The dream has been crushed: for the vast majority of us, a foreign holiday isn’t going to happen this year. Game over.
But summer isn’t cancelled - far from it. While you were dipping your toes in the bath-warm Med and Instagramming infinity pools in Bali, the UK hotel game has gone from strength to strength.
From cosy pubs with immaculate William Morris-covered rooms and sprawling farm-to-fork country escapes, to artsy city hideaways and cliff-hugging coastal spas, we have some of the best hotels in the world.
Time to start exploring. Here’s our edit of the best UK hotels.
England
The Rose, Deal
( The Rose )A Deal landmark for over 200 years, since its May 2018 re-opening The Rose has single-handedly placed this Kent town on the map for in-the-know staycationers. The eight individually designed rooms are perfect Instagram fodder – freestanding tubs painted a watermelon shade of pink, furniture swathed in velvet, bright orange headboards offset by creamy mint green walls, and en vogue rattan fixtures. Breakfast is complimentary, the Scandi breakfast plate will satisfy you well into the afternoon, and it’s best to stay in-house for dinner too – the menu changes seasonally using only the best local produce.The Newt, Somerset( The Newt )Truly one of the most exciting hotels in the UK, The Newt in Somerset offers a bit of everything: a world-class spa, sumptuous rooms, exclusive gardens, and you don’t have to brace the M25 to get there - it’s only an hour and a half by train from London Paddington. Housed in a Georgian limestone building, the rooms are spacious, painted in deep teals and creamy white. Deep soak tubs are the centrepiece of most ensuites and furniture is swathed in warm velvets. The garden-scented spa is a destination in itself, visit for the indoor-outdoor pool, a couple’s mud treatment or a washdown in the hamman. When night falls, venture to the hotel’s garden-to-table restaurant, The Botanical Rooms for some superb local fare.The Rectory Hotel, Cotswolds( The Rectory Hotel )Just over two hours from London, neatly perched between Malmesbury and Cirencester in the ever-delightful Cotswolds, The Rectory is the perfect antidote to the usual country pile. With just 18 rooms (15 in the main house and a three-bedroom cottage on site), each is minimalistic – expect forest green fixtures, four-poster beds, design-led furnishings and cloud-like king-size beds. Food is served in the light-filled glasshouse (the afternoon tea is a particular highlight), and you’ll be tempted to traipse across the road to the hotel’s sister pub, The Potting Shed, for a Sunday roast.The Pig at Bridge Place, Kent( The Pig Hotels )Continuing its south of England domination, The Pig at Bridge Place opened to much fanfare – and it’s certainly lived up to the hype. Bridge Place is a seventeenth century manor that became notorious in the 60s and 70s for hosting parties where Led Zeppelin and The Kinks would headline. Now a member of Robin and Judy Hutson's Pig hotel group, it was refurbished in 2018 and boasts 31 rooms painted in deep Farrow & Ball shades, walls dotted with antiquated artwork and a plenty of free-standing tubs. As with the other Pig hotels, food here is king – everything is sourced within a 25-mile radius which luckily includes Whitstable oysters, Kentish wine and Romney Marsh lamb. The latest Pig, Harlyn Bay in Cornwall, opened last summer.Thyme, Cotswolds( Thyme )Nestled in the Cotswold village of Southrop, Thyme rightly describes itself as ‘a village within a village’. Besides the hotel in the main manor house, guests will discover an on-site restaurant, bar and village pub, a luxury spa, both a cookery and florist school and a kitchen garden set among 150-acres of rolling farmland. Thyme is quintessentially British, each individually-designed room has its own character with a rustic edge and the Ox Barn restaurant serves dishes with home-grown vegetables, herbs and eggs.Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxford( Belmond )Walking along a cobblestone path, past fragrant lavender bushes to Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a fifteenth-century manor in Oxfordshire, is a scene that seems to be plucked from a storybook. Yet, Raymond Blanc’s honey-hued country pile, just off the M40, is a touch of Provence in the British countryside. Famed for its food (it’s the only British restaurant to have held two Michelin stars for more than three decades), the seven-course tasting menu made largely from the hotel’s own garden produce is a must as is one of the on-site cookery classes. Rooms are preened to perfection, too. Each is more decadent than the last and has its own unique colour