Extravagance is never in short supply at Gleneagles Hotel, either. Historically one of Scotland’s most luxurious destinations (and the setting of the Roy family’s Scottish gathering in HBO’s hit series Succession), Gleneagles estate is a worthy playground for the rich and famous. Choose from a host of high-end pursuits, from salmon fishing on the River Tay to game bird shooting in the hills. Snipe, partridge, duck, pheasant and woodcock are all in season now. To sample local produce prepared to the highest standards, you need look no further than Gleaneagles’ own two-Michelin-starred eatery, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie. Try the signature dish: Scottish lobster smoked for five hours over whisky barrel chips.
High-end in the Highlands
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
Speak to Our ConciergeMake the most out of Burns Night and visit the breathtaking Scotland. With sprawling landscapes, mystical folklore and enough deep-fried mars bars to fill your belly, we've rounded up some of the best places for you to stay this January in beautiful Caledonia.
Given that good weather in Scotland is never guaranteed, there’s a lot to be said for leaning into the dark nights and visiting in winter. For one, this is the time of year you’re most likely to experience the magical aurora borealis, and as the only Dark Sky Park in the UK, Galloway Forest is a great location for stargazing. January is also peak mussel and scallop season, delicacies for which Scotland is world-renowned. And where better to enjoy the finest malt whiskies by a roaring fire?
Scots certainly know how to make the most of the longer nights and, having recovered from their Hogmanay celebrations, turn their attention to Burns’ Night at the end of January. Nowhere does so in greater style than The Fife Arms, a relatively new addition to the Scottish luxury hotel scene in its current incarnation. Nestled in the spectacular grandeur of the Caringorms just 15 minutes from Balmoral, the landmark Braemar hotel was comprehensively renovated by a team of architects, artisans and artists in 2018. Each of the 46 bedrooms is dedicated to a local place, person or event, meticulously researched and decorated to tell the story of the area. If their Hogmanay was anything to go by – at which Dame Judy Dench was spotted carousing at the piano with Sharleen Spiteri of Texas fame – Burns’ Night will be an extravagant affair.
Other notable restaurants north of the border include the Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye, which reopens after a winter break on the 20th January. Positioned by the seashore in an undeniably remote corner of the country, this uniquely Highland restaurant serves ingredients which are mostly sourced in and around Skye. Cut the journey time and arrive in style by sea plane (Loch Lomond Sea Planes) or helicopter (PDG Helicopters).
Skye is a magical island with magnificent scenery. If you do visit by car, try the walk to the Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains. These crystal clear pools on the West of Skye feature stunning waterfalls and a natural arch – too cold perhaps for even the bravest of wild swimmers just now, but a stunning photographic opportunity nonetheless.
For a taste of Gothic romance, Edinburgh’s Old Town is hard to beat. And huddled within it, in a 16th century building at the top of the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle, is The Witchery; a hotel and restaurant Harpers and Queen described as being ‘almost as famous as the castle itself’. Taking its name from the hundreds of women and men who were burned at the stake as witches on Castlehill, its candlelit interior provides an atmospheric backdrop for indulgent entertaining. Along with seasonal menus showcasing the finest Scottish produce, The Witchery boasts a multi award-winning wine cellar. Drinking and the supernatural: a combination Burns himself would endorse.
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
The Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide
Your ultimate guide of where to stay, eat and what to see in Sydney to avoid the tourists.
-
Why you should visit Noku Phuket this Summer
Contributor Rubina A. Khan recently visited Noku Phuket, a luxury resort on Thailand's most endearing of islands.
-
Puente Romano: 5-star luxury on the Golden Mile
"The luxury resort of Puente Romano is more than just a hotel, more than just a charming Andalusian beachfront village; it is a way of life."
-
The Ultimate Dublin Itinerary
With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we’ve put together your itinerary for a rousing weekend of culture, cuisine and craic in Dublin.
-
The Valentine's Travel Edit: Budapest
Budapest; a city famed for it's rich and historic culture, flowing Danube River and local delicacies. But it should also be known as a city of Romance. The capital is endowed with a bounty of art nouveau architecture, eccentric ruin bars and soporific bathhouses - making it the perfect travel date destination for you and your loved one.
-
The Valentine's Travel Edit: The Cotswolds
Niamh Walsh is here to convince you to visit the Cotswolds with your beau this V-day.
-
The Upper House - An Upwards Journey
A home away from home, a luxury yet subtle residential feel, a contemplative getaway, an ideal family accommodation - these are just some of the ways that best describe our Upper House experience.
-
Staying at The Murray, Hong Kong
The Murray is an impressive architectural hotel centrally located in the heart of Hong Kong on the famous Cotton Tree Drive which once housed Hong Kong’s most influential government offices. Today, this grand exterior welcomes international business and leisure travellers alike who appreciate the luxury and lifestyle standard of hospitality and modern aesthetic.
-
Review of The Grande Dame of The Far East
To experience The Peninsula is to experience its flagship hotel in Hong Kong. A stay here is remarkable and truly exceptional beyond comparison. This Grande Dame of The Far East inhabits a spirit of proud history and hospitality so authentic that it's not an easy one to replicate.
-
Women Who Launch: Juliana Chies of Let's GoDo
Originally from Brazil, Chies travelled extensively throughout South America before setting roots in London, and her love for connecting with locals on her travels sparked the idea for Let’s GoDo. “Our experiences are authentic and accessible, and our booking platform is designed to be simple and easy. Guests trust us and enjoy the fact that we create a community, which is key to standing out in the travel space.” she says. On this edition of Women Who Launch, The Sybarite speaks with Chies about how she stands out in a crowded market and where her dream destination is.
-
Featuring History, mystery and a reawakening in Cornwall: The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The deeply romantic Lost Gardens of Heligan were woken from their Sleeping-Beauty slumber 30 years ago. Visit them in the coming weeks to see them burst into cinematic colour.
-
A Q&A with Soori Bali's GM
The Sybarite sat down with Soori's GM to uncover the resort and its unique features that make for an ideal stay when vacationing in Bali.
-
The Very Best Flower Shows in the UK
Lifestyle contributor Cherelle Mukoko gives her rundown of the best British flower shows to visit this summer.
-
The 2023 Met Gala’s Most Memorable Outfits
Contributor Priya Raj dissects this years Met Gala red carpet looks.
-
Featuring The Best of Britain: Book Festivals to look forward to this Spring & Summer
If you prefer your festivals more highbrow than hardcore, and you enjoy your conversation to be as sparkling as your champagne, then this year’s spring/summer season of literary festivals should have you champing at the bit.
-
Yayoi Kusama at the TATE
"Theatrical, moody and dramatic", that's how contributor Cherelle Mukoko would describe the brand new Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the TATE.
-
Altered State: A Psychedelic Playground at 99 Projects
Join contributor Max Feldman on his visit to 99 Projects for the Altered State exhibition, a showcase between artists Dan Pearce and Cody Burridge.
-
Featuring How the V&A explores Africa's global impact on the fashion scene
The V&A is currently paying homage to the significant space Africa holds in the fashion industry. Running until April 2023, Africa fashion is a landmark exhibition celebrating the pure craftsmanship, innovative and undeniable global impact of African fashion.
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.