The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh, has launched a series of Winter Experiences that celebrate the best of Scotland. From fireside whiskey journeys to city adventures with Hunter, the exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences have been created to unlock the secrets of Edinburgh and beyond.
As part of the brand new partnership between The Balmoral and Hunter, guests enjoying a winter break in one of the hotel’s suites can now explore the Scottish capital in comfort with a complimentary pair of Hunter wellington boots.
Before stepping out to explore Edinburgh, the hotel’s concierge team will create personalised walking routes of the city. Based on suggestions from the hotel’s General Manager, the routes will lead guests on scenic strolls from the historic Royal Mile to the curving crescents of the New Town. Alternatively, all guests are invited to book one of The Balmoral’s guided tours around the Scottish capital – a traditional walking tour or The Balmoral’s Insta Tour. Any hotel guest looking to venture beyond Edinburgh, meanwhile, can book The Scotland Through A Lens experience: a day-long trip to Glencoe in The Highlands offering the perfect opportunity to learn the secrets of landscape photography in the ideal natural lighting conditions that winter offers.
Richard Cooke, General Manager of The Balmoral, said: “I like nothing more than to explore the Scottish capital on foot during winter. A short distance from the hotel, it might be down the cobbled lanes and through the delights of the Royal Mile on a dark, wet day when the city takes on a Dickensian charm. On a clear bright day, it’s up Calton Hill with my dog Stanley to take in the panoramic views of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.”
The Balmoral’s Cashmere and Tartan Trail allows guest to venture off the beaten track to the beautiful Scottish Borders and enjoy a privately guided visit to Scotland’s most prestigious cashmere and tartan mills, including Johnstons of Elgin, weavers by Royal Appointment to HRH Prince Charles. Following a chauffeur-driven tour through the picturesque hills and river valleys of The Borders, guests have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the highly skilled craftspeople who make Scottish luxury textiles for leading fashion houses around the world.
All hotel guests will be able to choose from a variety of cosy activities during the winter period. For example, The Fireside Whisky Experience takes guests on a tailored journey to distilleries throughout Scotland from the comfort of a tweed armchair, while The Balmoral’s Afternoon Tea Masterclass promises to unlock the history of this celebrated British tradition.
For guests looking to quench their thirst further, The Balmoral’s Gin Experience includes a visit to The Secret Herb Garden, the site of one of Edinburgh’s most exciting new gin distilleries – Old Curiosity. Guests will enjoy a gin tutorial and have the opportunity to work in groups to create their own gin.
The Tartan Butler Clan Tour, one of the hotel’s more traditional Scottish experiences, offers guests the chance to track down their family tartan during a meeting with The Balmoral’s Tartan Butler. Those interested in learning more about their family history can book a tailored tour that traces their family’s journey through Scotland. Guests can also visit two of Edinburgh’s foremost royal establishments – Holyrood Palace and Royal Yacht Britannia – by booking the Royal Edinburgh experience.
Winter Walks With Hunter Package
-
Offer available from 19th November 2018 until 31st March 2019
-
A minimum 2-night stay in a Classic Suite or above
-
A maximum of two pairs of Hunter Original Chelsea Boots for women or Hunter Original Tall Boots for men per room
-
Guests staying in The Balmoral Suite will be offered the Hunter Balmoral Boot as an upgrade
-
Colour and size are subject to availability
The Cashmere and Tartan Trail
-
Price for two people with chauffeur and private guide: £715
-
Full day tour: up to 7.5 hours
-
Coffee on arrival, two-course lunch with wine and coffee, afternoon tea
cake -
Pick up and return to The Balmoral
-
Complimentary cashmere beanie, gloves or socks
-
Please note: This tour can only be conducted Monday to Friday. On a Saturday only, the mill tours are closed so the tour will include a Tartan Table Talk at a tartan mill, a visit to the Johnstons of Elgin shop and a trip to a whisky distillery and visitor centre in Hawick. A visit to Abbotsford house (home of Sir Walter Scott, overlooking the river Tweed and by the beautiful town of Melrose) can also be arranged.
