Burns Night 2015: Head to Scotland for a luxury getaway
Travel northwards this weekend to help our Caledonian brothers and sisters celebrate their very own Bard. Here’s our top five luxury Burns getaways…
FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS
Luxury hotelier Fairmont offers a number of holiday packages so you get what you want out of a trip north of the border, encompassing Hogmanay, Valentines, “Babymoons”, and even Spend the Kids’ Inheritance trips. The 520 acre site is home to two championship golf courses, The Kittocks and The Torrance, a spa and no less than four restaurants, ranging from Italian fare at La Cucina to fresh Scottish steak and seafood at The Clubhouse. If it’s your first time in St Andrews, then take advantage of the pre-made 2-3 hour, evening and half day itineraries to get the most out of your break.
Rooms start from £149 a night. Visit Fairmont.com/st-andrews-scotland.
FONAB CASTLE
This small family-owned castle offers only five delicately furnished rooms located in a prime position on the banks of the Loch Faskally in the Highlands. Well-known for its fishing and breath-taking scenery, it’s also a short walk from the historic town of Pitlochry. You can be forgiven for just wanting to cosy up to the fire instead, among the leather upholstery and wooden-beamed ceilings. A spa with an indoor swimming pool opened up less than a year ago and the brasserie offers a seven-course gourmet tasting menu for ardent foodies, and a lighter lochside afternoon tea.
Rooms start from £170 a night including breakfast. Visit Fonabcastlehotel.com.
HOTEL DU VIN EDINBURGH
Celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh with an evening of literary tales and fine cuisine. During the hotel’s Burns Night dinner, you’ll hear of the man himself and his women, especially Miss Louisa Fontenelle – a distinguished actress much admired by Burns. Sing Auld Lang Syne in the sparkling company of your hostess while discovering a unique and vivid insight into the national poet of Scotland.
£50 per person including a 3 course dinner with half bottle of wine per person and dram on arrival. Burns dinner 23 January from 7pm. Book online at hotelduvin.com.
WALDORF ASTORIA EDINBURGH
With two world class restaurants and the best hospitality north of Hadrian’s Wall, The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh is the ultimate luxury option this Burns weekend. The recent £24m investment and renovation means you can enjoy all mod cons while nestled in the shadow of one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings, Edinburgh Castle – stay a the Waldorf Astoria is a great way to connect with Scotland’s rich history. It’s also a perfect base from which to do some retail therapy, with the bustling designer shops of George Street only a whisker away.
British Airways offers two nights at the 5* The Caledonian A Waldorf Astoria Hotel from £217 per person, travelling 24 January. Includes return flights from London City Airport and accommodation. For reservations visit ba.com/edinburgh or call 0844 493 0758.
THE MARCLIFFE HOTEL AND SPA
On the verdant western fringes of the historical city of Aberdeen, lies the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, a 5 star hotel completely devoted to the relaxation and well-being of its guests. If you overdo the whisky on Burns night, one of the masseuses can nurse you back to good health. If you’re not into spa treatments, merely walking around the beautiful grounds should be enough to set your soul at ease.
Rooms start from £170 per night. To book, visit marcliffe.com.