The Royal Scotsman - Luxury Scotland

When considering a vacation in Scotland, perhaps best way to explore this land of mountains and lochs is to take a grand tour on board The Belmond Royal Scotsman. Combining old-fashioned Edwardian-style furnishings and service with every modern convenience is internationally renowned train has been called “The most luxurious and, indeed, prestigious train in the world.”

The Royal Scotsman train the experience begins with a warm Scottish welcome as guests are piped aboard by a kilted piper and shown to their luxury cabins. Guests can relax in their Staterooms complete with double or twin beds, spacious accommodation containing wardrobe and dressing table as well as an ensuite shower room complete with toilet and luxury toiletries.

The carriages of the Belmond Royal Scotsman are painted maroon and cream in the traditional Pullman coach style. They reflect an air of sophistication and discreet hospitality. The train’s observation car with comfortable sofas and tartan clad armchairs is where most guest will spend their time on board, enjoying the views of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes.

One of the highlights of a trip on the royal Scotland is the crossing of Glenfinnan Viaduct, best known as the dramatic backdrop for Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies. As the train sweeps across the many arches of this magnificent Victorian bridge built 100 feet above the glen, guests will be leaning out to photograph the train as it curves around the track ahead.

Perhaps the other highlight is the dining experience. Guests on board the train will be treated to a mouth-watering showcase of Scottish cuisine including regional specialities such as smoked salmon, wild mushrooms, organic asparagus, Aberdeen Angus beef and the freshest of seafood. At Oban harbour on Scotland’s west coast fresh prawns, oysters and langoustines are taken aboard straight off the fishing boats. Breakfast is a delightful choice of fresh fruits, porridge with a dash of whisky or cream, Arbroath Smokies or omelettes made to order

Every day there are meticulously organised, private excursions, transported by the maroon Royal Scotsman-crested coach which meets the train to drive guests to historic castles, sporting estates, distilleries and islands.

Train travel is a dream travel experience and a must for many privileged luxury travellers. What could be more luxurious that enjoying superb food, great service and good company with a view of mountains and glens, grazing sheep and glimpses of red deer as the train meanders through Scotland’s landscape.

Luxury Holiday Accommodation In Scotland

Do you dream of luxury holiday accommodation in Scotland that you can call your own? Why not rent a luxury lodge in Scotland, hire a Scottish luxury holiday cottage or stay in a romantic boat house on the shores of a loch. 

Many of us do prefer our own space especially for that relaxing vacation with your partner, your family or a few friends is enhanced with the freedom to come and go as you please. What could be better than to rent a holiday luxury lodge or cottage in Scotland in which you can feel at home the minute you step through the door?

Manyself-catering options are owned and operated by some of the best hotels and luxury accommodation providers in Scotland. The boathouse on the loch at The Torridon in Wester Ross and the luxury cottage at The Airds Hotel & Restaurant near Oban are just a few examples of many special places to stay in Scotland for anyone looking for an extra touch of independence and privacy.

Other luxury self-catering options including the stunning Lodges at Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond and exclusive cottages at Inverlochy Castle.

At the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, famous for its three championship golf courses you will find the Glenmor Holiday lodges – perfect for golf vacations and family holidays.

On Scotland’s south west coast we have luxury apartments and cottages at Trump Turnberry. Ideal for groups and families of all sizes theseself-catering apartments also offer unrestricted access to Turnberry’s championship golf courses.

Over on Scotland’s east coast the Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux in East Lothian is perfect for golfing groups or families. Here you will find a large luxury house available for holiday rental. Located just 200 yards from the hotel it overlooks the famous Muirfield golf course.

Staying on the east coast you can enjoy luxury serviced apartments in a prime city centre spot in the heart of Dundee. Westport Apartments come complete with 24-hour concierge service and with stunning views – perfect for business or as a base to explore the Kingdom of Fife.

Finding luxury holiday accommodation in Scotland whether in a luxury lodge, cottage, city apartment, or unique boathouse, is easier than you think and more pleasurable than you can imagine… so why share luxury holiday accommodation in Scotland with others.

Scottish luxury holiday accommodation… taking self-catering to a 5 star level.

Westport Apartments

The Westport Apartments in Dundee offer secure self-catering living spaces in the heart of the City Centre.  The apartments are designed for comfort and convenience and the concierge services will book restaurants, tours, golf and other services to ensure your stay is relaxed and hassle free.

