Capelongue: Luxury Escape for the Senses

Perched on the edge of the Claparèdes plateau, Capelongue feels like stumbling across a perfectly kept secret. The world slows as you enter its gates: cicadas hum, lavender nods in the breeze, and somewhere in the distance, church bells echo from Bonnieux below.

It’s a love letter to Provence, where the light is golden, the food is poetry, and every view feels like it was composed by Cézanne himself. Since its rebirth under the Beaumier collection, Capelongue has emerged as a destination for those who want Provence not as a postcard, but as a living, breathing, utterly indulgent experience.

The first thing you notice is the stillness. The estate seems to float above the village of Bonnieux, offering uninterrupted views across the rolling patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-dotted hillsides all the way to Mont Ventoux. It’s Provence, distilled, not just a location but a feeling that wraps around you like a linen shawl. Stone walls glow warm in the afternoon light, gardens hum with bees, and each pathway leads to another little pocket of quiet discovery.

What are the rooms like?

Capelongue offers 57 rooms and suites spread across its bastides and carefully renovated outbuildings, each one designed to immerse you in the landscape. Interiors are refined yet simple, evoking Provençal tradition with plastered walls in earthy ochre, handmade tiles underfoot, natural wood furniture, and soft textiles in muted sage and ivory. 

It feels authentic rather than staged, and comfort is considered in every detail: a soft chair placed just where the light falls best for reading, a carafe of water on the bedside table, windows framing scenes of lavender fields or the rooftops of Bonnieux.

Those seeking something unique will fall in love with the Pigeonnier suite, tucked into a converted stone dovecote, its circular walls and intimate scale creating a hideaway unlike any other. Many rooms offer terraces or balconies where mornings begin with the chorus of cicadas and evenings end with a sky painted in peach and violet hues.

How Many Restaurants are there?

Food is where Capelongue truly sings. The hotel is home to two restaurants, each a different expression of the region’s culinary soul. At La Bastide, chef Noël Bérard crafts a Michelin-starred dining experience that celebrates the produce of Provence in its purest form.

Seasonal tasting menus lean into what the land provides: vegetables and herbs gathered from nearby farms, locally raised meats, and fish delivered fresh from the Mediterranean. Each plate feels deeply connected to the terroir, paired with wines chosen from the surrounding valleys.

For something more relaxed, La Bergerie is the heart of the property. Its wood-fired oven perfumes the air with the aroma of roasting vegetables and crackling bread. This is the place to gather around rustic sharing plates, sip a chilled local rosé, and watch the sun slip behind the hills.

Even the poolside café takes care to serve drinks and snacks that feel rooted in the region, offering refreshing cocktails, Provençal spritzes, and light bites that carry you gently from afternoon to evening.

A Sanctuary for the Senses

Capelongue’s gardens and outdoor spaces feel like an extension of the rooms, designed for lingering. Two pools invite you to spend the day alternating between water, shade, and sun. One is expansive, a place for slow swims and sociable afternoons; the other is tucked away, perfect for those seeking a quieter corner.

The spa is a highlight of the recent renovation: a cocoon of stone and soft light featuring a Roman bath, hammam, cold plunge, and treatment rooms offering rituals by Biologique Recherche. It’s the kind of place where time dissolves, where you emerge feeling unhurried, hydrated, and reset.

What Makes Capelongue Stand out?

What sets Capelongue apart is its ability to feel both luxurious and deeply local. The architects, Paula Alvarez de Toledo and Marine Delaloy of Studio Jaune, took care to let the buildings feel as though they had always belonged here.

Natural materials, time-worn textures, and locally crafted ceramics connect the property to its surroundings. Each space feels layered with intention, from the art on the walls to the wicker baskets placed by the doors for gathering herbs or carrying a market haul back to your suite.

The Bonnieux Effect

Days here unfold gently. Some guests linger by the pool, sip coffee in the café, and wander the gardens before dinner. Others take advantage of Capelongue’s perfect location as a base for exploring the region: hilltop villages with shuttered windows and markets spilling over with cheese and olives, vineyards offering tastings of bright, mineral whites and peppery reds, and hiking trails through the Luberon that lead to views worth every step.

By night, the skies darken to a brilliant wash of stars, one more reminder that this is a place where nature still has the final word.

