|
 TM
BEST OF THE BEST
IN SCOTLAND
by
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 WELCOME
One 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 ROMANTIC
Inverlochy 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 LUNCH
Sheraton 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 CELLAR
Gleneagles 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 RESTAURANT
Crinan 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 DESSERT
Gleneagles 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 HISTORIC
BEST 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 YOU
1.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 GUIDEBOOKS
EYE 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
Photos courtesy of Connoisseurs Scotland
-Updated 1-7-00-
Back to TravelLady
Magazine |