"We do regret any difficulty this may cause your honeymoon plans."

August 27, 2009 9:04 AM

Emergency honeymoon bookings. In Scotland. Two weeks from today. Oh, help.

The lovely, fancy, Relais & Chateaux Scottish estate at which my soon-to-be-husband and I were to spend the first 5 days of our honeymoon just called to say they're ceasing operations 3 days from now.

We're sad, as you might imagine, with all the planning and saving and anticipating for naught. SO! We obviously need to make alternate arrangements immediately. Any recommendations for a similar place? I have browsed the recent threads.

(Details & needs: Beginning 9 September; within a few hours of both Edinburgh and our later destination near Oban; small; luxury; dreamy; excellent chef)

Many, many thanks for any and all ideas.

posted by minervous to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

Gleneagles in Auchterarder, about an hour from Edinburgh. I lived there on and off for a year, and it was simply amazing.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 9:09 AM on August 27

What's your price range?

Cameron House is supposedly quite swish. I went there for a drink once. Lovely views and a golf course.
posted by like_neon at 9:19 AM on August 27

Since you ask for "any and all" I'll mention the Ullinish Country Lodge on Skye. In all honesty I think it is probably very slightly less posh, and it is not similar in the sense of being a castle or a sporting estate; it's a converted farmhouse, I think. But still posh; stunning food, stunning setting. Sleep in the room Dr Johnson stayed in.
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 9:23 AM on August 27

Also on Skye is the Duisdale House Hotel. I've never been to it, but noticed it for the food aspect. The chef won a 2009 Michelin star for the food at his previous restaurant. Skye itself is beautiful.
posted by Jakey at 9:37 AM on August 27

Seconding Gleneagles -- it's a "big" hotel, but the vibe is amazingly relaxed and low-key. I've been for shooting, fly-fishing and lunch and had a wonderful time. The staff are incredibly friendly and don't give you that snooty vibe.
posted by ukdanae at 9:44 AM on August 27

For our honeymoon, one of our destinations in the northwest Highlands was the Sonachan.

It looks to be about 1-2 hours drive from Oban. This place is very picturesque and the service is wonderful. Let them know you're on your honeymoon and they'll give you the suite at the front of the house with view into the hills, if available. Prices start at £45 and include breakfast. To top it off, you'll be greeted by the most charming Border Collie to have ever existed. :-)

I know you didn't ask for recommendations on what to see, but I would like to put in a recommendation for a jaunt over to Sanna Bay. If I remember correctly, it's about 20-30 minute drive from the Sonachan. To get to the water front, you walk through some grassy fields with sheep roaming by. It's quite incredible.

Congratulations and have fun!
posted by arishaun at 10:54 AM on August 27

Greywalls in East Lothian backs on to the world famous Muirfield golf course. Ernie Els usually stays there and won the Claret Jug there I seem to remember. I shot some wedding photos there and it was nice and classy. 30 minutes drive from central Edinburgh in Gullane.

Otherwise look at The Dryburgh Abbey near Melrose in the Borders area, about 50 minutes south of Edinburgh. The Borders area is very beautiful.

Balbirnie House in Fife is very nice - I got married there myself.
posted by cameronfromedinburgh at 12:07 PM on August 27

Cameron House
Marr Hall
Inverlochy Castle
Prestonfield
Culloden House
Pool House
Glenapp
Lennoxlove
posted by theCroft at 8:52 PM on August 27