Who’s It For?

Capelongue is made for couples seeking a romantic escape, for gourmands chasing the flavours of Provence, for artists and writers in need of a muse, and for anyone who wants to trade the noise of the world for birdsong, lavender, and the quiet rhythm of a slower life. It is not simply a stay. It’s a gentle reset, a reminder that luxury can be both effortless and deeply human.

Address: Les Claparèdes, 550 Chemin des Cabanes, 84480 Bonnieux, France
Website: https://www.beaumier.com/en/properties/capelongue-hotel/

Foxhill Manor: Luxury Without Limits

Tucked away within the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Foxhill Manor is not just another five-star retreat. This eight-bedroom hideaway redefines what a luxury escape can feel like, blending manor-house grandeur with a spirit of playfulness and indulgence. It’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to loosen the tie, ditch the schedules, and sink into an experience that feels as if it were designed just for you.

A Manor with Personality

Perched on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate, Foxhill Manor wears its history with style. Each corner of the property radiates classic charm, yet the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed. Guests are encouraged to treat the manor as their own: wander into the pantry for a late-night snack, curl up in a reading nook with a glass of wine, or flop down in The Dencinema room with a bowl of popcorn and your Netflix password. It’s this blend of grandeur and informality that gives Foxhill its magic.

Bedrooms with Character

With only five bedrooms and three suites, Foxhill Manor feels more like a grand private home than a hotel. Each room has its own distinct personality, creating a sense of intimacy and individuality.

The Juniper Room offers a spacious ground-floor layout with a freestanding bath that practically demands a long soak. The Birch Room brings elegance with bespoke furnishings and a welcoming seating area. For art lovers, the Chestnut Room is adorned with unique pieces and a king-size bed at its centre, while the Maple Room is bright and airy with serene garden views. The Willow Room, with its floral décor and iron bed, evokes the charm of a countryside cottage.

Suites offer an extra touch of theatre. The Beech Suite pairs nature-inspired wallpaper with a claw-foot tub. The Hazel Suite delivers playful character, with its Chesterfield sofa and window seat overlooking the Vale of Evesham. Most striking of all, the Oak Suite boasts twin freestanding bathtubs positioned by the bay window, making it a dream for couples looking for a romantic escape. Each space strikes its own balance between homely comfort and refined design, ensuring every stay feels personal.

Dining Without Boundaries

One of the highlights of Foxhill Manor is the daily chef’s menu. Here, “personalised dining” isn’t a marketing phrase — it’s the core philosophy. Forget rigid meal slots and fixed menus. Instead, Chef James Sleep meets with guests to design meals around their preferences, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. Whether it’s a light salad with a zing of Cotswold herbs or a decadent dish showcasing game from nearby estates, every plate feels both spontaneous and thoughtful.

It’s this sense of freedom that impresses most. Dining here feels less like ordering from a menu and more like having your own private chef, crafting each dish with care and creativity.

The Bar That Keeps on Giving

Foxhill Manor takes the concept of an “open bar” and elevates it into something rather special. Guests are free to help themselves to a treasure trove of spirits, mixers, and house Champagne, with cocktails shaken up on request. The breadth of choice is impressive — whether it’s a crisp G&T, a smoky whisky nightcap, or something bright and bubbly to kick off an afternoon, the bar has it covered.

For wine lovers, the list is equally pleasing, offering both familiar favourites and local surprises. Combined with the welcoming attitude of the staff — who happily encourage a glass in hand while roaming the house — it makes the experience feel more like staying at a private country house party than at a hotel.

Grounds of Sublime Beauty

Of course, no Cotswolds escape would be complete without its surroundings, and the grounds here are sublime. Stroll out of the front door and you’re greeted with sweeping lawns, woodlands, and views across the Vale of Evesham. It’s the kind of place that slows the pulse and quiets the noise of everyday life.

For those in the mood for something more invigorating, the estate has plenty of trails and pathways for brisk walks before returning to the comfort of the manor. But equally, there’s immense joy in simply sitting outside with a glass of Champagne, letting the scenery do the talking.

