Escaping it all for a night or two during the festive holidays is a real treat! Someone else to cook, do the dishes and make the beds…count us in. But where to go and more importantly who still has availability over the most wonderful time of the year? Don’t worry, we’ve got a gorgeous top ten round-up that’s guaranteed to put us on your good list this Christmas.

Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire

Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates. Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of Perthshire, it has been the must-go destination for travellers for nearly a century.

Double room B&B starts from £475. Excluding Christmas and Hogmanay. Subject to availability.

Bookings: www.gleneagles.com, call 0800 704 705 or email reservations@gleneagles.com

Prestonfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Opulence, theatre and luxury are combined in this unique 5-star hotel in one of Edinburgh's finest historic buildings. Just five minutes from Edinburgh city centre, James Thomson's Prestonfield is Edinburgh's most exclusive luxury hotel, offering the privacy and seclusion of a country estate right in the heart of Edinburgh. The festive afternoon tea is a must!

In January and February 2022, prices start from £375 per room and from £525 per suite, including breakfast and a bottle of chilled Champagne on arrival. Subject to availability.

Bookings: www.prestonfield.com

The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh

Housed in a collection of 16th-century buildings, Witchery by the Castle is a much-loved Edinburgh institution. Guests are drawn to the rich baroque surroundings of the original oak-panelled Witchery, as well as the elegant candle-lit elegant charm of the Secret Garden restaurant. Nine theatrical suites are each lavishly decorated and offer a mix of romance, opulence and magic.

Right on the doorstep of The Witchery, you’re spoilt for choice in terms of history and heritage in the heart of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, including Edinburgh Castle, Mary King’s Close, St Giles Cathedral and Gladstone’s Land on the Royal Mile.

Between January and February 2022, suites start from £495 per night, including breakfast and bottle of chilled Champagne on arrival.

Bookings: www.thewitchery.com

Fairmont, St Andrews, Fife

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort boasts two championship golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including the European Tour’s Scottish Championship and The Hero Open. The resort also has a renovated Fairmont Spa complex, which offers a range of treatments including locally-themed massages, facial and relaxation therapies and exclusive Ishga Skincare and Aromatherapy Associates treatments in 10 chic treatment rooms. The hotel’s seasonal offer is giving guests up to £280 resort credit to spend anywhere on the resort, subject to availability and with some dates excluded.

One night B&B starts from £239. Available all year round subject to availability.

Bookings: www.fairmont.com/st-andrews-scotland/offers/resort-credit or call 01334 837 000.

The Gailes Hotel & Spa, Irvine, Ayrshire

Situated in the heart of Ayrshire, The Gailes Hotel and Spa offers a luxury west-coast getaway, with plenty of walking, cycling and golf on the doorstep. The hotel’s Si! Spa recently enjoyed a £2 million makeover and now boasts state of the art facilities and treatments for the perfect relaxing break. We’ll be visiting the hotel soon to try out the spa packages and will report back!

Bookings: www.gaileshotel.com or call 01294 204040

Spa breaks including dinner, bed and breakfast from £125 per person. Subject to availability.

Mackays Hotel, Wick, North Coast 500

Nestled in the centre of Wick on the popular North Coast 500 route, Mackays is an award-winning hotel with 30 stylish ensuite rooms. Run by the same family for over 60 years, the hotel specialises in comfort and heart. This winter, guests are invited on a 2-night stay with a four-course dinner on the first night plus liqueur hot chocolate and cakes on arrival after a day of exploring.

Two nights bed and breakfast, four course dinner on the first night plus liqueur hot chocolate and cakes from £279. Available until December. Subject to availability.

Bookings: www.northcoast500.com/listing/mackays-hotel or call 01955 602323

Links House, Royal Dornoch, North Coast 500

Links House on the North Coast 500 provides a deeper look into the north Highlands, with stunning history, country sports, restaurants, people and coastlines. The Main House, built in 1843, is made up of bespoke historic rooms and just across the putting green is The Mews, with suites complete with full bath tubs and sitting areas. This Highland retreat is offering guests impressive one, two, and three night packages this winter.

One night B&B starts from £395. Excludes festive period. Subject to availability.

Bookings: https://www.northcoast500.com/listing/links-house or call 01862 810279

Ness Walk, Inverness, North Coast 500

Nestled on the leafy banks of the River Ness, lies Ness Walk. An idyllic 5-star retreat hotel in Inverness, just 10 minutes from Loch Ness. Surrounded by a dramatic canopy of impressive trees, Ness Walk allows you to experience a secluded atmosphere in the heart of the vibrant city centre. Here, you can indulge in 5-star comfort, with a 2-night stay and breakfast on both mornings. You will be greeted with a chilled glass of Champagne and a welcome plate on arrival. You’ll enjoy a special dinner in the hotel restaurant on one night, and late check-out on your final day.

Bookings: https://www.northcoast500.com/listing/ness-walk/ or call 01463 237 166

Rooms start from £190 based on two sharing. Available November 2021 to 31st March 2022. Subject to availability.

The Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll

Tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe looking out to the islands of Lismore and Mull is The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant. This small hotel and renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is one of Argyll’s most idyllic and romantic destinations.

For the first time, The Pierhouse is included in the Michelin Guide for UK and Ireland 2021.

Enjoy a ‘Wee Winter Break’ in this idyllic location with a cliff facing, sea facing or superior sea facing room for three nights.

The Pierhouse Hotel ‘Wee Winter Break’ includes an overnight stay, full Scottish breakfast and guidance from the team on how to spot local wildlife, in and around Port Appin and on the rugged Isle of Lismore.

A three night ‘Wee Winter Break’ at The Pierhouse is available midweek Sunday to Thursday throughout December 2021 until 28th February 2002 (subject to availability). Prices range from £300 per couple for a Cliff Facing room (saving £75) to £570 per couple for a Superior Sea View room (saving £45).

Bookings: www.pierhousehotel.co.uk or call 01631 730302

The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye

Serving the best of the Isle of Skye, land and sea, The Wee Hotel Company’s Three Chimneys has established itself as a multi-award-winning destination dining experience for more than thirty years. Opened in 1835, the iconic restaurant with rooms, situated in a classic crofter’s cottage, has become one of Scotland’s leading destination dining experiences.

The House Over-By offers a welcome retreat for guests of The Three Chimneys. Six comfortable and beautifully appointed rooms are housed in a separate building just ‘Over-By’ from the restaurant.

The Three Chimneys’ ‘Wee Winter Break’ includes an overnight stay, full Scottish breakfast and advice from the team on some of the best winter walks for spotting wildlife on the Isle of Skye and places to explore off the beaten track.

Between 1st November 2021 and 27th November 2021 and from 4th February 2022 to 3rd March 2022, prices for a ‘Wee Winter Break’ at The Three Chimneys start from £295 per night (saving £70), based on 2 people sharing a Double or Twin Junior Suite.

Between 28th November 2021 and 3rd February 2022, prices for a ‘Wee Winter Break’ at The Three Chimneys start from £280 per night (saving £85), based on 2 people sharing a Double or Twin Junior Suite.

Bookings: www.threechimneys.co.uk or call 01470 511258

Top Ten Scottish Winter Breaks