Scotland is one of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations, home to stately castles, glass-like lochs, and majestic glens. The country’s charms extend from picturesque small towns to snow-capped peaks of the rugged Highlands and modern cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. Scotland is also home to some of the UK’s best national parks and has more than a hundred islands with extraordinary wildlife.
If you’re heading to Scotland soon, here are some luxurious ways to spend your time in this beautiful country.
#1 Travel on the Royal Scotsman Train
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of the world’s most luxurious trains. Taking the train is a must for travellers seeking luxury experiences in Scotland. As you step into its mahogany-clad cars, a world of timeless luxury welcomes you. You will be treated to stunning Scottish scenery as the train travels from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. There are guided VIP excursions along the way, depending on the train journey. For instance, the Taste of the Highlands will take you to the heart of the Scottish Highlands, exploring stunning natural sites while taking up some thrilling outdoor activities. On board, you will be treated to fine Scottish hospitality with delectable onboard meals made from fresh local produce, graciously prepared, and served with Michelin-star quality.
Each of the cabins is tastefully decorated. Plush lower berths are fitted with soft tartans and woollen covers. There’s also an ensuite bathroom and an elegant dressing table, which adds to the indulgence. Enjoy the scenic views from the massive windows as the train travels. You have the option to take the twin, double, or single cabins. You can choose to charter the entire train for special occasions, including wedding celebrations.
#2 Fine Dine in the Scottish Highlands
Nothing beats fine dining in the Scottish Highlands when it comes to luxury experiences in Scotland. The Highlands are famous for their rugged beauty, sparkling lochs, and majestic coastlines. But this region is not only visually beautiful – it also produces the finest quality ingredients that serve as the backbone of the region’s rich culinary offerings. For the ultimate luxury experience, join Learn the Art of Summer Fine-Dining. Hosted by a famous master chef Raymond Blanc, you will embark on a fine-dining experience, and immerse in nature with the company of one of the world’s most charismatic gastronomy legends. It’s a four-day trip, with chef Raymond bringing much more to the table aside from the dining experience.
You’ll find that the Highlands is home to some of Scotland’s best restaurants where you can enjoy a luxury dining experience. The Dining Room in Tain is one of these. The restaurant prides itself on its modern approach to Scottish cuisines, featuring prime local ingredients through creative cooking.
#3 Go Glamping
Glamping is a more glamorous approach to camping, and it’s one of the luxury experiences you should not miss in Scotland, especially if you’re a nature lover. You will find many incredible glamping sites in the country. From serene loch-side pitches to glamping sites along rugged cliffs, Scotland offers an unforgettable glamping experience. There are many incredible places to go glamping in Scotland. In Woodlands Glencoe Glamping Resort, you’ll find a variety of luxury lodges to book. You can stay at a luxury lodge nestled amongst trees with a private veranda or in a hillside lodge that overlooks a spectacular panorama of majestic lochs, mountains, and glens. Meanwhile, the Loch Tay Highland Lodges offer premium glamping pods with a hot tub. The pods are in a beautiful location overlooking the spectacular views of Loch Tay, an ideal backdrop for a relaxing break amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
When glamping in Scotland, you also have the opportunity to take up fun outdoor activities. Most of these glamping sites are set right in the middle of the woods, surrounded by scenic hiking trails, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll. Some of these glamping sites have luxury facilities, such as a hot tub, where you can take a dip after a walk through the woods.
#4 Stay in a Castle
Sleeping in a castle is one of the most luxurious experiences to try in Scotland. These castles are set in a stunning location, featuring a dramatic clifftop setting with striking surroundings. Aside from the breathtaking views, these castles play a vital role in Scotland’s heritage and history, which makes for an even more exciting experience.
When you rent a castle in Scotland, you will find many to choose from. The Aldourie Castle Estate is the only place to sleep on the shores of the legendary Loch Ness. It’s a 17th Century castle that used to be a holiday destination for the royal family during the early times and is located right in the heart of the Highlands. Here, you can experience what it is like to live like the royals. The castle has 15 bedrooms with private staff to attend to your needs. Surrounded by the stunning views of the mighty Ben Nevis, the Inverlochy Castle Hotel in Fort William is one of the most beautiful castles you can ever stay in Scotland. The views here are absolutely stunning, which Queen Victoria agreed, as written in her diary. The hotel also offers a fine dining experience in its posh restaurant onsite, which makes for an even more luxurious experience.
#5 Cruise around the Scottish Isles
Scotland is one of the world’s best destinations for cruising. The exceedingly scenic isles of the country’s west coast can make for an ideal backdrop for a luxury cruise. The Hebridean Princess is one of those luxury cruise ships that can take you around Scotland’s most remote isles, lochs, and bays. Offering unrivalled comfort and excellent service, each cruise is all-inclusive to ensure each person will enjoy a relaxed holiday. It can only accommodate a maximum of fifty guests for a more intimate experience. The luxury ship has thirty cabins, ten of which are singles. Each guest will be served all meals on board, including beers, wines, soft drinks, and tea.