The Magic of the Hot Tub

And then there’s the hot tub — a feature that deserves its own spotlight. Nestled outdoors with panoramic views, it feels particularly magical at dusk when the sky blushes pink and the estate falls quiet. For couples, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting. Bubbles in the glass, bubbles in the tub, and the gentle hum of nature all around. It’s the kind of memory that lingers long after checkout.

Beyond the Manor

Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the House Spa at sister hotel Dormy House, where an infinity pool, hydrotherapy hot tub, and thermal suite await. It’s a seamless extension of the indulgence, offering yet another layer of relaxation. Add in the complimentary transfers into the chocolate-box village of Broadway and Foxhill really does tick every box, from countryside seclusion to local exploration.

The Verdict

Foxhill Manor isn’t trying to be a traditional luxury hotel. It’s carving out its own category: intimate, indulgent, and joyfully free of rules. This is a rare kind of luxury — not one defined by formality or hushed tones, but by the freedom to make yourself completely at home in surroundings that are anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a celebratory weekend, or simply a chance to spoil yourself rotten, Foxhill Manor delivers in spades. With nightly rates starting from £920 for two (including the Full Fox all-inclusive experience), it’s an investment. But for those special occasions when you want everything — food, drink, comfort, and service — to be utterly seamless, this Cotswolds gem proves itself worth every penny.

A Cretan Dream

The Cretan Dream

Every year since 2010 my wife Caroline and I have travelled to Chania in Crete. There are several reasons for this - the fabulous weather, landscape, food and people to name a few. It might also have something to do with meeting the Manousakis family and their fabulous wines.

Usually we would rent a villa. The main reason for this is we like cooking our own food as well as going out, and above all we like privacy. However, last year was an incredibly busy year and rather than privacy, the thought of not having to cook, clean and be looked after was more appealing, so we booked a hotel. The experience was such that we have done exactly the same this year and are going back to the same hotel.

Where should I stay in Crete?

The Cretan Dream sits 15 minutes to the west of Chania right next to the sea. It is family run and isn’t a huge hotel so feels personal. One gets to know the small number of dedicated staff very well over the course of a holiday. Unsurprisingly we got to know the head sommelier Manolis very well. Having been to Crete now for 15 years, our local wine knowledge isn’t bad, but with Manolis guiding us, it has become a great deal better. He has persuaded Peter, the owner of the hotel who also loves wine - so I’m sure it wasn’t too difficult, to invest in an excellent cellar. With rare local wines as well as wines from Santorini and other Greek islands, there is plenty of Greek talent on show. Manolis took us through an extensive tasting of Greek wines, most of which we had never tried before. With lovely charcuterie and Manolis’ company, we had no need for any dinner that evening!

Over our two weeks stay we had an array of different menus, all included in the inclusive trip. We were never bored of the food and loved every meal. At lunch there were plenty of salads and grilled food, and a poolside bar with ice cold beer from keg and well stocked with an excellent selection of spirits, including local gins, liqueurs and some very good Scotch.

The pool, which is big enough for adults to swim and children to play, is surrounded by relaxed seating on grass making it a perfect place to unwind in the sun. Within the hotel there is a very good Spa, with lots of different treatments placed within the hotel - the massages we elected for were very good, and we’ll certainly be going back this time. If you’re wanting to venture a little further from the hotel, the nearest beach is a stone’s throw away, and there are plenty of other beaches close by.

Our room was very spacious and kept immaculately clean during our stay. A good-sized balcony which was sunlit for the whole day was another place to relax and have evening drinks before dinner.

From entering to leaving, we had a very enjoyable time at the Cretan Dream, and we are very pleased they had space when we booked again this year. Beyond visiting our friends at their restaurants, Salis and Miami in Chana and their winery, the Manousakis Winery, we didn’t leave the hotel much as we had everything we needed to relax after a busy year right there.

If you’d like to learn more about the Manousakis Winery and their products we have a lovely article all about one of their spirits here

Words by Colin Hampden-White
(No payment or partnership was involved in this article)

Hotel Bel-Air

Though you might be in the craziness of Los Angeles, you’d instead think you were tucked away on your own private island. The Hotel Bel-Air is burrowed into the canyons of Los Angeles, just a mile west of Beverly Hills and even closer to Sunset Boulevard. As you approach the hotel, you know you’re in the land of the wealthy and the famous. Multi-million dollar estates line the roads to the Hotel Bel-Air. With your stay, you’ll be living like kings and queens for as long as you’ve chosen.

