Scottish Minibreaking – Schloss Roxburghe

Picture this : you turn up a long, winding drive through the trees to be greeted by this view – the ancient Scottish beauty that is Schloss Roxburghe. Tucked behind her happens to be a modern addition which turns out to be the best spa in the country. There are many other reasons, however, that this place has quickly shot to the top of my Scottish luxury mini break list…

ACTIVITIES

I had the pleasure of first visiting Schloss for the opening party last spring and we were treated to almost the full complement of activities – from falconry to archery in the grounds and fire pit marshmallow toasting to round off the night. I had an underlying suspicion that I was going to be a born natural with the bow and arrow – I could not have been more wrong but I had fun trying.

Really though, the hotel is renowned for its championship golf course with views of the beautiful river Teviot and the viaduct. If that is not enough to keep you busy then the clay pigeon shooting and river fishing seem to be popular excursions but we chose to explore the surrounding countryside of the Scottish Borders with some gorgeous dog walks.

Then there is the spa… but that deserves a whole section of its own.

ROOMS

It is safe to say there is something for everyone and, crucially for us, almost all the hotel is dog friendly too (including the bars and even an area of the breakfast room). The rooms above the spa, in the new wing, are stunning with design details and gorgeous views out over the pool and grounds. The courtyard rooms offer a little more seclusion and a slightly more traditional, thought still luxury, style and ours came set up with dog bed and biscuits (for him as well as us).

Discovering the rooms in the historic manor and the cottages in the grounds give further ground to the argument for repeat visits…

THE FOOD AND DRINK

… was out of this world. The husband’s favourite was the whisky room whilst mine was the restaurant, we dined at Charlie’s, kicking off with its absurdly good snack menu including griddled tiger prawns that were truly divine (any restaurant that classes premium shellfish as a ‘snack’ is nailing the life I want to live). Things only got better from there.

Breakfast is a delight with a luxury buffet as well as made to order options – I created a three courser both mornings of fruit with yoghurt, nuts and seeds followed by eggs with cheeses and cured hams finished off with coffee and a small pastry. Unsurprisingly that saw me through to dinner, save some fruit at the spa.

Strengthening the case for a future stay, the fine dining restaurant, Sunlaws, serves seasonal produce mainly sourced from the kitchen garden and grounds and is open in high season as well as selected special occasions throughout the year. I glimpsed the room and in the original manor and it is perfection.

THE SERVICE

The service is just what you would expect from a five star hotel (and yet not all live up to those expectations). Nothing was too much trouble and yet it was never intrusive. Waiters bringing drinks to the fire in the room next door and taking care of allergy requirements with no reminders. After checkout we took Tux for a long walk but could not resist popping back in for a hot drink in the lounge – we were informed these were a parting gift and it’s the small gestures like that which really make you feel special I always think.

THE SPA

Let me start by telling you this – should you dip your head under the surface of the heated outdoor infinity pool, you will hear spa music gently through the water to caress your ears – simply unrivalled attention to detail.

The outdoor jacuzzi, two saunas and accompanying cold plunge pool offer the perfect thermal circuit, whilst the swimming pool provides a more than adequate opportunity to get some lengths in, or a lounge on the sunny side. For me though, the absolute best thing about the Schloss spa is the relaxation room; this place is huge and yet, with clever design, feels like a serious of intimate spaces in which to relax, on a round bed with a book, with a nap on a lounger (the husband), by the fire with friends or gazing out to the grounds. Forget those silent dark internal rooms usually associated with the post treatment unwind, here we have a place to truly relax, with no time limit – it is truly wonderful.

In fact, you can book in as a day guest and I highly recommend you do. Even better, book a stay.