Beautiful Luxury Accommodation in Scotland and Ireland
Posted on Aug 02, 2016 by Meike van Krimpen
Scotland and Ireland are home to some absolutely stunning and unique luxury accommodations.
‘Wow’ your clients with the possibilities. The selection ranges from rustic lodges to grand private castles and estates. We’ve pulled together 8 examples of beautiful luxury accommodation in Scotland and Ireland which offer just a taste of what is out there as part of a luxury adventure holiday with us.
Aldourie Castle – Shores of Loch Ness, Scotland
Aldourie Castle
“Aldourie Castle is bursting with traditional opulence, classic style and warm Scottish hospitality. Unlike a hotel, this unique and exclusive Scottish house party property is available solely for private hire and is of the finest Castle accommodation in the Highlands.” – The Aldourie Castle Estate
For a brief moment in time take up residence and live like royalty in the only habitable castle on the sores of Loch Ness. Situated within 500 acres of private ground, Aldourie is a wonderful base for a luxury activity holiday. Guests can enjoy boat tours to Urquhart castle, canoeing, archery, golf, shooting, fishing, walking and many other activities within the castle grounds. The castle dates back to the 17th century and has been maintained to keep with’s original character. The interior of the castle is decorated lavishly with colourful, plush and luxurious rooms. The castle has 13 bedrooms, with each room done in a different and unique style.
The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh, Scotland
- The Balmoral Hotel
Centrally located in Scotland’s vibrant capital of Edinburgh, the Balmoral Hotel and it’s famous clock have dominated Edinburgh’s skyline since the day it opened in 1902. With a Michelin star awarded restaurant, kilted doormen and a in-house spa, it is one of most prestigious places to stay in the country. Often described as a 21st century version of a Grand Hotel, this 5 star railway hotel features various VIP amenities such as a gym, a swimming pool, whisky bar, cocktail bar, two restaurants and Palm Court where you can take a champagne afternoon tea.
Did you know? The clock is famous for running 3 minutes fast to ensure that travellers do not miss their train at Edinburgh Waverley which is opposite to the hotel. Also, J.K Rowling has stated that she finished writing the Harry Potter series in one of the Grand Suites of the Balmoral Hotel.
Killiehuntly Farmhouse and Cottage – The Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
- Kiliehuntly Farmhouse
This Scandi-Scot luxury highland retreat has recently been lovingly restored and refurbished in contemporary Danish design by couple Mr and Mrs. Storm. The estate is situated in the beautiful and varied Cairngorms National Park with rivers, heather clad hills, green forests and the Cairngorm plateau only a stone’s throw away. The Farmhouse and Cottage offer travellers a variation of accommodation possibilities. The farmhouse has 4 rooms which can either be taken individually or the whole farmhouse can be privately hired. Adjacent to the farmhouse is a romantic and stylishly converted self-catering hayloft and further down the road sits Geordie’s Cottage, another self-catering property that sleeps 5. Killiehuntly operates as a working farm and they pride themselves on serving homemade, simple and honest food from the farm, the land and from local producers.
Isle of Eriska Hotel – Argyll & Bute, Scotland
- The Isle of Eriska Hotel
Fantasised about holidaying on a private island? This what the Eriska Experience offers. Comprising of a hotel, spa, golf course, a Michelin starred restaurant and 300 acres of stunning scenery; the Isle of Eriska is the perfect luxury get-away-from-it-all. The hotel offers 5 star accommodation with a variation of rooms ranging from standard to luxury spa suites with private hot tubs. Guests on the island can engage in various outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, and archery.
Clare Island Lighthouse – County Mayo, Ireland
- Clare Island Lighthouse
Staying at the Clare Island Lighthouse is an experience not to be missed! This nautical landmark sits perched on sheer cliffs in Clew Bay, commanding superb views over Achill, Westport and beyond. The lighthouse now serves as a fully catered luxury retreat offering sleek and uncluttered interiors and a unique holiday experience. With organic salmon farms, organic vegetable farms and plenty of local fisherman nearby the Clare Island Lighthouse serves a delicious range of fresh, honest and local food.
Rathmullan House – County Donegal, Ireland
Sitting prettily on the beach at Lough Swilly is Rathmullan House, a traditional Georgian country estate. This 4 star establishment offers guests a warm welcome, an indoor swimming pool, extensive gardens, and charming suites with individual décor. In the evenings enjoy a drink in the colonial Indian themed Batt’s bar and Raja room or relax by the fire in the library. It’s especially worth noting the two award winning restaurants; the Cook & Gardener serves locally sourced and traditional food and the new Tap Room has quickly gained a reputation for their delicious homemade wood-fired pizzas and local farmhouse beers.
The Cliff House Hotel – County Waterford, Ireland
- The Cliff House Hotel
The Cliff House Hotel evokes fantasies of a Californian coastline with it’s sun-drenched terraces, rugged seaside location and modern design. It has all the ingredients of a spectacular 5 star resort and then some: a highly rated spa, a Michelin starred restaurant, stunning interior design, seaweed baths, a gorgeous swimming pool and breath-taking coastal landscape. The hotel forager and guide can take guests on a variation of walks to spot marine wildlife or to learn more about the local flora. After foraging walks, guests can then have the pleasure to see and taste what was picked during their meal in the house restaurant that same evening!
Castle Leslie – County Monaghan, Ireland
- Castle Leslie
This glorious 4 star castle hotel can be found nestled amongst a 1,000 acres of beautiful Irish countryside. Guests on the estate can explore the ancient woodlands or picnic at one of the nearby lakes. The estate offers plenty of outdoor activities including falconry, walking, kayaking, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. The estate also houses an equestrian centre and spa facilities. Castle Leslie has twenty luxury bedrooms which are each decorated in an authentic and unique style. The entire castle is filled with tasteful furniture, antiques and heirlooms. The estate also offers accommodation in the lodge, the old stable mews and village cottages. The estate is known for it’s high quality and locally sourced artisan foods and guests can experience gourmet breakfasts, fantastic picnic lunches and a memorable dining experience at the 2AA Rosette restaurant ‘Snaffles’.
Interested in arranging a customised luxury adventure for your clients with us? Drop us a line here.
About the author
Meike van Krimpen
With my parents' work taking my family away to exotic countries meant that I grew up between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands and have had the opportunity to visit some amazing countries along the way. This has left me with an unhealthy addiction to curry and all things spice, and also to travelling! When it was time to go to university I wandered off to Scotland for a new adventure and have somehow not managed to leave yet!
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