Surrounded by 163 acres of lush parkland, next to the river Maine and just 30 minutes north of Belfast International Airport in County Antrim, lies the incredible Galgorm Hotel and Thermal Village. The luxurious accommodation options are paired up with award-winning dining and its pièce de résistance is the onsite thermal village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. Galgorm has attracted many a celebrity with its five-stars, triple AA-Rosette restaurant, award-winning spa treatments and butler service yet it has a laid-back feel, befitting its relaxed countryside locale. We cannot rate this hotel highly enough for a break in Northern Ireland.

Stay in an elegant New Town Georgian townhouse with 26 rooms, which, like The Dunstane Houses, are spread across two buildings. Nira Caledonia offers a Jacuzzi Suite, ideal for soothing tired legs after a day of exploring the city’s cobbled streets. All rooms and suites come with PMD Tea, minibars, 2,000-pocket sprung beds, goose-down pillows and L’Occitane toiletries as standard. The hotel boasts its very own 12-year-old ultra-limited edition whisky, bottled in partnership with Adelphi Distillery and served onsite. Guests can try the tipple and dine at Blackwoods Bar & Grill, which has a farm or fishery-to-fork ethos (around 40% of the menu ingredients come from Scotland).

Experience the timeless elegance of Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, a landmark property in Glasgow, Scotland’s most vibrant city. Located in a stunning Georgian building overlooking historic Blythswood Square gardens, this beautiful five-star hotel seamlessly blends rich history with contemporary luxury. Enjoy superior service, luxurious room, and its destination spa which cannot be missed, it’s an underground sanctuary of relaxation. Also enjoy its destination restaurant iasg offering seasonal dining and classic cocktails along with free wine every day from 4pm till 5pm. Immerse yourself in nearly two centuries of heritage at this only AA five-star accredited hotel in the heart of the city.

The London Hilton on Park Lane, a cornerstone of Mayfair’s luxury hospitality since 1963, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a multimillion-pound refurbishment. This extensive renovation introduced two new dining venues, an open-plan social lobby featuring the ‘Falling Still’ art installation by Giles Miller, and comprehensive updates to suites, the executive lounge, and guest rooms. The hotel offers 453 rooms and suites, including the Balmoral Suite on the 27th floor, which provides expansive views of Hyde Park. Guests can enjoy amenities such as the Executive Lounge, the Revery Bar with live DJ sets, and the Park Corner Brasserie serving modern British cuisine. The hotel’s prime location on Park Lane places it within walking distance of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, and New Bond Street, with Hyde Park Corner Underground Station nearby for convenient access to central London.

Overlooking Loch Feochan with panoramic views of rugged mountains and tranquil islands, Knipoch Hotel is just a short six-mile drive from Oban. This historic boutique 4-star hotel dates back hundreds of years and it became part of the Sonas Collection in early 2024 following a £1 million renovation. The property has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm, featuring stone walls, fireplaces and wood-panelled interiors while enhancing the guest experience with modern comforts such as super king-sized beds, luxury fittings and a relaxing outdoor hot tub. Knipoch Hotel’s newly launched destination restaurant ‘1635’ offers a seven-course, high-end Scottish dining experience, blending the finest local ingredients with seasonal flavours from across the country. This peaceful retreat is surrounded by stunning highland views and is an excellent base for exploring the local area.

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style and opened in 1922 as the Port of London Authority building, this hotel is now a Grade II listed building. At its opening, it was one of the tallest structures in the capital and the 100 current rooms still command excellent views. This member of the legendary Four Seasons chain popular with business and leisure travellers offers a number of fine dining options. Creative French cuisine can be enjoyed in Anne-Sophie Pic’s Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic London. Contemporary Chinese and Japanese dishes are served at Mei Ume. And the stunning domed Rotunda Lounge and bar, at the hotel’s heart, is the setting for a unique Crown Jewels-inspired afternoon tea. Below ground, the lavish contemporary spa contains one of the most dreamy pools in the city.

