is inspired by Scottish ingredients and showcases Alain’s heritage of sensational French cooking. Locally sourced smoked salmon and farm turkey are complemented by Christmas pudding, truffles and more.

Whisky enthusiasts can delight in a selection of over 500 single malts at Scotch – the hotel’s whisky bar. The Whisky Ambassadors at Scotch offer a selection of tasting experiences for the novice to the connoisseur. Tucked away inside the hotel lobby it’s the perfect hidden bar to escape the pace of city life during the busy Christmas rush.

For a truly sparkling afternoon, delight in a festive Afternoon Tea served in Palm Court throughout December. Sharing the goodwill with the hotel this year are Hamilton & Inches, Scotland’s luxury jeweller and Hawico cashmere. In celebration of the partnership three wishing trees will take centre stage in Palm Court. Guests are invited to make a wish for the New Year, hang it on one of the hotel’s wishing trees and for 12 days of Christmas, one lucky daily winner will receive a prize from The Balmoral, Hawico or Hamilton & Inches.

The Balmoral has long been a destination for celebrations, no more so than at New Year. The hotel hosts Edinburgh’s most decadent Hogmanay Gala Ball. The black tie celebration commences with a superb pipes and drums performance followed by a Champagne and canapé reception with musical entertainment. A magnificent dinner, coupled with the finest of wines is served in the Sir Walter Scott Suite – the hotel’s grand ballroom with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the world renowned fireworks display.

Celebrate a new era at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Number One – named after the hotel’s famous address 1 Princes Street – the perfect place to dine on New Year’s Day. The restaurant received a Michelin star for 2020 under the helm of Head Chef Mark Donald who has created a bespoke New Year tasting menu for the occasion to easy you into 2020 in style.

For more information on the festive season at The Balmoral visit: