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BEST OF THE BEST IN SCOTLANDby Madelyn Miller There is an old saying that it takes one to know one. And seven of the very best properties in Scotland have joined together under the banner of Connoisseurs Scotland. The properties are different in size, location and age But all of them offer outstanding cuisine, magnificent scenery, a vibrant living history and above all, a warm welcome. But even from this group of the very best Scotland offers, some are still even more outstanding at certain things. Here are my personal picks for best of the best WARMEST WELCOMEOne Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow  Glasgow is known for the warmth of its people. One Devonshire Gardens personifies this ethos—a unique combination of elegance, panache and genuine friendliness. They almost seem to read your mind, anticipating your needs before you even think of them. I will never forget arriving after an almost 24 hour trip with three international legs and being greeted with, “would you like to go directly to your room and check in later?” They won my heart and loyalty forever.
BEST GOODBYE
Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire  The night before you leave, Gleneagles reminds you of some of some things you may still want to try, leaving a “Make the most of your last day” card by your bed with a bottle of water.
BEST SPA
Gleneagles Hotel An unusual assortment of treatments in a fabulous facility make this one of the best spas in the world. It is the perfect place to relax your body and your mind. My favorite treatment is the Thai massage by Ken Anderson. (TIP: you need to book weeks ahead) MOST ROMANTICInverlochy Castle, Torlundy, Fort William  I am not the only one who thinks this is the most romantic place in Scotland. In fact, when Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting, she wrote in her diaries, “ I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” I totally agree with the Queen. And it seems everyone gets the royal treatment at Inverlochy Castle. Each of the 17 palatial bedrooms, all with private bathrooms (my bathroom even had a fireplace), have their own individual design and character with splendid views of the grounds and surrounding mountains.
BEST PLACE TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET
Crinan Hotel, Argyll  For over 200 years, Crinan Hotel has been the heart of this small fishing village of 58. When its 20 rooms are full, it almost doubles the population.
Owner Nick Ryan loves to have pets come visit. At 5 pounds per night per pet, he claims it is the easiest money he ever makes. Pet owners must bring their own dog beds and food.
BEST PLACE TO TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN
Inverlochy Castle This historic property is like a history lesson for children. Built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, Inverlochy remained a private residence until 1969 when it was converted from a family home into a luxury country house hotel. But the gracious staff still make you feel like part of the family. And the hostel philosophy views children as tomorrow’s best customers, encouraging a tradition of family visits. And the children do seem to use their best manners while eating in the impressive dinning room. BEST LUNCHSheraton Grand Edinburgh  The Terrace Restaurant is a gourmet bargain. Choose from roasts, custom stir fry's and an amazing assortment of salads and desserts. At 16 pounds this can’t be beat for creativity and quality. There is also a nice breakfast buffet served in the restaurant
BEST SHORTBREAD
One Devonshire Gardens Every morning at 4 am a baker comes in to start preparing the shortbread for One Devonshire Gardens. Prepared by a 70 year old man who uses a sinful amount of butter. Do not offer these cookies to anyone on a diet. In fact, these cookies are so good, you will not want to offer them to anyone—just enjoy them yourself. BEST WINE CELLARGleneagles Hotel A lot of foresight and planning went into buying champagnes three years ahead for the millennium. And guests are appreciative of the knowledgeable sommeliers and the extensive wine list. A conservative estimate of the value of the wines is at least several million dollars. Is your basement that valuable? BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANTCrinan Hotel This family-owned and run establishment boasts Britain’s best seafood restaurant—Loch 16 enclosed on the hotel’s roof. Gourmets appreciate jumbo prawns, clams, lobsters, mussels, oysters and fish which are off-loaded daily by the local fishing fleet a mere fifty yards from the hotel kitchen. BEST DESSERTGleneagles Hotel Imagine a box filled with chocolate mouse. Then image two chocolate boxes, one filled with chocolate mouse and the other filled with white chocolate mouse. You still can’t imagine how delicious and beautiful this very special dessert is. MOST HISTORICBEST VIEW OF THE WATER This is a tie between Crinan and Turnberry . If you like boats, you will prefer Crinan. If you like golf, Turnberry is for you.
BEST GOLF COURSE
 Who could choose between the Old Course at St. Andrews, Turnberry and Gleneagles. The best suggestion is to play them all. Many people travel the triangle to get to tee off at all the top courses.
BEST TEA
Gleneagles Hotel People routinely drive in from Edinburgh and Glasgow for this proper English tea with tiny tea sandwiches, pastries, cookies, scones and more. Do not eat lunch on the day when you plan to have tea at Gleneagles. BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU1.Reserve far ahead. Schedule activities and treatments far ahead—these wonderful resorts and hotels are very popular. 2. Do not plan to diet while you are there. Enjoy the local produce and wonderful fish and meats. 3. Bring electrical adapters and plugs. History is wonderful but it is not so charming when you can’t plug anything in. Several of these hotels were “out of adapters” because “so many people take them” 4. Prepare for damp weather even in the summer. Waterproof shoes are a good idea CONNOISSEURS SCOTLAND
54 MANOR PLACE
EDINBURGH EH3 7EH
SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
www.connoisseurs-scotland.com
Tel +44 [0] 131 220 2729
Fax +44 [0] 131 226 1687
E mail jeremy@hawkings.demon.co.uk NORTHWEST AIRLINES
HTTP://WWW.NWA.COM Little’s Chauffeur Drive
www.littles.co.uk
reservations@littles.co.uk
Telephone 44(0) 141 883 2111
Fax 44(0) 1141 883 4632 SUGGESTED GUIDEBOOKSEYE WITNESS TRAVEL GUIDES SCOTLAND
MAVERICK GUIDE TO SCOTLAND
By June Skinner Sawyers TASTE OF SCOTLAND
Annual editions available INSIGHT GUIDE TO SCOTLAND
CADOGAN’S SCOTLAND
CADOGAN’S SCOTLANDHIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS courtesy of Connoisseurs Scotland -Updated 1-7-00- Back to TravelLady Magazine |