For over half a century, this magnificent property has been welcoming guests through its doors. The Hotel Bel-Air is more equivalent to a luxurious hideaway than your everyday, average hotel. The upscale hotel officially opened in 1946 after a hotel entrepreneur, Alphonso E. Bell, took the dream of the Bel-Air Estates, its original identity, and developed it into what you see today. Over the years, Hotel Bel-Air garnered respect from the hospitality industry and a mainstay for the rich and the famous. In 2009, the property underwent extensive refurbishing to modernise without sacrificing the reminiscences of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Before even entering the hotel, you’ll notice 12-acres worth of impeccably maintained lush gardens. Foot paths lined with coast redwoods, birds of paradise trees, and a lovely variety of floral touches will guide and wind you through the grounds; you’ll be surprised by what’s hidden here for guest use. For starters, the canyon is a very obvious and notable backdrop. Pictures are certainly encouraged. On the front lawn, Swan Lake completes the essence of the hotel. The resident four swans floating effortlessly and gracefully through the ripples embody the romance and elegance of Hotel Bel-Air. For those who enjoy a good sunbath and water soak, the onsite pool is the perfect relaxation venue. When the Stone Canyon stables were closed in 1946, Mr. Bell paid homage by transforming the riding ring into a legendary oval pool for everyone to appreciate.

Now that the tropical surroundings have totally drawn you in, pass through the entrance doors of the pink-stucco buildings. There are 103 guest rooms and suites available for your stay. Each room features integrated technology to enrich your experience, while the general ambiance of the room invites a pleasant, luxurious atmosphere. The rooms feel more like individual bungalows rather than part of a larger building. Not to mention, the pillows, like clouds, will lull you into the best night’s rest you’ve had in a long while.

To further increase your Zen, book some time at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. With both men’s, women’s, and couples facilities and options, the spa is able to cater to the treatment you desire. You’ll find a 24-hour fitness studio open to guests as well.

When you’ve completed your workout of the day or are ready to decompress for the night, the Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air is the perfect onsite spot. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, Wolfgang Puck fosters a charming, flirtatious atmosphere complimented by a Californian and Mediterranean inspired menu. Evening tipples can be had at the Bar & Lounge along with casual late day and dinner fare. Live music is a staple and creates the perfect vibe. Hotel Bel-Air has found a way to ensure every nook and cranny has the right feeling for everyone.

Address: Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Phone: +1 310 472 1211

Anantara Kihavah - A Serenity Like No Other

Have you ever closed your eyes and envisioned yourself sitting on white sand shores looking out across endless turquoise seas? A place so tranquil, it’s almost like you’re in a trance without a care in the world. A luxurious slice of heaven doesn’t even begin to describe the travel destination of Anantara.

My latest dose of said serenity saw me traveling to the remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Yes, the Maldives. This picturesque oasis is indeed what you’ve imagined from having seen all of the photos, in fact, it actually looks better in person. The subject of this particular story is, a retreat that holds a reputation as being one of the most tranquil getaways on the planet. 

It all starts with the moment a hand reaches out to help you off the boat that has brought you ashore. Inspired by nature’s magnitude, mystery, and enchanting beauty, you can’t help but think you’ve been transported back in time to a place where simplicity was everything, yet there’s a refined luxury that sits effortlessly in the background. No phone, no laptop, no worries, just letting your mind peacefully wander through the jungle pathways, feeling the warm equator breeze against your skin.

The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are tucked away on a private island, which is found on the Baa Atoll in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in the picturesque Maldives. The history of the island goes back as far as being a pitstop for Arab traders navigating the waters by sail from archipelago to archipelago. Riddled with mango, coconut, and papaya trees, the Anantara Kihavah island was in no short supply of edible goods and canopy coverage from the elements. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the island paired with the local pre-historic volcano, colorful coral reefs, and clear nights full of stars drew in seafarers from around the globe. Such attractions are why the Anantara resort found its home and fame.

