True luxury is making memories

The Balmoral, the iconic Rocco Forte Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, launched a series of experiences in 2019 celebrating the best of Scotland. From fireside whisky journeys to Instagram walking tours, the exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences have been created to unlock the secrets of Edinburgh and beyond.

Before stepping out to explore Edinburgh, the hotel’s concierge team will create personalised walking routes of the city for guests. Based on suggestions from the hotel’s General Manager, the routes will lead guests on scenic strolls from the historic Royal Mile to the curving crescents of the New Town.

Alternatively, all guests are invited to book one of The Balmoral’s guided tours around the Scottish capital – a traditional walking tour or The Balmoral’s Insta Tour. Any hotel guest looking to venture beyond Edinburgh, meanwhile, can book the Scotland Through A Lens experience: a day-long trip to Glencoe in The Highlands offering the perfect opportunity to learn the secrets of landscape photography in the ideal natural lighting conditions that winter offers.

Richard Cooke, General Manager of The Balmoral, said: “I like nothing more than to explore the Scottish capital on foot during winter. A short distance from the hotel, it might be down the cobbled lanes and through the delights of the Royal Mile on a dark, wet day when the city takes on a Dickensian charm. On a clear bright day, it’s up Calton Hill with my dog Lucy to take in the panoramic views of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.”

The Balmoral’s Cashmere, Tartan and Tweed Trail allows guest to venture off the beaten track to the beautiful Scottish Borders and enjoy a privately guided visit to Scotland’s most prestigious cashmere and tartan mills, including Johnstons of Elgin, weavers by Royal Appointment to HRH Prince Charles. Following a chauffeur-driven tour through the picturesque hills and river valleys of The Borders, guests have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the highly skilled craftspeople who make Scottish luxury textiles for leading fashion houses around the world.

The Balmoral’s guests are able to choose from a variety of cosy activities during the winter period. For example, The Fireside Whisky Experience takes guests on a tailored journey to distilleries throughout Scotland from the comfort of a tweed armchair, while The Balmoral’s Afternoon Tea Masterclass promises to unlock the history of this celebrated British tradition.

The Tartan Butler Clan Tour, one of the hotel’s more traditional Scottish experiences, offers guests the chance to track down their family tartan during a meeting with The Balmoral’s Tartan Butler. Those interested in learning more about their family history can book a tailored tour that traces their family’s journey through Scotland. Guests can also visit two of Edinburgh’s foremost royal establishments – Holyrood Palace and Royal Yacht Britannia – by booking the Royal Edinburgh experience.

For more information or to book, visit: www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/experiences/

SUSAN REID COLLECTION Nationwide

Whether you are looking for a venue for a family holiday or just to get away from it all, the Susan Reid Collection represents some of Scotland’s most stunning private houses and castles. From properties with five to 14 bedrooms, imagine your party in your own private mansion or castle, creating wonderful memories.

Tel: 0131 556 4020, susanreid.co.uk PIERHOUSE HOTEL

Port Appin

In the quiet village of Port Appin, surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland, you will find The Pierhouse Hotel. With breath-taking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull, the relaxed atmosphere and renowned Scottish Seafood Restaurant is one of Argyll’s most idyllic destinations.

Tel: 01631 730302, pierhousehotel.co.uk EDDRACHILLES HOTEL Badcall Bay by Scourie, Sutherland Eddrachilles on the shores of northwest Sutherland is the perfect setting for an autumn break. A former manse, this 10-bedroomed hotel, 40 miles north of Ullapool on the NC500, provides high standards of Highland hospitality and delicious food using fresh local ingredients. Explore Sutherland’s wild landscapes or curl up by the fire. Pet friendly.

Tel: 01971 502080, eddrachilles.com THE MACHRIE HOTEL

Port Ellen, Isle of Islay

Whether you’re just looking to explore this stunning island, home to some of the world’s finest whiskies, birdlife, seafood and dramatic coastal seascapes, or you’re taking on the challenge of the championship links golf course, The Machrie will be the perfect place to start your stay. Short breaks from £60 per person. To book, call now or visit the website.

Tel: 01496 302310, themachrie.com MAINS OF TAYMOUTH Kenmore

Situated in the picturesque village of Kenmore, and offering a stunning selection of 5 & 4 Star cottages, mews-style houses, holiday homes and apartments, Mains has remained consistently popular for well over a decade. The estate is dog friendly, family run, and easily accessible. Other on site attractions include the Courtyard restaurant, the deli, shop and riding stables, plus the golf course, affectionately known as Perthshire’s finest 9 holes.

Tel: 01887 830226, taymouth.co.uk TRUMP TURNBERRY

South Ayrshire

Located on the Ayrshire coast, with over 100 years of heritage and history, Trump Turnberry is an iconic destination. The resort boasts three unique dining experiences as well as a luxurious spa . Trump Turnberry is also home to three exceptional golf courses, the Open Championship Ailsa course, King Robert the Bruce and the Arran, while the onsite activity centre offers guests a variety of activities including horse riding and archery.

Tel: 01655 333991, trumphotels.com/turnberry

BLAIRMORE FARM

Crieff

Located in the Perthshire countryside, Blairmore Farm is ideally located to explore all that central Scotland has to offer. Approximately an hour away from Edinburgh and Glasgow it is perfectly situated for both short and long stays. These cottages with wood-burning stoves are perfect for taking away autumnal chills! Tel: 01764 683789, blairmorefarm.com KILCAMB LODGE HOTEL Strontian, Argyll

Kilcamb Lodge is the only 4 Star Hotel

& 3 AA Rosette Restaurant on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Winner of Best Loved Hotels, Hotel of the Year and The Best Pet Friendly Hotel. It holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit, especially for weddings, exclusive use and romantic gourmet breaks.

Tel: 01967 402257, kilcamblodge.co.uk KINTAIL LOG CABIN

West coast Scottish Highlands

This beautiful cabin has an open plan sitting room with log stove, dining area, kitchen and BBQ in garden. Surrounded by stunning scenery, a perfect base for exploring the Isle of Skye and Highlands. Very comfortable two double bedrooms, fitted shower room. Outdoor hot tub to luxuriate in the views.

Tel: 07831 696039, kintaillogcabin.com LINKS HOUSE AT ROYAL DORNOCH Dornoch, Highlands

Links House at Royal Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands is a country house hotel and restaurant in the finest tradition, offering luxury accommodation combined with the charm, grace and elegance of the world’s finest luxury small hotels. Links House Hotel has been beautifully restored to reflect the drama of its setting.

Tel: 01862 810279, linkshousedornoch.com EAST HAUGH HOUSE HOTEL Pitlochry

This award-winning four-star country hotel is hailed as one of Perthshire’s hidden gems with ‘the best food in the area’. Located just one mile south of Pitlochry, with 12 bedrooms including three deluxe four-poster rooms and a private lodge, East Haugh can also arrange shooting, stalking and fishing breaks on a range of estates within idyllic Highland Perthshire. A total package for the discerning field sports enthusiast.

Tel: 01796 473121, easthaugh.co.uk DOUGLAS HOTEL

Isle of Arran

The Douglas Hotel offers a warm welcome and one of the best views on the Isle of Arran. Super friendly and award-winning, no expense has been spared in creating a unique home-from-home feel to Arran’s 22 bedroomed boutique hotel. Please call or book directly for the very best prices online. Tel: 01770 302968, thedouglashotel.co.uk