Spotlight on SCHLOSS Roxburghe

In an idyllic setting, just outside Kelso and an hour from Edinburgh and Newcastle, it’s a tranquil escape from the realities of daily life and a multi-faceted retreat for meetings, incentives and conference: spectacular 18-hole championship golf course; 12,000sq ft spa with heated outdoor infinity pool and its own Country Sports Centre.

One of the brand’s luxury properties and formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, it combines extravagant, elegant interiors with the joys of the great outdoors on a country house estate.

Among the features of its 78 rooms and suites are balconies, grand four-poster beds and free-standing baths. There are also 20 luxury cottages with private gardens and terraces. And dining follows the estate-to-plate philosophy from “Scottish bistronomy” and family staples to fine dining and whisky pairings.

Enjoy great food in a relaxed informal setting at Charlies, take in the fabulous views as you nurse a glass of your favourite tipple in the State Room Lounge or indulge in a speciality gin or whisky in the book-lined library Bar 1745, named after the year in which Bonnie Prince Charlie spent a night at the Roxburghe Estate, planting a white rose in the grounds on his departure.

If you really must get round to work, then SCHLOSS Roxburghe offers events options for anything from ten to up to 120 guests in an elegant Victorian conservatory or the Teviot Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views across the golf course and a private terrace.

We have to admit that this is one of our favourite new additions to the hotel scene in Scotland.  Angela stayed there recently and she has not stopped talking about the opportunities for groups there!  Her particular highlight was the people – recent trends show that people seek more of a personal connection when they travel and this is something Scotland does without even trying.

The truly tranquil surroundings, we think would make an ideal location for a split city/country programme.  The buzz of the city, followed by the total relaxation (did we mention the knock-out spa?!) will have guests invigorated and refreshed all at the same time.  There are some truly amazing activities in the surrounding area, not to mention a castle or two, perfect for a memorable gala dinner.