The design of the resort kept the well-being of the natural island in mind. No tree was removed in the construction; everything was built into and around the trees, rocks, and vegetation. The end result marries Indian Ocean, Arab and Portuguese motifs with indigenous materials in the 80 available villas, either on the ocean or over private pools, and the various eateries and bars onsite. You can imagine the most instagrammable hotel hashtag is a fair title.

As expected, the beach surrounding the island is stunning and as you venture out to the more remote stretches, they become even more turquoise, evermore blissful. You may even find yourself as I did, gently lifting your sunglasses every now and again to truly appreciate just how crystal clear the ocean really is.  

When looking to book a stay, consider which of these two matches your designed vacation vibe: Maldives water villa or Indian Ocean beachfront. With the latter, your shoes will be off and the ivory sands will be tracked everywhere. You’ll hear the waves crashing and view the classic beach sunsets every night. But, if sand is your foe, enjoy your very own private infinity pool instead for that early morning swim or take an afternoon snooze on your swinging daybed. Of course, each villa, no matter its location on the island, comes equipped with the latest technology and entertainment for your comfort. Every detail thoughtfully considered with the guest in mind: fluffy pillows, soap menus, beach totes complete with sandals, wine fridge, yoga mats, bicycles, and more! The villas and residences at Anantara can host anywhere between one and twelve guests.

It might be tempting to relax the days away in your villa, but there is so much to explore on the island. The vibrant green foliage is a sight to see whether on foot or bike. Be sure to back your camera or phone to snap some shots for the ‘gram to make all your followers just a tad jealous of this tropical getaway. Head over to the spa or wellness centers for a taste of true tranquility. Harmony and holisticness sit at the core of your desired treatments. As the sunsets cast your eyes to the sky with one of the largest telescopes in the world. See the far expense of the universe, planets, star constellations and galaxies like you never dreamed was possible.

The true highlight, however, just might be the dining options. If you’ve ever fancied a little mermaid experience, you can indeed dine under the sea. Land choices are available too. Whether your day calls for small bites or entrees, Anantara has you covered. Each restaurant and their offerings are inspired by the surrounding environment under the theme SEA.FIRE.SPICE.SKY. You’ll have varying cuisine selections complete with a gorgeous Indian Ocean backdrop. Foodies especially are sure to gawk over the whole experience.

Then there’s the wine, led by Sommelier Arun. I’d go as far as saying this paradise has one of the most impressive wine lists in the Maldives and the knowledge behind it one of the most credible and knowledgeable in this part of the world. From the second I arrived my wine choices were looked after – every occasion had a delectable moment only heightened as your tastebuds intertwine with the incredible views before you. If wine is your passion and you’re debating which Maldives property to visit – your decision has just been made. Chatting away with Arun and his team about their worldwide experiences and passions for the grape and grain made the visit even more worthwhile. This island hosts a family of people, not a staff, built on a foundation of passion and love for what they do and that couldn’t gleam more brightly. 

Ultimately, this is one of those places you build an emotional bond with. When you arrive, you are filled with excitement and wonder, ready to re-connect, listen and evolve. When you leave, you are sad, as if a part of you will be missing. It’s true – places like this are much more than a ‘holiday destination’ – they impact our ability to truly think about our lives, our feelings, our purpose and whether we realise it or not upon returning to our homes, they leave a notion of inspiration – an inspiration to one day return and feel that serenity once more. 

This doesn’t have to be some offshore, distant dream. Book your stay at the magnificent Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas today. The island is calling you to sail away.

For more information visit https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives/

Beverly Hills Hotel

Calling all Los Angeles travellers seeking a Hollywood-worthy spot to stay without feeling like the chaos of the city is hindering your chance at a relaxing vacation. The Beverly Hills Hotel sits within, you guessed it, Beverly Hills in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. However, the hotel has been around since 1912, way before the city even garnered that name. Original developer, Burton Green, purchased the property from the Mexican Government and then enlisted the help of Margaret J. Anderson to design and build the exact hotel you still see standing today. The white stucco, now beige, exterior and terracotta coloured roof tiles meant to lure the wealthy Easterners at the time.

