The Ultimate indulgence on edge of capital
We all love a night or two away from the stresses of everyday life.a city break or a pampering hotel stay can be just the thing to recharge the batteries. During the worries of the last year and a half, though, it seemed that such luxuries might be consigned to memory.
Thankfully, with things opening up, getaways are back on the cards. But with all sorts of Covid-related red tape muddying the waters of foreign travel, my family, like a growing number of people, have turned to staycations for our relaxation needs.the question is, where to go?
Step forward the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, with their new Ultimate Duvet Day package. Designed to thoroughly spoil guests every minute of their stay, the package offers a day and night of R&R and indulgence in one of the acclaimed hotel’s elegant and spacious Deluxe Rooms. Such promises of luxury raised our expectations skyward, but this wonderful hotel lived up to its billing.
The original manor house is beautifully imposing, set in 1,000 acres of countryside, including two 18-hole golf courses, and only seven miles from Edinburgh.the wow factor continued inside.we were lucky enough to be staying in the Morton Suite, the biggest in the hotel, and we couldn’t have asked for a more impressive place to kick back.the Morton comprises a grand sitting room, dining area, turret bathroom and opulent master suite, with views over both golf courses and towards the Firth of Forth.
The hotel also surprised us by setting up a large tent in the bedroom for our daughters, complete with torches and books, so that they could enjoy an indoor camping experience.a lovely touch, and something that the kids will remember.
First up was a superb cream tea.we enjoyed a sumptuous feast of cakes and scones in the Pentland Restaurant, which boasts fabulous golf course views.
Next, we took a stroll in the grounds, discovering a fun adventure play area for the kids and a mini pitch and putt course.the Ultimate Duvet Day experience includes access to Dalmahoy’s leisure facilities, and after our walk we couldn’t resist a dip in the 18-metre heated swimming pool. Sauna and steam room are also available should that be more your style.
Then it was back to the suite to really let the Ultimate Duvet Day begin in earnest. It was on with the fluffy robes and into the mini bar, where the “Raid the Bar” package offers a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks.
Refreshed and relaxed, our thoughts turned to dinner, and the “Guilty Pleasures” in room dining experience didn’t disappoint. Suitably stuffed, we settled in for the night. I sprawled out on the massive bed while my daughters got cosy in their tent, and we watched one of the many movies on offer. Meanwhile,
in the serene turret bathroom, my wife selected some goodies from the Bath Butler menu and melted into in a deep, free standing bath. Before bedtime, the Ultimate Duvet Day had one more treat in store: a tray of popcorn and ice cream for the kids, and choice of cocktails for the grown-ups.
After a restful night’s sleep, we ate a wonderful breakfast in the room.the full Scottish was perfect, and the kids highly recommend the pancakes and syrup. It says a lot for the experience that, as we took one last look around the suite, we couldn’t help but wish for a longer stay.
It wasn’t all sad faces though.there was one more treat before we headed back to Glasgow. Less than half an hour after leaving the Dalmahoy, we parked up at South Queensferry and boarded pleasure cruiser Maid of the Forth for a 90-minute sightseeing cruise. Sitting on the open upper deck with the fresh sea air on our faces under a clear blue sky, we couldn’t have asked for a better day for it.
Complete with fullystocked bar, Maid of the Forth is licenced to carry 225 passengers. She first headed out towards Inchcolm Island, where we had delightful views of dozens of sunbathing seals, before circling back and passing under the three magnificent Forth Bridges.
Ninety minutes later, we set foot back on dry land, vowing to come back for another cruise soon.we’ll also be sure to return to the Dalmahoy should we need a bit of pampering.and next time I’ll be taking my golf clubs.
Factfile
The Ultimate Duvet Day package starts from £269 per room. www.dalmahoyhotel andcountryclub.co.uk/ Maid of the Forth cruises can be booked at www. maidoftheforth.co.uk/