Castles, Hotels & Spas, The Scottish Holiday Experience - Monday 08 June 2009
By Suzanne Farmer
Though we're all constantly being reminded about the state of the UK economy and the dreaded credit crunch, life goes on and, from time to time no matter what, we all need a break, a bit of an escape from hectic modern life. There are also times when a bit of luxury is definitely called for, particularly on special occasions such as birthdays, a honeymoon and anniversaries. For just those kinds of occasions there's an array of gorgeous Scottish castles, indulgent spas and romantic deluxe hotels just waiting to take your reservation.
Staying in a Scottish castle is a real dream-come-true experience for many people - they're also, understandably, extremely popular wedding venues. There's a castle to suit most styles, budgets and requirements. Some of the castles are still family homes where a handful of lavishly decorated and carefully furnished rooms are available to guests. Antiques, four-poster beds, roll top baths; they're all here to be enjoyed in bedrooms equipped to the highest standards. Staying in an historic place doesn't mean having to forgo modern day conveniences though and in many cases flat screen TVs and broadband are readily to hand.
Dinners are usually semi-formal occasions with the host family inviting everyone to join them for pre-dinner drinks in the library - the food splendid (and probably sourced from the Estate) the wine delicious and the company brilliant. Staying in such a castle not only makes you feel like a king or queen (in fact, Royals have probably stayed there at some point in the past!) but also gives you the chance to really experience what it's like to live in such a special and beautiful place. Host families are usually more than happy to share with you the details of their family histories, and tales of ghosts that are reputed to haunt the battlements of their home, all over a good glass of whisky in front of the fire of an evening. Staying in a castle is of course wonderfully romantic as well as being a very special treat, an experience to truly be treasured - there's also some amazing features to explore such as drawbridges, moats and turrets with awe inspiring views.
Some of the small castles can also be rented for private use, for a handful of guests, for a house party, a clan gathering, a wedding or even just for a family holiday get together. Often your chosen venue comes with staff too, so you can truly sit back and relax without worrying about any cooking, cleaning or bed making - imagine staying in just such a place over Christmas with real fires blazing, a roast turkey in the Aga and snow falling outside - sheer bliss!
There's also the option to combine the wonder and romance of staying in a castle with the convenience and amenities of a luxury hotel - that's because some of these wonderful historic properties have been very successfully converted into deluxe hotels with spas and heated swimming pool attached, and top golf courses close by. The majority of establishments have hundreds upon hundreds of acres of private grounds too, all waiting for you to explore and wander happily amongst - from manicured formal gardens to miles of forest tracks. If you wish you can even partake of organised hunting, shooting or fishing activities.
Don't forget that castles usually enjoy spectacular settings, by coast, loch or hidden in the hills of the Highlands - it's easy to see why they appeal so much and why staying in one is such a fantastically decadent and unforgettable experience!
It really depends on the type of holiday you're looking for as to what place would be best for you to stay in. If a variety of top of the range amenities close to hand are a priority for your break then you might prefer to book yourself a short break in a four or five star country house hotel complete with lots of facilities and a five star concierge service to help you arrange everything to your heart's desire. Enjoy the luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites complete with Jacuzzi baths, champagne in the mini-bar fridge, truffles on the pillows and an extensive room service menu to peruse at your leisure. There's also the award-winning spa service menu to savour, packed with treatments all designed to truly enhance your well-being and soothe away all those cares and worries - aromatherapy facials, pedicures, de-stress treatments, body wraps, Indian Head Massage, plus there's hair, make-up and complete lifestyle programmes - you'll be completely spoilt for choice.
Once you've selected and booked your pampering treatments you can relax in the hot tub, swim a few lengths in the heated pool or chill out in the sauna or steam rooms. Alternatively you might want to experience the serenity of the calming relaxation room or the invigoration of a tropical shower. The whole spa experience is there to soothe and energise mind, body and spirit.
Outdoors you can choose from golf (of course!), archery, water sports, horse riding, fishing, falconry and even a good old relaxing walk! Of course you can also unwind on the terrace or in the gardens with a morning cup of coffee and delicious pastries.
Back indoors there's the fully equipped gym to explore, plus exercise and relaxation classes, including the ever-popular yoga and pilates, to sample.
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Makes you want to start planning your very own little escape right now - doesn't it?