scheme.University Arms Hotel, Cambridge( University Arms Hotel )The arrival of Autograph Collection’s University Arms Hotel in 2018 saw Cambridge transition from a perfectly wonderful day trip destination to a lush option for a weekend break. Those visiting the city, looking to explore its sixteenth century cottages, romantic streets and take a punt along the famous River Cam, can arrive in just 50 minutes from central London. Situated in the middle of Cambridge, the sleek University Arms features mahogany walls, bespoke literary-centric wallpaper and suites named after men and women with a connection to Cambridge. Bikes in the hotel’s signature turquoise hue are available to borrow during your stay, and the team can also pack you a picnic to help you make a day of it. Once you return, head to Parker’s Tavern, the in-house brasserie serving a modern twist on British classics.The Scarlet, Cornwall( The Scarlet )An eco-hotel just for adults, The Scarlet is a luxury escape on the North Cornish coast with views over Mawgan Porth Beach. Floor-to-ceiling windows help soak up the magnificent scenery, as does bathing in one of the clifftop hot tubs while listening to the sounds of the rolling waves. The spa here is its star attraction, the indoor pool offers the views when the weather is a bit too nippy outside, but on a warm summer’s day try the outdoor pool naturally filtered by reeds – the barrel cedar sauna is close by for when you need warming up.Hell Bay Hotel, Isles of Scilly( Adam White Photography )One of the UK’s best-kept secrets is the Isles of Scilly, a subtropical haven just off the coast of Cornwall. The five islands are accessible by a short plane ride from Exeter or a ferry ride from Penzance, and you’ll be met with stretches of golden beaches, crystalline waters and fantastic local fare. Hell Bay Hotel is located on the least inhabited island of Bryher, where the circumference is easily walked in under two hours. Rooms here are cosy, with touches of powder blue and the views of the sea. Don’t miss a chance to dine at The Crab Shack, serving the freshest seafood on the isles with just three simple dishes: Bryher crab, mussels and scallops.Grantley Hall, Yorkshire( Grantley Hall )After undergoing a £70 million refurb, Grantley Hall re-opened in July 2019 as part of the exceedingly luxe Relais & Châteaux family. Now, the five-star Yorkshire-based residence boasts 47 rooms, including 21 suites, a Grade II-listed Japanese garden and a sumptuous spa, including an 18-metre indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and outdoor cedar hot tub. The rooms are fitted with deep-soak Victoria + Albert tubs, furniture you can sink into and robe and pillow menus for bespoke comfort. If your budget can stretch, the presidential suite comes with a baby grand piano and its own marble-clad bar. Dinner is fine dining, with seven courses inspired by head chef Shaun Rankin’s Yorkshire childhood and, feeling delightfully satiated, stop by champagne bar Valeria’s for a touch of old-world glamour.Cliveden House, Berkshire( Cliveden House )You’ve probably heard of Cliveden House before – it’s where John Profumo infamously met Christine Keeler and kicked off the Profumo scandal that brought down the government in 1961. Over six decades later, it was also where Meghan Markle spent the night before she married Prince Harry in 2018. While Cliveden House isn’t lacking in history – it’s still a haunt for celebs and politicos - it’s now known to Londoners for its opulent spa. Hidden behind the brick-walled garden, naturally scented with roses and lavender, the spa boasts an indoor and outdoor pool, infrared sauna, infused steam room and two outdoor hot tubs. Make a weekend of it by booking into one of the 47 palatial rooms (including 15 suites and a three-bedroom cottage on the banks of the River Thames) – we recommend one of the three that come with a private hot tub.Hampton Manor, Hampton in Arden( Hampton Manor )Just over an hour by train from London, Hampton Manor is incredibly easy to get to and makes for a sumptuous escape. Complete with a Michelin starred restaurant (book the chef’s table at Peel’s restaurant if you can), Hampton Manor is surrounded by 45 acres of gardens and woodland. The manor itself has been lovingly restored and is now home to 15 bespoke bedrooms - fitted with velvet furnishings, patterned wallpaper and plenty of cosy nooks - as well as a standalone cottage, perfect for your summertime gathering.Artist Residence Brighton, Brighton( Artist Residence )When Artist Residence opened its first outpost in Brighton in 2008, it completely changed the seaside town’s hotel scene. The brainchild