When it comes to weekend breaks, my most visited destination is definitely Cheshire. It’s only about three and a half hours by car from Edinburgh, and I’m down every six weeks or so, either for work meetings, to see friends, or even to get my hair done. Over the years, we’ve stayed in tonnes of hotels – from country piles to intimate B&Bs, and nowhere has ever really felt right. We had resorted to staying in Manchester, then just driving through, but when we found out that The Legh Arms in Prestbury had enjoyed a bit of facelift, we booked up pretty sharpish.

The Legh Arms is situated right in the centre of Prestbury Village, you can take a stroll up and down the hughstreet, and enjoy everything that the little town has to offer. Henry’s is right across the road, and they serve a great coffee if you need a caffeine hit in the morning!

With a buzzing pub downstairs, serving up local ales and tasty meals, your room rate even includes breakfast each morning. The building itself if beautiful – a cozy warren of beamed rooms, with features which date right back to the 16th century. The mix of modern, comfy decor with these features was pitch perfect, and it was exactly the type of spot I wanted to check-in to after the drive down south.

We stayed in the Tatton Room, which came equipped with a soaking tub, fabulous comfy four poster bed and sitting area. I loved the fact that there were even bath salts to enjoy (and happily I had brought along some sleep-aid salts and bubble bath too), which meant I got to spend a rather glorious hour in there with just a book for company.

With a view out onto the Main Street of the village, it was the perfect spot to spend an evening. When we cracked a window, we could hear the happy chatter from the restaurant across the road, and it felt like the cosiest spot in the world to spend a Friday evening. Indeed, we enjoyed ourselves so much we’re headed back this week for a couple of days of work meetings, and I cannot wait!

A night at The Legh Arms starts at £80 and you can book here.

When it comes to Edinburgh landmarks, there are few quite as luxurious as the iconic Balmoral Hotel. Situated at 1 Princes Street, it’s one of the city’s grandest hotel, and has played host to the great and the good of those visiting the capital for the past century or so. Previously a railway hotel, it’s nestled up against the Waverley Steps – incredibly convenient for travellers, and it’s central location means your only a short walk from most of Edinburgh’s best-loved shops, restaurants and attractions.

Despite the convenient location, guests might find it hard to tear themselves away from the luxury of the hotel. With a fully equipped gym, a luxe spa and even a swimming pool to enjoy, there are days’ worth of relaxing to be enjoyed, and when you’re peckish, there is the much-loved Prince Brasserie or the Michelin-starred Number One at The Balmoral to savour.

We checked in to one of the Castle View Suites – potentially my favourite way to enjoy the best bits of Edinburgh. Perched on the corner of the hotel, our room enjoyed stretching views down Princes Street, across Princes Street Gardens up to a postcard-perfect view of the castle, and even up North Bridge heading towards the city’s Old Town.

Rather ingeniously, the room comes equipped with binoculars, so you can sit and people watch to your heart’s content. The beautifully drawn map highlighted all of Edinburgh’s top spots, and it is such lovely little momento to enjoy after your visit too!

As if spending a rainy evening tucked into a cosy suite wasn’t enough, we were treated to an absolute buffet of treats. From a bottle of Baile Mhoireil – the hotel’s own signature blend gin, to macarons and whisky fudge, it felt akin to Christmas.

The bathroom was the stuff of dreams – all deep baths and marble tiles. Stocked with Irene Forte toiletries (the hotel is owned and run by the Forte family), I couldn’t resist running the biggest, fluffiest bubble bath, grabbing a book and spending an hour enjoying a little r&r.

As the evening got darker, the city lit up, and the view was absolutely glorious. Despite spending so much time here, it’s still such a treat to be able to enjoy all the sights from such a perfect bolthole.

After enjoying a seriously comfortable night’s sleep, it was time to enjoy some breakfast – we opted to have ours in the room (is there anything more enjoyable?!) and we savoured it alongside our castle views. Piping hot coffee, fluffy eggs and zesty green juice were all absolutely to die for, and we’re already plotting a return.

More information about the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh is available here

Yesterday I shared some of northern Scotland’s most instagrammable places to stay, and I’m back with even more! With hotels from Aberdeenshire right down to the Borders, you’re guaranteed a good time – and there’s never been a better time to book either. Many hotels and inns currently have incredible offers on, so whether you’re looking to enjoy a night, a week, or even longer, have a look through the options, and remember to always book direct!

If a family reunion is on the cards, or if you’re just after a little extra privacy, a self-catering option might be best for you. Perfect Manors at Achnagairn is a seriously glamorous option. US ‘reality’ show The Bachelor even chose the property for it’s Scottish episodes! With the option to enjoy one of their gorgeous ‘mini manors’ or simply enjoy a guest room, you can lord it up for the whole of your stay! Bookings can be made here.

The Old Manse of Blair is a must-stay if you’re adventuring in The Highlands. Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms, it’s close to Blair Castle and the House of Bruar – ideal if you’re looking to stock up on some country casuals! With incredible dining options, as well as uber chic rooms – you can even take some delicious souvenirs home with you from their own farm shop! Bookings can be made direct here.

