Experience a touch of luxury with an escape to the Scottish Borders for an overnight stay at SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel and Spa, just over an hour’s drive from Newcastle.
SCHLOSS Roxburghe is a luxury hotel in the heart of the Scottish Borders, close to the towns of Kelso and Jedburgh. It’s part of the Destination by Hyatt hotel group and reopened last year following a multi-million-pound renovation project.
The result? A classy five-star hotel that blends real character and the warmth of Scottish hospitality with state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary flourishes in the decor.
Stylish accommodation
If elegant period charm is your thing, the hotel’s historic manor house boasts 20 rooms and suites brimming with grand features such as traditional open fireplaces and high ceilings.
By contrast, the newly-built Estate House comprises 58 rooms and suites that provide a more classically modern setting for guests, dominated by a bold colour palette and striking decor.
We stayed in the latter – and our room was gorgeous. The bed with its gold frame provided a real wow factor when we first walked through the door, and the bright teal chair nestled beside the window was perfect for relaxing and admiring views of the estate.
A swanky spa
The hotel’s spa was a real draw for us when we were searching for places to stay within easy reach of Newcastle.
Plush beds, cuddler-style seating, and cushions galore make for a rather sumptuous relaxation area overlooking the outdoor pool and landscaped gardens. Lounging around in my fluffy robe never felt so serene yet effortlessly stylish!
To enter the infinity edge pool, you step down into the water and a door glides open, ushering you outside to soak up the natural elements (expect a little nip in the air – it is Scotland after all!).
The swimming pool is heated to a comfortable 29-30 degrees and illuminated by modern LED lights. It even has underwater speakers!
A marble tiled hot tub, plunge pool, aroma sauna made from larchwood, and dry Finnish sauna with floor to ceiling windows complete the outdoor spa area; a sanctuary of calm set within the stunning surroundings of this sprawling Scottish estate.
Whether you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, replenish, restore, or indulge, you’ll find a wellness package to suit your spa seeking desires, priced from £70.
There’s also a fitness suite equipped with hi-tech gym equipment if you’re after a more energetic dose of cardio.
Food and drink
As you might expect, SCHLOSS Roxburghe has also thoughtfully considered how to make best use of Scotland’s abundant larder.
Charlie’s promises ‘Scottish bistronomy’ where local dishes are reimagined alongside international cuisines. This is also where you’ll kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast selection.
For a fine dining experience, Sunlaws restaurant serves an exquisite five-course tasting menu alongside an a la carte offering, and the dishes served here champion a farm-to-plate concept.
Drinks-wise, choose from Bar 1745 (an ode to Bonnie Prince Charlie who, in 1745, spent a night at the Roxburghe Estate) which specialises in whisky tastings and gin, or relax in the State Room Lounge with a glass of wine.
Outdoor activities
If you’re after a more active, outdoorsy experience during your stay, SCHLOSS Roxburghe has a variety of activities available to book, not to mention a championship golf course with a Par-72 layout.
Take your pick from fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, croquet, or archery. The hotel’s location is also great for cyclists, hikers, and day trippers looking to explore places nearby, such as Melrose.
We enjoyed a short walk around the estate, where we admired the hotel’s new self-catering cottages and a small pond.
For an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity, seek out the tree swing at the front of the hotel.
Is SCHLOSS Roxburghe worth a visit?
SCHLOSS Roxburghe is a fabulous hotel that combines historic charm with the convenience and allure of super stylish facilities.
The spa is petitely formed but ultra modern, and the hotel has all the essentials you could need for a short, relaxing stay.
As for the setting, as a Scot I am (slightly!) biased, but this is wholly captivating – the kind of place where you can escape the everyday, switch off and immerse your senses in the great outdoors.
I’m just glad I’ve found another excuse to visit this enchanting corner of the world!
For more information about SCHLOSS Roxburghe, visit schlosshotel-roxburghe.com.