of Justin and Charlie Salisbury, it became the first of one of the UK’s most beloved boutique hotel groups, which now stretch to London, Oxfordshire, Penzance and the Bristol outpost will be opening in time for summer. A five-minute walk from the Lanes and the pier, Artist Residence Brighton was originally decorated by artists, who coloured the walls in return for accommodation. Copper-clad deep-soak tubs can be found in the rooms, with exposed brick walls and painted in deep teal hues. Downstairs, The Set is Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised, serving a seasonal British menu made with local produce.At The Chapel, Somerset( At The Chapel )The Somerset market town of Bruton is having a moment. A new rail service from London’s Paddington means you can be there in just over two hours, and At The Chapel offers some of the most stylish rooms in town. As the name suggests, a restaurant, rooms, bakery, terrace and clubroom are all housed within a renovated Grade II-listed chapel. Dating back to the eighteenth century, a seat at the in-house restaurant, serving West Country produce to bring a Mediterranean flair to British food, is the hottest ticket in town. Each of the eight rooms are individually designed and minimalistic with dark-stained hardwood floors, exposed timber beams, marble-clad bathrooms and eggshell tubs. We’ll race you there.Beaverbrook Hotel & Spa, Surrey( (Beaverbrook Hotel & Spa) / Beaverbrook Hotel & Spa )Once the home of press baron Lord Beaverbrook, the namesake hotel is set in 400 acres of the sprawling Surrey Hills. When it reopened in 2017 after a £90 million renovation, Beaverbrook changed the game for country house hotels with a transformation overseen by designer Susie Atkinson (Soho House, Lime Wood, Babington House). The 35 rooms are divided between the main house, the Garden House and the Coach House and include two suites: Elizabeth Taylor and Joe and Rose Kennedy, each named and decorated after its former inhabitants. Guests are met with a medley of old and new, period features sit beside velvet armchairs and sofas, bespoke wallpaper lines the walls and Bamford toiletries can be found in the ensuites. Sir Frank’s bar is an Art Deco wonder, and dinner in the light-filled Garden House Restaurant or contemporary Japanese Grill is a must. The scene stealer, however, is the hotel’s Coach House Spa. It opened in January 2019 and was designed by renowned glass artist Brian Clarke, boasting six treatment rooms, a hammam, steam room, sauna and both indoor and outdoor pools.Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Lake District( (Gilpin Hotel & Lake House) / Gilpin Hotel & Lake House )A weekend in the Lake District should be at the top of any UK bucket list, the rolling hills and glistening lakes is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful scenery. Since it opened a three decades ago, the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has been a firm favourite of versed locals. Consisting of a main hotel, spa lodges and separate lake house, there’s something here for every weekender. The spa lodges are a particular highlight as you’re met with kingsize beds and a crackling fire, a private hydrotherapy hot tub, sauna, rainmaker shower, a steam room as well as an eggshell tub. Spa treatments can be taken at the Lake House or in-room, and the two on-site restaurants include the Michelin starred HRiSHi, Hrishikesh Desai, serving modern British fare, and the Gilpin Spice with tapas-style pan-Asian dishes.Padstow Townhouse, Cornwall( Padstow Townhouse )Nestled on a quiet street in the old town of Cornwall’s Padstow, Paul Ainsworth’s eighteenth century townhouse is one of the UK’s best foodie getaways. After launching his namesake restaurant in the Cornish town in 2006, he acquired a Georgian townhouse in 2015 just a short stroll away, transforming it into a six-room boutique bolthole. Rooms here (Popcorn, Marshmallow, Bon Bon, Toffee Apple, Honeycomb and Rhubarb & Custard) are named after Ainsworth’s famed ‘taste of the fairground’ dessert, each individually decorated to reflect the chosen ingredient (Toffee Apple, for example, includes a handmade double oak and copper bath tub, the colour of rich caramel). The Kitchen Pantry downstairs is stocked with homemade cakes and cheese boards, and breakfast is served at Ainsworth’s nearby Caffè Rojano, serving everything from a morning trifle to a full Cornish breakfast.Heckfield Place, Hampshire( Heckfield Place )After its opening in summer 2018, Heckfield Place saw a swarm of bookings from the style set – everyone from Derek Blasberg to Liv Tyler took up residence, and it’s rumoured to be