Build your True Trip
Steeped in history that dates back centuries, Scotland is a place that praises its medieval heritage. There is no other country that can compete when it comes to Scotland’s magnificent array of castles in which you can get a taste of what it means to be treated like royalty. Well-preserved and upgraded to top-tier hotels, you will find that the Scottish Highlands boast an unbeatable collection of castle hotels that have seen kings and queens grace their grounds, and today, you can walk, sleep, and dine where they did. Below are three of our top picks to keep in mind for your next visit to Scotland:
Inverlochy Castle
This iconic mid-19th-Century castle is set in the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands brimming with evergreen fields and lochs and was once the cherished home of Lord Abinger and Queen Victoria’s favorite resting spot back in 1873, as she described it as the loveliest and most romantic place she had ever seen. Today, Inverlochy Castle shines ever so bright as a distinguished 5-star hotel with its luxurious rooms, offering its guests the opportunity to be treated like royalty. Each of its suites showcases its own individual design dressed in a palatial palette of colors, from rich imperial reds to elegant deep-blue hues. Over at the exclusive lounging areas, guests are treated to dreamy views overlooking the castle’s private loch and 117 square miles of lush private grounds. During the day, outdoor activities abound, from fishing expeditions out on the lake to mountain biking and classic clay pigeon shootings. As for a more laid-back experience, guests can explore the beautiful Scottish rural area and visit some of its well-known spots, as well as explore the mountains of Glencoe, pay a visit at the monument of Glenfinnan and enjoy the spectacular falls at Glen Nevis. After a day of adventuring, there is nothing better than dining at the ‘Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle’. Put French gastronomic techniques on seasonal Scottish produce and you have an otherworldly culinary experience. What’s more, while you treat your taste buds to delightful flavors, you will also be sitting comfortably on regal furniture gifted by the King of Norway.
Glenapp Castle
Built in 1870, Glenapp is one of the younger castles of Scotland, and thus, one of the more well-preserved of its kind. It is a distinguished member of the Pride of Britain hotels group and has been featured in The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2020, while Winston Churchill also gave his own seal of approval when he stayed there in 1944. Now a Relais & Chateaux hotel, the Glenapp Castle is reminiscent of a quintessentially Scottish manor house. Sitting on the hills of Ballantrae, a short drive from the Ayrshire coastline, this glorious 5-star hotel spans over 36 acres and boasts 17 exclusive rooms. Individually designed with heavy draping and antique décor, the rooms bring to life the baronial past of the estate, yet their interiors are balanced enough to provide an airy and welcoming atmosphere. Through each of the bedrooms’ high Victorian windows, you will also have the chance to enjoy unobstructed views of the beautifully manicured gardens. During your free time, you can opt for activities such as fishing, croquet games and pheasant hunting, go on leisurely walks along moss-lined forest trails, or enjoy breath-taking panoramas of the cobalt-hued Irish Sea. To top off the Glenapp experience, the castle’s restaurant grows plenty of its produce in-house and any other ingredients needed are brought in from local farmers and fishermen in Ayrshire, fostering the prosperity of its local community. Dining at the Glenapp Castle Restaurant is yet another grand experience, with its carefully curated six-course dinner menu stealing the spotlight.
Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa
Think 19th-Century with a sprinkle of 21st Century modernism. This boutique castle hotel blends its authentic 1892 red-brick architecture with a contemporary, sleek low-rise made of wood and glass. Dedicated to offering a place for true relaxation and rejuvenation, the 5-star Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa can be found on the banks of Loch Faskally, near Pitlochry. Perfect for a secluded escape in the Scottish Highlands, it features refined rooms whose atmosphere deviates from classic medieval and adorns bright, airy and modern, while some of its rooms also boast private glass balconies overlooking the dramatic surrounding landscape. Enveloped by acres of woodlands and trees, Fonab Castle is equipped with everything you need for a spa break, from a Fitness Center to a 19-foot indoor swimming pool in the Woodland Spa with sauna and steam rooms, to specialized treatments that will leave you refreshed and harmonized. Over at The Bar, a one-of-a-kind gin bar, you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks while gazing at the mesmerizing views of the loch before opting for one of the two dining experiences of the hotel. The gourmet Sandemans Fine Dining restaurant is known for its delicious seven-course menu, while the Fonab Brasserie follows a more laid-back concept offering a lighter ‘Lifestyle Menu’ where you can enjoy dishes such as baba ganoush and smoked salmon. If you are looking for ethereal tranquility and endless pampering, this is the place to be.