Right before winter fully kicked in, I was lucky enough to enjoy a stay at the stunning Luxury Hideaways in Perthshire. Two cabins tucked away in a quiet field, this is the spot to head for if you’re looking for a little luxury isolation. Enjoy a private hot tub, opulent picnic (which comes in your cabin) as well as the comfiest of beds in your own private pod. Divine! Bookings can be made directly here.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of traditional luxury – you can’t fail with Edinburgh’s iconic Balmoral Hotel. With an address like 1 Princes Street – you can tell it’s a hotel at the heart of the city, and you can literally stroll straight off a train and into your room. We were lucky enough to enjoy an evening in one of their stunning Castle View Suites a few weeks before lockdown hit, and it was heavenly. Don’t miss an opulent breakfast in bed with views across to the castle! You can make your booking here.

Lockdown has been a long few months – so if you’re planning an adults-only weekend, House of Gods should be your first port of call. Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Cow Gate, the hotel has a slick, Gucci wallpaper clad bar, and rooms inspired by the Orient Express. Incredibly glamorous, and filled with luxe accents, this is a hotel unlike any other. You can create your own rockstar-rider, or simply enjoy some in-room cocktails. Bliss! Bookings can be made here.

If you’re based near Edinburgh, and looking to get some sea air – Dunbar is a fabulous choice. Close to some fabulous golfing and foodie spots, The Royal Mackintosh Hotel is right in the heart of town. With traditional, cosy interiors and bedrooms with stunning sea views, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy this summer. You can book direct here.

I’m always surprised at how convenient it is to drive from Edinburgh to Peebles. About an hour, with roads running through the hills, you feel like you’re a million miles away, and you can’t find a more centrally-located hotel that The Tontine at the very heart of Peebles. Family run, with a history which dates back to the 1800s, The Tontine is a fabulous base to explore the stunning Scottish Borders, and their cosy rooms are adorable! You can book direct here.

After nearly 100 days in lockdown, and countless cancelled plans, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the channel. As of July 15th, Scottish hotels and restaurants are being allowed to welcome guests again, so the biggest question now, is where to go?

We’re a bit spoiled here, with some absolutely incredible spots to enjoy, so I thought I would share some of my top picks for enjoying a little luxury after a rather stressful few months. I’ve made sure to pick a few options dotted around the country, with options which will suit all sorts of trips, from romantic to family, with everything in between!

Starting at the top, you can find one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels – Links House Dornoch. Overlooking the green at Royal Dornoch, this 15-room hotel is heaven for golf fans, but even if you’d rather spend the day relaxing, it’s still the place to go. The hotel are currently offering the ultimate Highland Staycation for those wanting to enjoy the very best that the country has to offer with their 48 Hours in the Highland package. Their new fine dining concept Mara looks absolutely dreamy too, with incredible seasonal produce sourced locally to the restaurant. You can book direct with the hotel here.

One of my biggest to-dos in Scotland has to be exploring the NC500 as well as experiencing the country’s stunning West Coast beaches. With crystal clear waters and white sands, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d washed up somewhere exotic. The West Highland Hotel, perched in the quaint fishing village of Mallaig is perfect to base to enjoy the best of the West. With an absolutely stunning dining room, The Terrace, which enjoys views stretching across the water to Skye, The West Highland Hotel even has the option to book family rooms – perfect for that long overdue reunion. You can book direct here.

If you’re looking for a hotel experience you’re not going to forget – The Garrison Hotel in Fort William is a must visit. Built on the site of the town’s former jail, cells have been transformed into snug rooms (some even have bunks), whilst if you’d prefer to enjoy a bit more space – guest rooms are a seriously stylish choice. Situated in the heart of town, this insta-friendly spot even has a stylish restaurant to enjoy. The Garrison Hotel is available to book direct here.

Just before the madness of Christmas descended, we were treated to a dreamy stay at the Airds Hotel in Appin. A member of the Relais et Chateaux group, the hotel is beautifully cosy, and a perfect spot to escape to this summer. Driving to Appin from Edinburgh was glorious, and we meandered through mountains and passed by castles, we felt miles away from the every day. The meal we enjoyed in their restaurant was a real highlight of the winter, and above everything, the service we enjoyed here was incredible. You can book direct here.

Fun fact: I was planning to spend my birthday weekend down in the heart of the Cotswolds, but lockdown got in the way – so you can imagine how happy I was to find out about The Taynuilt Inn – a Cotswolds inspired hotel nestled deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. I’m more than slightly obsessed with the quirky interiors, with antiques and art dotted around, and the in-house restaurant and bar has a menu filled with comforting classics. Rooms can be booked directly here.

If you’re heading up to Aberdeenshire this summer, you’d do well to stop in to enjoy a stay at the historic Maryculter House. With links dating back to the Knights Templar, the hotel has beautiful, newly renovated bedrooms, dreamy en-suites and a menu of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to enjoy (seriously, they’re unbelievable), so it’s worth booking an extra night or two, to make sure you don’t miss out. Rooms are available to book directly here.

I’m working on Part 2 now – so stay tuned, as there are some incredible spots, you’re not going to want to miss!