where Prince Harry took Meghan Markle for their babymoon before Archie was born in 2019. Londoners looking to mimic the life of its famous clientele can be door-to-door in an hour and a half, dining at the Skye Gyngell (Petersham Nurseries, Spring) directed restaurant by 8pm on a Friday evening, if the M4 plays nicely. The 45 rooms, including six suites, split across the main house and the grounds are each beautifully decorated, in-room bookcases are stocked with classics (Jane Austen lived just up the road) and handmade ceramic bedside lamps sit atop Georgian timber bedside tables. Beauty disciples will worship at Little Bothy’s altar, the spa overlooks the hotel’s walled gardens and uses all-natural products from the hotel’s own skincare range.Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham( (Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa) / Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa )As far as country house hotels go, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa ticks every box. Just over an hour from London by train, it houses a Michelin-starred restaurant, an award-winning ESPA spa and wellness centre, a gym, equestrian centre and cookery school all plonked amid 500 acres of walking trails. Each of the 43 bedrooms (including 13 suites and two cottages) are individually styled, four poster beds are a common appearance as are in-room wood burners and free-standing tubs in the marble-lined ensuites. The spa here is what sets it apart from other luxury country piles, it's dotted with five thermal cabins (including an Amethyst room and Japanese Salt room), a salt water plunge pool and both indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools. In short: it will be hard to leave.Number One Bruton, Somerset( Number One Bruton )Just across the road from At The Chapel (mentioned above) the artistic town of Bruton continues to give and give with Number One Bruton. Here, 12 bedrooms are housed in Georgian townhouse, adjoining cottages and a forge with mediaeval origins (the latter opening in April). A rich colour palette decorates the walls, and aged elm flooring, sourced antiques and opulent furnishings in the rooms were inspired by the hotel’s Georgian heritage. Downstairs, in the old ironmonger’s shop, guests will discover Osip – a tiny farm-to-table restaurant serving the best of Somerset produce for breakfast, lunch and supper.Another Place, Lake District( Another Place )When Another Place, The Lake opened its doors in Ullswater in 2017, it injected some much-needed freshness into the Lake District. The hotel is from the same team as Cornwall’s beloved Watergate Bay hotel and Another Place lies within 18 acres of national park and offers views directly across the lake (best seen from its pool’s floor-to-ceiling windows). The 40 rooms include six suites, and range from romantic havens for couples to sprawling suites for families. With the lake on your doorstep, wild swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are all encouraged, before retreating back to the hotel’s Rampsbeck Restaurant, offering a three-course seasonal menu.Babington House, Somerset( Babington House )A 25-minute drive from aforementioned Bruton, and 10 minutes from Frome, Babington opened in 1998 to become the first rural outpost for the famed London-based member’s club, Soho House. Part-country house hotel, part-member’s club, rooms at Babington House are satisfying large, walls draped in bold hues or eclectic prints, crushed velvet sofas and ‘grammable ensuites. Like any good Soho outpost, a Cowshed Spa can be found in the walled garden, while the in-house restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired British fare, using produce from the garden.The Grove, Hertfordshire( The Grove )For time-poor Londoners, a weekend at The Grove is a no-brainer - it’s just 14 minutes from London’s Euston yet feels a world away. Set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, the rooms here are elegant, the food mouth-watering, but it’s their award-winning Sequoia spa that is the must-visit. Spa days begin with a sauna and rain shower in the heat experience rooms before settling into your luxury treatment and lunch/afternoon tea/supper depending on which package you choose. Follow this with a walk through the on-site woodland and you’ll return to the capital refreshed and recharged.Lime Wood, New Forest( Lime Wood )With a pastel yellow façade, you’ll know you’ve stumbled on something special as soon as you roll up to Lime Wood. The New Forest haven offers 32 sumptuously decorated rooms (including 14 suites and two Forest Cottages), filled with Bamford toiletries, plush king-sized beds and free-standing tubs. The calming three-level Herb House Spa is one of our favourite country spas, and features a sauna and indoor Hydro pool looking to the forest, a Mud House, steaming outdoor hot pool and lap pool near the gym. When you’ve found nirvana, head to Hartnett Holder & Co for locally-sourced Italian dishes or a snack in the spa’s food bar, Raw & Cured.Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire( Soho House )Soho House’ country pile opened to much fanfare in the summer of 2015, when it quickly became a celeb favourite - Meghan Markle even reportedly spent a weekend there for her ‘hen do’ before she married Prince Harry in 2018. Set in 100 acres of sprawling countryside, it’s one of the coolest offerings in the Cotswolds. Here, guests discover 40 spacious cabins (alongside a three-bedroom cottage and seven-bedroom farmhouse), ranging from cosy to roomy, each charmingly rustic, with bathrooms loaded with Cowshed products to compliment the brand’s on-site spa. When hunger kicks in, the five eateries, including Sunday roast favourite The Little Bell and Japanese grill restaurant, Pen Yen, will satiate any cravings.The Malabar, Cumbria( The Malabar )Once a Grade II-listed cattle barn, The Malabar is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ finest offerings. Just 20 minutes from the M6, in the market town of Sedbergh, The Malabar comprises of just six rooms including three suites. A stay here starts with complimentary tea and scones or a cheeky tipple in the garden, before retreating to one of the luxe rooms fitted with pure wool bedding, freestanding baths and Bath House toiletries. Breakfast is hearty, Cumbrian-style with homemade bread and local preserves. Dinner is served in-house during weeknights, with a choice between a three-course British menu or Indian-style meal, and on weekends guests are encouraged to venture to one of two nearby pubs just down the road.The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath( (The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa) / The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa )A literary lover’s haven, Bath is an easy 90 minutes on the train from central London. It’s worth a visit just to stay in the city’s most iconic hotel: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. A Bath institution, it sits smack bang in the middle of the Georgian Royal Crescent, boasting an award-winning spa alongside a favourite afternoon tea spot for locals. Each of the 45 rooms and suites are individually decorated, with soft palettes and views out to the Crescent lawn or the private walled gardens. Dinner at the Dower House restaurant champions Somerset’s best produce - we recommend indulging in the six-course menu with paired wines.Gara Rock, Devon( Gara Rock )A true hidden gem on the dramatic Devonshire coast, Gara Rock is a long-harboured secret by those in the know. Salcombe is a 40-minute walk away, but you’ll be too enamoured by the crashing waves and fresh coastal air to stray far. Inside, rooms take inspiration from the sea, with a moody grey/green/blue palette, washed wooden panels and nautical fixtures like the fishing ropes hanging from the ceiling. Ocean views are a given, and when you’re feeling peckish, the restaurant serves a sustainable and seasonal menu with food sourced from its own kitchen garden, nearby farms and local fishermen.Brownber Hall, Yorkshire( Brownber Hall )Sandwiched between the Lake District and the Pennies, Brownber Hall is nestled near the beautiful and unspoilt Howgill Fells. A walker’s haven, owner’s Amanda and Peter have transformed this 1860 country house into an achingly hip bolthole. Amanda and chef Amy were both trained at Leith’s, making this a true foodie escape where authentic pizza and pasta is served as night falls. Common areas are clad in original William Morris wallpaper, and the eight rooms are minimalist-meet-bohemian cool.Dormy House, Cotswolds( Dormy House )A Cotswold institution, Dormy House is perched above the honey-hued village of Broadway on the privately owned Farncombe Estate. A converted seventeenth century farmhouse, its 38 rooms includes 10 suites and hot tub suites which are delightfully decorated, some with high ceilings and others, like the Rose Cottage, with fabulously floral decor. The spa oozes elegance with its sleek infinity pool and a thermal suite complete with a salt steam room. When hunger strikes, The Potting Shed is designed for long, lazy lunches and The Back Garden is three courses of seasonal fare. If you’re feeling extra-flush, MO is an interactive eight-course tasting-menu designed to accommodate just 12 guests at a