Though over a century sits between its beginnings and now, the Beverly Hills Hotel is still a sight to be seen and a place to experience. It has changed ownership a few times with each new owner adding their own flare to the original structure. A complete 3-year long restoration occurred in 1992. The rooms have housed the likes of the famous and your everyday person. Next, they could house you.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a working time capsule. The décor features a combination of Art Deco and ‘40s-style Hollywood glamour with the entire modern amenity upgrades. You may not be a movie star by trade but you’ll sure feel and be treated like one when you book your stay here. The lobby area acts as the statement piece; the dramatic room is lit by Venetian glass chandeliers further brightened by the banana palms and banana leaf accents. The artwork you see was all specially commissioned just for the hotel. This unique style takes life inside each individual room as well.

With 210 guest rooms and suites, including 23 unique bungalows, you’ll be living in vintage luxury. Each room is equipped, at the very minimum, with an oversized closet, spacious bathroom, B&O televisions, and illuminated mirrors. Depending on the room, you may also have your own private balcony, fireplace, terrace, patio, or pool.

But, that’s not all. The Beverly Hills Hotel is more than just a place to lay your head and lounge around in style. On site, the hotel features a variety of dining and entertainment options for when you don’t want to venture the 20-30 minutes to Los Angeles or the Pacific coastline. Step foot into the infamous Polo Lounge where Charlie Chaplin had a favourite table and the Rat Pack engaged in late drinking bouts. Live entertainment is aplenty and American fare is served throughout the day. While sitting pool side, splurge on the offerings of the Cabana Café or pop into the Fountain Coffee Room complete with a vintage soda fountain and a variety of meals. Evening beverages can be sipped inside the elegant Bar Nineteen12 or on the adjacent terrace overlooking the pool.

Whether it’s the vibe or the amenities that draw you in for a visit, the Beverly Hills Hotel lets you escape all your worldly troubles. The original motto of the hotel stating that guests were “entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost” still very much stands true today.

Address: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 276 2251

Hotel Café Royal

A London legend continues to stand and serve people many years later. In 1863, the original Café Royal was secured by a French wine merchant. As time went on, Café Royal grew in great fame with the notion it contained the world’s greatest wine cellar. By the 19th Century, wine wasn’t the only selling point; Café Royal had established a reputation for excellent hospitality, dining, and entertainment right in the epicenter of fashionable London. Many big name authors, rock stars, royalty, and athletes have come to stay.

Not wanting the social landmark to lose its status, this London icon gained a new face as the Hotel Café Royal. Keeping the history of the building in mind, all changes have been made sensitively with each space paying tribute to its glamorous spirit. The reincarnation now features 160 contemporary guestrooms and a diverse selection of restaurants and bars.

Each room encompasses a serene vintage yet tastefully contemporary atmosphere. All details are carefully thought out and purposely placed to compliment the space. Choose from a spacious guestroom, extravagant suites, or remarkable signature suites. With your stay, you receive a generous offering of services and amenities including a spa and gym to make your stay more enjoyable and relaxing.

With eight total dining choices within one hotel, you will never go hungry. Choose from informal dining to bars with extensive cocktail menus to formal and private dining to afternoon tea to in-room options! Café Royal certainly has all the bases covered when it comes to cuisine.

Between the history, the location, and the facilities, Café Royal should be at the top of your list.

Address: 68 Regent Street, London W1B 4DY
Telephone: +44 20 7406 3333
Website

Glenmorangie – It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The dining room at Glenmorangie House

Settled into the landscape, right next to the Dornoch Firth in the highlands of Scotland is something wonderful. Creating whiskies known the world over and experimenting with new delicious expressions released every year to delight us is Glenmorangie distillery. It is a well-known place, especially amongst whisky lovers, who travel from far and wide to visit the distillery and obtain special bottles only found there.

What is less known is where one can stay as you visit this beautiful cathedral to the amber nectar. Well off the beaten track is Glenmorangie House, around fifteen minutes from the distillery looking out onto the Moray Firth and the North Sea. It is a traditional, large house with white walls and small windows set in beautiful gardens at the end of a long driveway. There are many large guest houses and hotels which might look like it. However, you realise something is very different here as soon as you get out of the car. You’ll be greeted by a life size giraffe at the front door. Made of metal it is the first hint, that the interior may not reflect the exterior, and it certainly doesn’t.

