LYING in what had to be the largest bath I’ve ever seen, with a glass champagne, I thought — can it get much better than this?
The answer was no — not when I was cocooned in luxury at Rocpool Reserve, a striking and lovingly restored Georgian mansion in Inverness, with stunning views of the River Ness.
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After a wet and windy drive up the A9, my partner Katie and I stepped through the door and instantly felt welcomed by the lovely staff who guided us to our suite, handily located next to the bar.
And what a suite it was. Spacious with a stunning bathroom, comfortable living space and plush king-size bed, and all tastefully decorated too.
As beautiful as it was, we were desperate for some refreshment after our drive and ventured through to the bar, with its quiet and cool vibe, perfect for the afternoon tea and local tasting spoons they offer.
We headed out for dinner to the nearby bustling Cafe One, where we enjoyed a tasty meal and a well-deserved vino. But knowing there was a bottle of the fizzy stuff back in out suite, we couldn’t wait to return and pop the cork, before I sank into THAT bath. Now that’s what I call bliss and fizz!
We had a fabulous brekkie next morning before heading out to explore the Highland capital, including the fantastic Union Records.
We then set off for the second night of our Highland tour, on the perfect drive down some of the gorgeous NC500 route and through the spectacular Aberdeenshire countryside to Royal Deeside and Douneside House, just outside Tarland.
Dounside House is the gorgeous stately home of the late Lady MacRobert who, after tragically losing her RAF servicemen sons, went on to start the MacRobert trust.
Surrounded by rolling hills, the warm, welcoming hotel and health club boasts stunning views and a feeling of real luxury.
We arrived just in time for tea and cake in the piano bar — my timing is impeccable. The lemon drizzle was to die for.
Our home for the night was The Terrace, a bright and comfortable room with a gorgeous private terrace (no surprises there) overlooking the gardens and conservatory.
I enjoyed a bit of quiet time reading in the glorious sunshine, while Katie went for a soak in the health club’s pool. We then went for a jaunt through the beautiful Japanese garden, with its little red bridges over a rambling stream, framed by stunning cherry blossom. All very zen.
Dinner was a real treat — a spectacular six-course tasting menu with an exceptional selection of paired wines and even a sherry. Each course was a delightful culinary expedition, my personal favourite being the delicious Monkfish Vadouvan, with a lobster bisque hollandaise, squid ink and finger lime.
Although I must also mention the delicious takoyaki-esque octopus and black garlic canapés, as well as our dessert: a clever re-imagining of rhubarb that made me reassess a flavour I had always dismissed.
Following dinner, we had a cocktail making class with the resident drinks master Leon, where he quickly got a sense of our taste in preferences and expertly guided us in making the perfect drinks to toast a fabulous evening.
GO: LUXURY SCOTLAND
PRICES at Roc Pool Reserve from £335 per night for Hip Room, including breakfast, Afternoon Tea and evening Tasting Spoons. See rocpool.com.
The tasting experience at Dounside House is from £500, two sharing a room with breakfast, dinner, and wine flight in the Library restaurant. Includes Health Club access and golf at their local club. See dounesidehouse.co.uk. For more details on both see luxuryscotland.co.uk
Katie made a twist on a Morning Glory — a signature cocktail of the much-loved Satans’ Whiskers in London — using Glenmorangie and lemon juice, while Leon helped me create something bespoke with Dominican rum, peach and sours. Yum.
Then it was back to our room to enjoy a nightcap on our romantically lit private terrace. Quiet, serene and beautiful, everything you want on a luxury break.
Life definitely doesn’t get much better.
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