Are Scottish Hotties Reason Enough to Visit Scotland?
TravelBIG says, “Hell Ya!”
A Perennial Destination: Edinburgh
All year round, Edinburgh offers a luminous cultural calendar complimented by scenic splendor. Teeming with history, this cultured city is now the hot weekend haunt for trend-spotters and bar-hoppers.
Edinburgh is a pocket-sized gem of a city. Built on a series of volcanic hills, the city’s spectacular architecture dates back to the 12th century. Perched at the most prestigious address in Edinburgh, the five-star Balmoral Hotel is a noble blend of charming Scottish Baronial dwelling and stately international landmark.
The Balmoral Hotel Exterior
A mere twenty minutes into my stay at the Balmoral, I experience bliss in the form of the perfect scone. High tea is serious business at this property, with every ritual lovingly observed. It’s right in the middle of the action, yet with suites so inviting, it’s hard to imaging venturing out.
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, +44 131 556 2414, www.thebalmoralhotel.com
Stunning Views from a Suite at the Balmoral Hotel
A short walk from The Balmoral, dinner at the Fourth Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols is a must. The long balcony allows for striking views of Edinburgh Castle and The Firth of Forth. Customized non-reflective floor-to-ceiling glass affords diners unimpeded after dark views.
Lively Upscale Dining at Harvey Nichols
Proud Scot and Oscar Winner Tilda Swinton
Rolling in the Isles
The soothing tranquility I find on the ferry to the Isle of Skye verges on therapeutic.
I’ve a Viking’s vastness, sea lochs and anchorages to myself – try finding that on the Med, with its over-stuffed Speedos and hot cross buns. Hushed majesty at every turn, neither a house nor human to interrupt the beauty.
There’s no need to request a room with a view at Toravaig House: open any window and behold an epic landscape of ice silver seas. I can’t recommend Toravaig’s Iona Restaurant more highly. After a walk in the twilight air, I savoured the chef’s filet of salmon with herb crust, served on brandied fennel with a caramel sauce.
Blissful Beauty in the Isle of Skye
Scotland’s true treasure lies in its people. I enjoyed the loveliest reception from Lord and Lady Macdonald at their ancestral home, Kinloch Lodge. Godfrey Macdonald, High Chief of Clan Donald, runs it as an intimate, personal hotel – adding a new building in 1998, whose highlight is an open concept pro kitchen, dining room and lecture hall. This is where Lady Macdonald holds court over her massively popular cooking “experiences”. Part demonstration, part Ealing comedy, Lady Macdonald’s vivacious narratives are as addictive as her sweets and as treasured as her techniques. An award-winning author of more than a dozen cookbooks, she’s produced the most delicious food seasonal to Scotland for twenty years.
Lady Claire Macdonald
Lady Macdonald is not a fan of North America’s “supermarket” mentality and low-fat obsession. “I say eat fat, cheese, cream! Just not three times a day,” she chides. Claire Macdonald is to food enthusiasm what Hugh Hefner is to lingerie enthusiasm. It borders on naughty. A true sensualist, the lady slips me a candied orange peel with a wink. “This will blossom in your mouth, you’ll feel like Botticelli’s Venus,” she teases. I blush, the savoury rind blooms, and the lady of the manor conquers another palate.
Toravaig House Hotel, 01471 820200, www.skyehotel.co.uk
Kinloch Lodge , 01471 833333, www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk
Gordon Ramsay, The Ultimate Hot Scot Chef
For more Scottish Hottie News and contests visit www.dateahotscot.com
And your ultimate guide to visiting Scotland is www.visitscotland.com