Glenmorangie House

I have been to Glenmorangie house quite a few times as a whisky writer and broadcaster. My first time over ten years ago. The house then was extremely smart, reflecting a smart and yet traditional Scotland, with an interior of many shades of greens and blues and light tartans, it was stylish and comfortable. A few years ago all this changed.

The Glenmorangie Company decided they would like their house to reflect the whiskies they were creating at the distillery, rather than a Scottish idle. Out with the simple blues and greens and in with the bold. Bright oranges and golds, pinks, violets and vivid greens and electric blues now deck the walls, fabrics and furniture. Now, this might sound a little extreme, and at first like looking directly into the sun, you need to squint, but as with the sun, the lovely heat on your skin and its magnificence make you want it to stay for ever. The new interior of Glenmorangie house is quite brilliant. There is a lot of detail in the design. Each room has been names after expressions of the whisky or themes which reflect the ethos of the brand. For example, there is a bedroom called Nectar d’Or, after the whisky they create with a finish using Sauternes barrels from Sauternes in Bordeaux, France, giving a sweeter style of whisky. The colours in that room have golds and oranges, reflecting honey and the core flavour of Glenmorangie, which is oranges. But the details are wonderful. There are paper flowers in one of the vases, which seem to be made of muted colours, and it isn’t until you get close to them that you realise, they are made of maps, and then when you get closer, you’ll see that the maps are of Sauternes. There are details like this throughout the house.

Beyond the interior styling, there are other attributes the house has. The staff being the best thing. Staying at Glenmorangie House is a personal experience. Your every whim is looked after by David, the house manager and Amy, front of house, look after you very well. Making you feel comfortable, and always there when you need them, slipping away when you are chatting away to your friends or family, magically reappearing when glasses are needing to be replenished. Should however you need replenishing at any point, and they are not there, simply help yourself. The bar is always there. Magically hidden away in the bookshelves behind a door, it opens to display and array of expressions from the distillery. Including whichever annual expression is relevant. This year it was Tale of the Forest. A whisky which had the barley dried using not peat or coal, but heather, juniper and birch tree bark. Other spirits from the Möet Hennessy portfolio, should anyone not be a whisky drinker.

In the evening, once your thirst has been sated, dinner is called. There is no restaurant at Glenmorangie house. Guests dine together, which, having experienced this many times at the house is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Having made a decision to stay at the house, you’ll find those that have also made the same decision will have things in common and getting to know new people over great food and wine feels like a dinner party. More Downton Abbey than Hilton Hotel.

There are plenty of other things to do at Glenmorangie House other than drink, eat and be merry. The coast is a short and very picturesque walk away, with beaches and rocky pools. Fun games, such as archery can be organised. Falconry displays can come to the house. There is a large fire pit with seating to sit out at night and watch the stars, and sometimes, even the northern lights can be seen in the dead of night. Fireworks can be organised, and the firepit seating becomes a mini amphitheatre to watch them from, and with a hot toddy in hand, it’s a warming experience.

It's a glamorous place to stay, a place to be pampered and a place to relax. It’s bright and stylised interior is unpretentious, as is everything else about a stay at the house. It feels like a home from home. If you could imagine being a millionaire. Above all, it leaves the ordinary world behind and everything at the house is kind of delicious and wonderful.

The cathedral like still room at the Glenmorangie distillery

There are a couple of very exciting weekend breaks on offer from Glenmorangie inspired by Tale of the Forest and include all of the following:

- Two nights’ accommodation
- Afternoon Tea on arrival
- Botanical cocktail mixology session
- Falconry display
- Visits to the Glenmorangie Distillery and surrounding Scottish woodland
- Forest-inspired tapas dining on the first night with a light lunch on Saturday
- Four-course gourmet dinner with paired wines on the 2nd night
- An exclusive tasting and introduction to Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
- Full Scottish Breakfast on both mornings
- 1pm late check out
- Exclusive bottle of Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest to take home with you 

The Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Weekend Break is available on 27th and 28th January; 24th and 25th February; and 24th and 25th March for £1200 per room based on two guests in a Standard or Cottage Room and includes all aspects detailed above & VAT.

Upgrade to a Master Room for an additional £150.00 per room – subject to availability.

Additional nights can be booked for £200 per night based on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Call 01862 871671 or e-mail relax@glenmorangie.co.uk for more information or to make a booking.