The lap of luxury: six sumptuous places to stay in Scotland
Bags of style, huge comfort, spoiling treats and the warmest of welcomes is what makes each one of these places tip the scales towards a luxurious stay. The word luxury can feel overused in the travel industry but for us it simply means indulgent and cosseting. From deluxe linen to an endless supply of fluffy towels, or a sumptuous welcome hamper, to owner’s that treat you like royalty, this selection of luxury places to stay in Scotland are here to make you feel well and truly spoiled.
Fettes Farmhouse, Highland
In a wonderful position with grand views overlooking the Beauly Firth, this traditional sandstone farmhouse on the Black Isle is ideal for family gatherings. There’s masses of space indoors so everybody can be doing their own thing and you won’t feel on top of each other. Cooking will be a breeze in the generous kitchen; basics like oil, tea and coffee are waiting and sometimes sausages from the pigs you’ll see in the fields around you.
Warm, comfortable, garden-view bedrooms are all upstairs: the master with a tub in the room. Outdoors you’ll find a large garden with lawns for tumbling on, views to the distant water, barbecue and outdoor table and chairs and a wood-fired hot tub in the best spot for stargazing. Children will adore the go-karts and swing.
“Fettes Farmhouse is ideal at any time of year with so many lovely walks and wildlife in abundance on an estate steeped in history.” – Inspector, Veronique
Fauhope House, Scottish Borders
Come for bucolic bliss in the Scottish Borders: stunning views, luxurious rooms and fantastic hosts who give you afternoon tea or sherry on arrival. Near to Melrose Abbey and the glorious St Cuthbert’s Walk, this solid 1890s house — elegant, fire-lit and serene with an eclectic mix of art — gazes out to the Eildon Hills. Bedrooms are warm with deeply coloured walls, pale tartan blankets and soft velvet and linen; bathrooms are modern and pristine.
Breakfast is served with smiles at a flower-laden table, overlooking those purple hills. A short walk through the blooming garden and over a footbridge takes you to the interesting town of Melrose, with shops, restaurants and its own theatre.
“Sheila and Ian run one of the best B&Bs we’ve ever stayed in. The breakfast is outstanding and the setting is beyond compare.” – Guest, Tom
The Meikleour Arms, Perth & Kinross
An hour from Edinburgh, this vast estate wrapped in ancient woodland and steeped in history is a super outdoorsy retreat run by delightful French Scottish owners. With their own ale, over fifty malts and a bevvy of artisan gins, you’ll find a toast for every occasion at this lovely country inn. Much of the food in the restaurant comes from the estate – vegetables and herbs grown in the walled garden, scallops hand-dived on the west coast and venison from the Meikleour Forest.
Walk to the river for a morning’s salmon or trout fishing on the Tay – book a fly-fishing lesson with the head ghillie. Spot ospreys, otters, kingfishers. You stay in the 19th-century coaching inn or the serviced cottages in the grounds – a short drive or walk from the main building. The cottages have small kitchens, but you can wander over for breakfast in the restaurant each morning.
“This is a hidden gem of a place; cosy, friendly and immaculately clean. Claire the owner is absolutely delightful and friendly.” – Guest, Ouma
Knoydart Hide, Highland
On Scotland’s west coast, with sea and mountains all around, this stylish bolthole for two brings the romance. Walls of glass open onto a decked terrace, where you can soak in a hot tub while screened from the world by pine trees. Inside, there’s a contemporary wood-burner in the sitting room, a kitchen with ample cooking stuff, a lovely big bed that looks out to sea, then a bathroom that’s hard to beat with a double-ended bath, a walk-in power shower and an infrared sauna.
Arrive to find a bottle of prosecco, bath robes, a fancy TV and DVD player. If you don’t want to cook, a chef can do it for you – lazy breakfasts, afternoon tea, seafood barbecues. Further afield, the wonders of Knoydart: wild orchids, sea eagles, mountains to climb. You can kayak, cruise the sea loch or do nothing at all. Stars fill the night sky, the Northern Lights come in winter.
“We had the most fantastic honeymoon at Knoydart Hide! The property was wonderful and Ian and Jackie were so lovely and helpful.” – Guest, Emily
The West Nest, Isle of Skye
Come for big skies, grand walking and hilly cycling. Style and comfort abound in this well-designed cottage set on the hillside with views to North Uist. With underfloor heating and a wood-burner you’ll feel cosy even if the weather is blowing a hooley – lovely to sit back on the huge L-shaped sofa and watch the drama unfold through the picture window. Colours are muted while clever lighting illuminates a mix of modern and mid-century furniture and a swish kitchen.
It’s a generous place too: Skye gin and Talisker whisky are waiting, the logs are unlimited (you’ll find loads in the stack outside) and Ishga organic soaps and shampoos scent the bathrooms. Spill onto the decking for spectacular sunsets, light the fire pit, open the wine and watch each star turn into a blanket. Sleep under soft wool throws from Skye Weavers – the next door neighbours.
“A beautiful home with a gorgeous view from the lounge window out to the Uists. An excellent location close to the village store and the lovely Café Lephin.” – Guest, Laura
Tern House, Isle of Skye
Vast skies, wonderful walks, loch swimming for the brave, long views and much comfort at this eco-friendly, stylish retreat. A deft renovation by Highland architects Dualchas allows light to cascade into the kitchen and dining area and also upstairs. Colours are restful, lines are smooth, the lighting is sculptural and ultra-modern, nothing jars and there isn’t an ounce of clutter – design aficionados will be very happy.
It’s all about the views and the setting is lovely, in the heart of Waternish. On clear days you can see all the way to the Outer Hebrides. It’s an eight-minute walk to Stein for a super pub or high-end food at Michelin-starred Loch Bay (book well ahead). Otherwise cook in the Aga-warmed, sociable kitchen. Return to inviting bedrooms, bathrooms with Arran Aromatics and thick towels, sublime sunsets on the terrace and star-filled dark skies.
“Cannot begin to express how much we enjoyed our stay. The property itself is stunning and the immaculate design made us feel right at home.” – Guest, Lyndsay
