Photos courtesy of Luxury Scotland: The Old Course Hotel (1), The Gleneagles Hotel (2), Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa (3, 4)
Story by Olga Bas
Though the Scottish gay scene is liveliest in Edinburgh and Glasgow, it does benefit from the U.K.'s progressive attitude: same-sex couples received the right to register civil partnerships in 2005. If you've got romance on the brain, it's hard to find a more majestic setting than staying at a hotel that resembles a medieval castle or regal manor house, but has all the modern amenities. The following scenic Scottish properties are currently upping the romance factor even further with special spa packages:
• The Gleneagles Hotel, located in Auchterarder, in the heart of Scotland, has a new Spa Essence Package offer for those wishing to escape from the bustle of the city. The package includes accommodations in a classic room, full Scottish breakfast, prix fixe dinner, 55-minute spa treatment and full use of the club's leisure facilities. Available through September 30, the package price starts at $730 per night, valid Sunday-Thursday. The Spa by ESPA is modern marvel with crystal steam rooms, tropical showers, cooling ice rubs, and a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie -- serving French cuisine with a Scottish twist.
• The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa situated on 11 acres of wooded grounds in Aberdeen, has two specials for its visitors, which can be combined. The Sunday Suite offer comes with a full a la carte menu, including Russian King Crab, Bed and Breakfast in one of our Junior Suites with a bottle of Pommery Champagne in your suite upon arrival for $478 (based on double occupancy), inclusive of VAT and service charges. The hotel's Spa Offer gives guests 20 percent off all spa treatments every Monday and Tuesday. The spa boasts multiple treatment rooms and extensive services ranging from mani/pedis to the Baleno Therapy Room -- a hydrotherapy bath unique to Scotland that relieves muscular tension and arthritis. The hotel is minutes from Aberdeen's city center, and there are at least 50 castles and 30 malt whiskey distilleries in the vicinity.
• The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa of Northern Scotland overlooks the beautiful Scottish coastline at West Sands beach. This prestigious five-star hotel has 144 rooms including 35 suites. The hotel's Kohler Spa, with relaxation treatments based on the healing properties of the earth’s mineral-rich waters, is currently offering the 24-hour Spa Escape. The package includes a one-night stay, full Scottish breakfast, 25-minute Kohler Massage, 25-minute Burst of Radiance Facial, a two-course spa lunch and unlimited use of the Kohler Waters Spa facilities; cost is $441 per night. The offer is good until March 2010.
• The six-story Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is in a prime location for sightseeing and hitting the bars. It also features the ONE SPA health and fitness complex, which is one of only five spas in Scotland to offer the new Super Active treatment from ESPA. The 80-minute treatment works on calming and soothing while repairing and restoring skin – including aging, dehydration and environmental stress is tailored specifically to each client and costs $177. When you book two consecutive nights through July 31, you'll get the third night free; the daily rate is $280 based on double occupancy. The hotel also features an outdoor rooftop hydropool, Finnish sauna, thermal suites, and a state-of-the-art gym.
