Looking for somewhere to honeymoon close to Scotland? Hunker down in one of these lovely, lavish spots, much closer to home
The Invergarry
Formerly a gardener’s cottage, this architectural gem in a quiet village in Royal Deeside is a relaxing retreat, first built around 1908.
These days, The Invergarry is a thoroughly modern prospect, with bi-folding doors to soak up its peaceful surroundings, plush furnishings and a wetroom, which leads outside to a hot tub (pictured above) and patio area. Despite its proximity to the majestic Cairngorms National Park, we reckon you’d struggle to tear yourself away.
The Idle Rocks
Get your Daphne du Maurier on at The Idle Rocks, an idyllic 19-bedroom boutique hotel in St Mawes, Cornwall, a stone’s throw away from the seafront. Each room is individually designed and equipped with a deluxe Hypnos bed to sink into and snooze, while the waves lap on the shore.
The restaurant serves up authentic Cornish fare (and not just pasties, before you start), sourced from the doorstep – our mouths are watering at the idea of oysters, confit Cornish cod and West Country cheeses. Mmm.
Lough Eske Castle
Believe us – the interiors are equally as impressive as this impossibly grand façade, belonging to Lough Eske Castle in Donegal. Choose to sleep over in one of the Garden Suites, or in a charming courtyard room, converted from the estate’s former stables.
Venture out, and you’ll come across the CARA Organic Beauty Spa, a five-star pampering experience in the footprint of the original Victorian Glass House. There are seven treatment rooms to ease post-wedding aches and pains, including two for couples with jet bath and steam room.
High Trodigal
Machrihanish, a small village in Argyll, boasts superlative scenery and hidden coves, overlooking the mighty Atlantic coast. It’s here you’ll find High Trodigal, a unique, earth-sheltered cottage, complete with underfloor heating, spa bath and welcome hamper (stocked with champagne and local goodies) – i.e. it’s the cosy night in of dreams for the two of you, that doesn’t require you to fly for 13 hours. You’d have to drag us out by our loungewear…