Location is the key for successful serviced apartments. Being situated right in the heart of the city, Westport Serviced Apartments are the most central short stay venue in Dundee. With a short  walk to all the shops, bars, restaurants, theatres, train and bus stations and just a five minute drive to the airport these apartments are in a prime position for business and leisure travellers.

All the apartments have contemporary bedrooms and living/dining areas, fully fitted kitchens, and shower rooms. There is also the bonus of onsite laundering facilities. So whether you are planning a luxury weekend, a romantic break or business accommodation, the apartments will provide you with all the benefits of a hotel with the independence and privacy of your own ‘home from home’.

There are a choice of apartment types at Westport including Classic and Grand apartments comprising one spacious bedroom with king or super king sized bed, shower room, airing cupboard, fully fitted kitchen, living and dining area. The Deluxe Apartments have two bedrooms and sleeps up to 4 people.  Split over 2 floors with stunning balcony views the Superior Apartments have two bedrooms (1 upstairs, 1 downstairs) 2 shower rooms, airing cupboard and cupboards for storage, a fully fitted kitchen and dining area with separate large lounge area.

The experienced apartment staff offers the best of service and are available 24 hrs a day to help with any requests including restaurant bookings or theatre tickets.  If you are looking to explore Dundee and the neighbouring towns then the apartments’ concierge will provide full details of leisure activities and travel options.

With the pretty town of St. Andrews just across the Tay Bridge, Westport Apartments are an ideal choice for golfers and golf parties in town to watch tournaments or play golf. For a truly personal golfing experience, courses such as Piper Dam and Drumoig are very close and travel to these courses as well as equipment hire can be arranged by the Westport reception team.

Dundee is a city rich in history and heritage and the region has a unique mix of award winning visitor attractions, galleries and museums as well as world famous golf courses, all within ten minutes’ drive from the city centre.  Ideally located in the heart of Scotland, Dundee is the perfect place from which to tour Scotland, with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen all within 90 minutes travel.

Looking to the future, the latest Victoria and Albert Museum outpost plans to open its doors in Dundee during 2016. This stunning development will be a crowning achievement for the City’s ambitious £1 billion waterfront regeneration project, putting Dundee firmly on the map as a place to base yourself when seeing the best of what Scotland offers.

The Royal Scotsman

According to many travel writers, the best way to experience a country is by train, watching the landscapes unfold in the comfort of a railway carriage. In Scotland the Royal Scotsman train provides the best way to explore Scotland combining elegant Edwardian-style accommodation with modern service and convenience. Described as the most luxurious and prestigious train in the world, this is a dream travel experience and a must for the privileged luxury traveller.

Passengers on this luxury train are usually welcomed on board by a kilted bagpiper.  The Royal Scotsman carriages are painted maroon and cream in the traditional Pullman coach style and reflect an air of discreet hospitality and sophistication.  Each reservation includes aStateroom complete with double or twin beds, ensuite shower room with toilet and luxury toiletries as well as spacious accommodation containing wardrobe and dressing table.

The observation car is where most guests will relax and enjoy their morning coffee or afternoon tea. Furnished in Scottish Country house style with comfortable sofas and tartan clad armchairs this is where friendly conversation and talks from experienced tour guides will help enhance a fabulous Scottish itinerary on the West Highland Line to the isles or a romantic journey along the shores of Loch Long climbing up to Crianlarich and the snow-capped peaks of the highlands.                              

The full Scottish experience would not be complete without savouring the best of Scottish produce and the Royal Scotsman train delivers in style. Guests enjoy an innovative showcase of modern Scottish cuisine. This is a gastronomic voyage sampling Scottish regional specialities sourced along the way from specialist suppliers of smoked salmon, wild mushrooms, organic asparagus, Aberdeen Angus beef and the freshest of seafood. At Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast fresh prawns, oysters and langoustines are delivered to the train straight off the boats … a gourmet’s delight!

Needless to say breakfast is also a gourmet feast of fresh fruits and juices, porridge with a tot of whisky or cream, a full Scottish breakfast, delicious omelettes or Arbroath smokies. What makes this breakfast so special is the view of mountains and glens, grazing sheep and glimpses of red deer as the train meanders through the Scotland landscape.

Considered to be one of the world’s top travel experiences combining breath taking vistas, luxury accommodation and gourmet dining, a vacation on the Royal Scotsman might be described as a fabulous house party on wheels.