time. When at Dormy, eh?Chewton Glen, Hampshire( Chewton Glen )On the fringe of New Forest lies Chewton Glen, a quintessentially English country house hotel and spa. Just two hours from London, the USP here is its 14 romantic treehouse suites suspended 35 feet off the ground. Sunsets can be watched from your own private hot tub on the terrace deck and a breakfast hamper is delivered come sunrise. The main house boasts a further 58 rooms, each exuding luxury and the revamped spa is opening at the end of March - set to draw in a whole new crowd of eager weekenders.ScotlandFoyers Lodge, Loch Ness( Foyers Lodge )Neatly perched above the shimmering shores of Scotland’s iconic Loch Ness, Foyers Lodge is a well-kept secret. A passion project by former Londoners Anna and Philip, the century-old lodge has been lovingly restored into a spectacular B&B. Offering quite possibly the best views of the loch, Foyers Lodge has just five individually-styled rooms with large beds, stylish ensuites and some with roll top tubs. Homemade breakfast is served in the dining room and, when you’re not exploring the surrounding area, sipping on a cup of tea while admiring the views will lull you into a deep state of peace.The House Over-By at The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye( The Three Chimneys )Quite possibly the UK’s best restaurant with rooms, The Three Chimneys in the north-western corner of the Isle of Skye is worth trekking through the countless one-lane roads it takes to get there. The House Over-By, just next door, houses six deeply romantic rooms on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, where décor is simple and elegant. Booking a room will automatically reserve a seat at The Three Chimneys, which has held three AA red rosettes continuously for nearly two decades and it was named the UK Restaurant of the Year by The Good Food Guide in 2018. While its owners of 34 years, Shirley and Eddie Spear, passed on the baton to Scottish-born hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray last year, foodies should still make the pilgrimage to Skye to try the fare – 90 per cent of which comes from the Isle with head chef Scott Davies foraging the island himself.The Fife Arms, Highlands( The Fife Arms )This is the kind of hotel that visitors to Scotland dream of: beds are clad in tartan duvets, headboards made from carved mahogany and the decor is opulent, moody and busy - there’s not an inch that hasn’t been considered. Designed by art dealers Hauser & Wirth, each of the Fife Arms’ 46 rooms tell a story and the downstairs pub, The Flying Stag (complete with a taxidermied ‘flying stag’ hovering above the bar), serves fancy pub grub. Elsewhere, the Clunie Dining Room serves wood-fired fare, the subtly pink art deco Elsa’s bar is named after designer Elsa Schiaparelli (a regular Braemar visitor) and the Drawing Room is worth a visit even just to marvel at its ceiling designed by Chinese artist, Zhang Enli. There’s a small but perfectly-formed spa, too, with treatments like the ‘nurturing bonnie facial’ using the Scottish-based award-winning ishga organic seaweed skin care range.The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder( The Gleneagles Hotel )At the base of the Highlands, an hour from Glasgow or 45 minutes from Edinburgh Airport, Gleneagles sits on 850 acres of pristine Perthshire countryside. Guests are greeted by doormen in kilts, reminiscent of a time gone by and a nod to its 1920’s heritage. In 2015 the hotel was thoughtfully revamped by Ennismore (of The Hoxton hotels), resulting in a sleek new look, melding old and new. While it's renowned for its golf course, it's the spa that makes it a must-visit. The only spa in Scotland designated a ‘Luxury Spa Resort’ by the Leading Hotels of the World group, it's kitted with ESPA products, traditional and alternative treatments and personal wellness programmes that can be designed by the in-house specialists.Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Perthshire( Monachyle Mhor Hotel )Perched in the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Monachyle Mhor Hotel is a renovated eighteenth-century farmhouse that is more restaurant with rooms than hotel. The childhood home of chef Tom Lewis, he’s transformed the property into a boutique stay with an award-winning restaurant, Mhor. Here, the food is sourced mainly from the farm or locally, with lamb off the hill behind, venison from the stalkers next door and the hotel’s own beef, pork, chickens, duck and eggs, plus organic vegetables and herbs, too.The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh( The Dunstane Houses )Voted Edinburgh’s Most Romantic Boutique Hotel at the 2019 Scottish Hotel Awards, it’s easy to see why these rooms will fill you with amour. With in-room copper-clad bath tubs, incredibly chic décor and an abundance of old world splendour, this hotel is one of the finest boutique hotels in the Scottish capital. The Ba’ Bar is also the ideal place to have a wee dram, with more than 70 single malt whiskeys to choose from for a cheeky nightcap.Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye( Kinloch Lodge )Nestled on the edge of sea-loch Na Dal and at the base of a tree-laden hill, Kinloch’s picturesque location and white-washed building is picture perfect. Two main houses make up Kinloch – the North and South houses – filled with cosy and quaint bedrooms that overlook the scenic area. The sitting room in the east wing of the main house has an open fire and a number of old-timey photos, as if you’ve stepped into someone’s warm and welcoming home. The other sitting area towards the front of the main house has a bar with a sizeable selection of Scottish Whiskey and a more modern, seductive feel to it. Kinloch is home to a restaurant run by head chef Marcello Tully. For a unique experience, Kinloch offers the option to sit at the Chef’s Table during dinner to watch Marcello and his team work their magic while dining on a seven-course tasting menu.The Balmoral, Edinburgh( The Balmoral )Sitting on one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious postcodes, Balmoral is located at no.1 Princes Street and for the past century has been a landmark of the Scottish capital. The gothic building is instantly recognisable and inside the décor couldn’t be more Scottish – you’re welcomed by bespoke Balmoral tartan, Hebridean blue and classic Scottish art. The 167 rooms and 20 suites are some of the finest in the capital, designed by Olga Polizzi, a palette for blues and greys reign and offers views over Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Old Town.Eden Locke, Edinburgh( Eden Locke )More spacious than your average hotel room, and freedom to cook your own meals in the full-equipped kitchen, Eden Locke is an aparthotel that has switched up the Edinburgh hotel landscape since its opening in 2017. Situated smack-bang in the centre of New Town, sorbet-hued walls and shining gold fixtures in each of the 72 apartments make it a millennial haven, while the downstairs 127 coffee house serves a bespoke blend alongside cakes, pastries and treats. In-room spa treatments can be arranged as can free yoga classes at the nearby Calm on Canning Street studio.Killiehuntly Farmhouse & Cottage, Cairngorms( (Killiehuntly Farmhouse & Cottage) / Killiehuntly Farmhouse & Cottage )When Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife Anne Storm Pedersen, took over the running of Killiehuntly Farmhouse & Cottage in 2011, Scotland received its first taste of a true scandi-style stay in the Highlands. Dubbed ‘Scandi-Scot’ by its owners, the nine-bedroom hotel further cements its dual influence with contemporary furniture made by Danish design masters and modern Scottish craftsmen. Here, Hygge meets Còsagach, with bare floorboards covered in plush rugs, fleeces strewn over chairs and bespoke headboards made by a local carpenter. As it's a working farm, it makes sense that food here is farm to table (expect a three-course meal at dinner and freshly baked bread with fresh eggs for breakfast) and served at two long tables to encourage a communal feel.Links House, Dornoch( Links House )An hour north of Inverness in the seaside town of Dornoch, Links House is a five-star boutique hotel with a Scottish twist. Tartan throws are strewn over the beds in the 15 individually-styled rooms, each named after a Highland salmon river. Guests can choose between the a la carte or tasting menu for dinner, serving locally-sourced produce like fresh Dornoch mussels, lobster and langoustines from nearby Portmahomack or game from Bonar Bridge. Each autumn the Dornoch Whisky festival comes to town, and the town hosts masterclasses, blind whisky and gin tasting and sampling local malts.The Bonnie Badger, Gullane( The Bonnie Badger )With a host of accolades (Scottish Gastropub of the Year 2019; Bib Gourmand 2020, Michelin Guide; 5 AA Gold Stars), this East Lothian bolthole is a must-visit. Since acquiring The Bonnie Badger in 2018, Tom and Michaela Kitchin (the masterminds behind Edinburgh’s top restaurant, The Kitchin) have transformed this country inn into a charming boutique hotel. Just 30 minutes from the Scottish capital, The Stables dining room serves a modern take on pub classics, while the cosy teal-hued pub serves artisan beer and an extensive wine list. Each