Five Luxury Weekend Breaks in Scotland – Which One Will You Pick?

There are so many stunning places to visit, for that romantic break, family holiday and special occasion. We have selected our favourite luxury weekend breaks in Scotland and ones that we consider special places in Scotland to spend those weekend breaks.  Here are five very different destinations in Scotland that we consider our hidden gems

1. The Family Reunion

If your relatives live far and wide, why not think about renting a luxury self catering property and getting together en masse for weekend  family break, then Barwheys in Ayrshire is an unusual set up: a luxury farm complex with eight en suite bedrooms and a huge galleried dining hall so all 16 of you can share meals together. This is self catering at the highest level, with Egyptian cotton bedlinen, Skye sheepskins and an idyllic rural position. The best part, however, particularly if your party includes any teens, is the amazing games hall and chill out zone. This is an ancient barn that has been brilliantly converted and will allow the grown ups some sophisticated time by the roaring fire while the kids happily expend their energy (or their electronics). There is even a stage for putting on a show – Family X Factor anyone?

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2. The Lovers’ Weekend

Romantic weekends are not just for Valentine’s, instead of going for a remote rural hideaway, how about choosing a romantic luxury city break but with all the glamour of a country house hotel. Prestonfield House, Edinburgh , ticks all the boxes for a lavish and utterly indulgent luxury weekend with the one you love. A 5 star boutique hotel since the 1950s, Prestonfield House has 23 dramatically opulent rooms including five ornate suites: think lavishly draped and domed four poster bed with ostrich plumes. Corporate and bland this is not. The inhouse Rhubarb restaurant is equally opulent and serves an exceptional menu whether it’s the legendary breakfast or exquisite dinner. Walk it all off in the 20 acres of grounds which include a rose garden and Gothic teahouse (take note if you are planning to propose). Or shop yourself silly at Harvey Nichols in town and recover with a restorative cocktail.

 

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3. The Golf Getaway

Instead of rushing through a day or two’s golf, take a long weekend in Scotland, the home of golf, and enjoy a relaxed time on a splendid course, all the while being looked after in real style. May we recommend the 5 star Links House at Royal Dornoch in the Highlands for a luxury weekend break in Scotland spent on the greens. The award winning hotel is situated right by the first tee of the course, and has just eight bedrooms, but what bedrooms they are!

Each is named after a salmon river and all of them have gorgeous Italian marble bathrooms that include cavernous baths for relaxing in, power showers and Penhaligon’s potions to wash off a hard day on the golf course. Pop on a super fluffy robe before sprucing up for a superb dinner in the elegant restaurant which sensibly offers a short choice menu that changes daily (always a good sign in our book). Enjoy a late night brandy under the deer antler chandelier in front of the fire or on the terrace by the outdoor fireplace for a spot of star gazing.

 

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4. The Sailing Jaunt

So how about getting the sea breeze in your hair for your luxury weekend break. Chartering a yacht doesn’t have to be a complicated affair, not when you deal with the lovely couple who organize charters of their beautiful Oyster 68 luxury yacht, Moonshadow, around the Hebridean islands.

You can charter the whole yacht, which sleeps 8, for 4 nights, and enjoy the skill and experience of skippers Colin and Pauline Taylor who will be happy to take complete charge or give impromptu sailing lessons for anyone who wants to give it a go. Dine like princes on the likes of hand dived scallops, Argyll lamb, local venison and cheeses from Mull (see, there’s no roughing it here), either on deck with the backdrop of a glowing sunset or perhaps a beach BBQ with a starry sky above.

 

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5. The Bond-ing experience

For anyone seeking something a bit different but with lashings of glamour, we love the brilliant package put together by the wonderful Isle of Eriska Hotel. The hotel is located on a private island, accessible by bridge and is surrounded by a glorious 330 acres of idyllic views. There’s a Michelin starred restaurant and an ESPA spa and the rooms are super-inviting, either in the 19th century mansion or the contemporary addition, in which case you can choose to have a spa suite with your very own garden and hot tub. But that’s not all. Because this is Bond country.

James Bond country, and by special arrangement with the hotel, 007 fans can enjoy a tour of scenery and places from the films, chauffeur driven in, what else, an Aston Martin DB9. Oh and a private visit by speedboat to Duart Castle is also included. Presumably finished off with a dry martini. Apart from a fabulous way to spend a luxury weekend break in Scotland, we also think this would make a fantastic anniversary or birthday present for that someone who has everything.

Abigail Stubbs | Informed Luxury |  Feature Editor