Situated on Leicester Square, the Victory House London has commanding views of many of London’s most prestigious red carpets. Close to Soho, Chinatown and Covent Garden, Victory House is the ideal place for guests who wish to stay near the action. The hotel’s 86 rooms are spacious and chic, they are adorned with subtle nods to the area’s cinematic history which gives the rooms character. Many of the rooms gaze out over Leicester Square and they are all equipped with plush beds, a range of amenities and bathrobes. Victory House is home to an exquisite cocktail bar which serves a variety of expertly prepared cocktails. Victory House also boasts its own French Bistrot which uses only the freshest ingredients and serves classic French dishes with a modern flair.

This stunning 17th-century castle is steeped in history and since its sensitive and thoughtfully executed renovation, Crossbasket Castle has become one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. Still boasting many of its unique period features all of which have been restored to their original beauty using traditional craftsmen and materials this hotel is bursting with a romantic aura and grandeur typical of the era in which it was constructed. With nine breath-taking en-suite bedrooms each of which is decorated in a classical style that strikes the perfect balance between traditional character and modern finishing. The crowning glory of this hotel is the four-story bridal tower which dates back to the 16th century. The fairy-tale turret room, built on a hill overlooking the Calder River, is served by a sweeping spiral stone staircase. A short walk from the castle, there is a self-catering lodge available for guests who would like a longer stay or a more home-from-home experience. The fine-dining restaurant showcases a range of contemporary dishes, created by the Roux culinary dynasty, using ingredients from Scotland’s renowned natural larder with an added touch of creative flair from the iconic Roux team. The woodland in which the castle sits is ideal for exploring nature, with majestic waterfalls, wildlife and outdoor pursuits.

One of only a handful of Scottish hotels to boast the Michelin Hotel Guide single ‘Red House’ symbol, this country house is found on the coast, an hour from Inverness. Deeply romantic in setting, Glenmorangie House is surrounded by a walled garden and located beside a ruined castle. And with just nine bedrooms, the intimate atmosphere lends itself to an exclusive couples’ escape. Award-winning menus are served in a dinner party style to provide a sociable element to your stay and camaraderie with fellow guests. As you may expect from a hotel inspired by the national beverage, whisky tastings are frequent – plus you might even be surprised by a spontaneous post-dinner ceilidh featuring local musicians. Read our expert review here.

The Halyard Liverpool is part of IHG’s expanding Luxury & Lifestyle Vignette portfolio of one-of-a-kind properties. Named after a nautical rope knot the property melds Liverpool’s rich maritime and mercantile history with its vibrant cultural legacy. Top-floor suites feature rooftop terraces with panoramic city views, while guest room designs showcase Liverpool’s creativity, including playful references to the local Meccano toy brand and artworks that highlight the city’s landmarks. The hotel’s destination restaurant and bar Voyages serves a small plate menu offering innovative global flavours that pay homage to the ingredients and cooking techniques that would have been brought through this port city over the many years of its existence. Located in the Ropewalks guests are just a short and convenient walk from the many bars, restaurants and shops making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore the city’s historical and contemporary offerings.

W Edinburgh opened in November 2023 and has revolutionised the city’s hospitality scene. Located in the vibrant St James Quarter, this Marriott Bonvoy property combines Edinburgh’s rich history with modern luxury. The hotel features three distinct buildings, Ribbon Building, James Craig Walk, and Quarter House, each offering a unique perspective of the city. Its innovative design includes references to the city’s cultural, historic, and geographical aspects and the unique rooftop W deck rewards visitors with the finest unfettered 360-degree views of Edinburgh and beyond. Inside, elements of fire, water, and local materials create a compelling narrative. W Edinburgh has also introduced exciting dining experiences and social spaces, including Scotland’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant celebrating Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, the signature W Lounge ideal for all-day dining, and a secret speakeasy bar, João’s Place serving creative cocktails and premium spirits.

The Fairmont St Andrews resort is a luxurious five-star destination located on the cliffs of eastern Fife. It offers stunning countryside views and is known as the ‘Home of Golf.’ The resort spans 520 acres and features two Championship golf courses, 212 beautifully furnished guestrooms and suites, and two Manor Homes with scenic views. Guests can enjoy a blend of luxury, wellness, sports, and local charm, with top-notch spa facilities, golfing options, and five dining choices (including two AA-Rosette restaurants). The property provides an ideal combination of outdoor adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for individuals, couples, families, and corporate retreats.