of the 13 bedrooms (including one suite) have been individually designed, with custom wallpaper by Mairi Helena and Siabann bath products, made in the Ochil Hills.WalesYnyshir, Powys( Ynyshir )Sitting pretty at the southern entrance of Snowdonia National Park, Ynyshir is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms. Chef and owner Gareth Ward is at the helm here, and the result is food worth travelling for with a 19-course, four-hour tasting menu showcasing the best of Welsh produce. This spring sees a new dining space in the kitchen, seating up to four guests so you can watch the team in action. The recently revamped rooms give even more of a reason to visit. Split into two groups, the house rooms and garden rooms, each is individually designed but we like the garden rooms for that extra bit of space - expect exposed timber beams and freestanding tubs.Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire( Grove of Narberth )Nestled in the heart of the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside, in 26 acres of meadows and woodland, Grove of Narberth is one of Wales’ best and prettiest hotels. A smart country house hotel lies behind the white-washed Georgian façade, which sits next to four cottages and a fifteenth-century long house. There are 15 rooms and 11 suites spread across the property (14 in the main house) which boast antique and handmade furniture, sumptuous Persian rugs and delicate fireplaces. In-room spa treatments are available for when you want to truly pamper yourself, and the two dining options are each equally romantic - choose Fernery restaurant for fine dining and Artisan Rooms for a more relaxed experience, both serving local Pembrokeshire produce.Harbourmaster Hotel, Cardigan Bay( Harbourmaster Hotel )Set, as the name suggests, in the picturesque harbour of Cardigan Bay, the Harbourmaster hotel was bought and renovated in 2001 by owners Glyn and Menna Heulyn. Behind it’s postcard-worthy classic blue façade, lie 13 rooms (including two suites) filled with more azure hues and sea views - opt for the romantic attic Madonna suite which is reached only via a spiral staircase. Welsh rarebit with Penlan bacon feature on the breakfast menu, while dinner is a steal (three courses for £38) featuring the finest local produce.The Royston, Powys( The Royston )One of the coolest hotels in Wales, The Royston was built in 1880 to resemble the owner’s city townhouse. A revamp resulted in eclectic interiors, the grey-blue walls offset by bright yellow furniture and wooden fixtures. Each of the seven rooms offer views over the surrounding valleys and countryside, while the entrance to Snowdonia National Park is on your doorstep. Food here is homemade and local, serving breakfast and two sittings for dinner, while lunch can be packed for guests to take with them as they explore the region.Northern IrelandThe Merchant Hotel, Belfast( The Merchant Hotel )Set in the original headquarters of Ulster Bank, The Merchant Hotel matches its façade to its extravagant interior, with lashings of velvet, marble and deep reds and golds. Here, grandiose fixtures meet old world design, perhaps best seen in The Great Room where a seven-course dinner is served each night. The rooms continue the opulent theme, with 36 Art Deco rooms and 21 Victorian rooms reflecting the building’s 1850 heritage.Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle( Hastings Hotels )Ireland’s best destination spa, Slieve Donard dates back to 1897 and is located right on the coast. The Scottish Baronial-style building sits on a six-acre plot wedged between the seaside town of Newcastle and the Royal County Down golf course with the Mourne Mountains as a majestic backdrop. Inside, rooms offer sea views, plush beds, ESPA toiletries and are decorated in warm tones, but it's the spa that makes it a must-visit. The ESPA spa boasts an amethyst steam room, rock sauna and vitality pool and the treatments are focussed on full-body wellness: the ESPA mindful massage includes breathing and visualisation techniques.Ardtara Country House, Upperlands( Ardtara Country House )Just off the famous Causeway Coastal Route (where you’ll see the likes of the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge), Ardtara Country House was originally built in 1896. Now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel, the individually-designed rooms are elegant, each with a calming palette and furnished with a mixture of antiques and heirlooms. Dining here is seasonal, with the head chef changing the menu daily and the lounge area is perfect for a more casual bite to eat - from freshly baked bread to the catch of the day.
