A Guide to Traveling Outside Scotland's Tourist Traps

Scotland holds a special place in my heart and not only because I got married there. I am constantly in awe of how incredible Scotland is, with breathe taking highland hills to hauntingly beautiful city architecture. The beauty is just the cherry on top, the delicious cuisine was a complete surprise (Scotlands best kept secret) with over 10 Michelin Star restaurants and even more local hub favorites. If you are a Scotch lover expereince first hand where your favorites are distilled or check out a unique local spot, there are nearly 150 distillery options to choose from. Don’t worry if Scotch isn't on your top list of beverage choices, there is also great Gin distilleries.

If you haven't already fallen in love with Scotland from reading above, here are a few other charming attributes Scotland has to offer: Golf (St. Andrews Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world), multiple options for stunning Lochs (lakes) Loch Ness where you can test your luck by seeing the Loch Ness Monster or another famous Loch is the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. I could seriously go on forever but lastly the people that live in Scotland are the most genuinely kind humans I have ever met, welcoming and they love sharing their pride to be a Scott.

Things to do in Scotland

Royal Scotsman: A Belmond Train, a luxury train voyage with multiple options for journey destinations or even themed itineraries like Scotch Malt Whisky Tours and Clans, Castles and Isles. Each with choices for multi day durations. On this extravagant experience you won’t have to worry about missing a moment of beauty while traveling.

Visit some of the Isle's:
Isle of Harris - where Harris Tweed is made, Harris also has the delicious Isle of Harris Gin Distillery
Isle of Lewis has the Callanish Standing Stones for all of my Outlander fans or just if you want to see an amazing sight
Isle of Skye which is by far the most famous Isle in Scotland, there is so much beauty to see, the fairy pools are just one of my favorites.
Of course many more Isle to explore as well.
Venture on the south coast of Scotland Ayr and Troon: Take a tour of Culzean Castle, perched on the Ayrshire cliffs overlooking the ocean with opulent gardens just to the side. President Eisenhower, was presented with a suite at the top of the castle for recognition of his role during World War II
Glenapp Castle Hotel Sea Safari: Staying on the south coast of Scotland one of our favorite Hotels hosts an unique expereince of their own a Sea Safari with all your glamping needs and adventure traveling
Macallan Distillery: This one is for my fancy Scotch drinkers I am a little bias to this Distillery because my dogs named Macallan... and it's one of the best Whiskey's, I think. But Macallan Distillery is not just a great time to try all the delicious casks, but this distillery is an experience in itself.
Edinburgh: No trip is complete without visiting Edinburgh. This city is magical, you can definitely see why it inspired J.K Rowling to write Harry Potter. The astonishing Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city and is surround by dark gothic architecture. Edinburgh has something to do for every type of traveler.

Day Trips:

Fife Villages
Perthsire
Oban
Fort William
St. Andrews

Where to stay in Scotland

Edinburgh

Gleneagles Townhouse

Timeless charm blended with all today’s needs at this boutique hotel's bedrooms. Gleneagles Townhouse is a lively meeting space and boutique hotel in historic St Andrew Square in Edinburgh. Gleneagles Townhouse has 33 bedrooms each uniquely designed to imbue a sense of understated luxury with an appreciative nod to the heritage of the building. It also boasts a vibrant all-day restaurant and a rooftop bar terrace revealing show stopping views. With state-of-the-art gym and two studios and treatments - including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared saunas - they aim to support and enhance your wellness journey through movement restoration and recovery.

Hites Travel Perks

★ $100 food / beverage credit.
★ Breakfast daily.
★ Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Balmoral Hotel

Legendary Hotel and Landmark clock tower, The Balmoral Hotel is a regal and Luxurious hotel that is a true love letter to Scotland.

Hites Travel Perks

★ $100 food / beverage credit.
★ Breakfast daily.
★ Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Kimpton CHarlotte Square Hotel

Perched on the edge of the picturesque Private Garden in the New Town, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel blends traditional glamor with the Scotland of today.

Hites Travel Perks

★ $100 food / beverage credit.
★ Breakfast daily.
★ Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Highlands

The Gleneagles Hotel

World-famous 5 Red Star Luxury Hotel in Scotland, set within the gentle beauty of 850 acres of Perthshire countryside and home to three championship golf courses, an award-winning spa and an exhilarating array of outdoor activities.5 restaurants and 4 bars, including the 2 Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.

Hites Travel Perks

★ $100 food / beverage credit.
★ Breakfast daily.
★ Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Cromlix House Hotel

A luxurious Highland retreat where timeless elegance meets modern comfort, nestled in the scenic beauty of Scotland's countryside. Cromlix is an elegant Victorian retreat set in 34 acres of gardens and woodland where trout fishing in the private loch - game shooting and archery are just some of the varied outdoor pursuits that can be arranged locally. The 15 chic rooms and suites are supremely comfortable with superb country views while fine dining is assured at the restaurant.

Hites Travel Perks

★ $100 food / beverage credit.
★ Breakfast daily.
★ Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
★ Champagne Afternoon Tea or Picnic Basket with half a bottle of wine per person.
★ Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability

Lowlands

Glenapp Castle

Standing high above a dramatic coastline overlooking the Irish Sea- in the south west of Scotlands historic lowlands- Glenapp is the perfect example of a Scottish Baronial castle set in an area of outstanding and unspoiled natural beauty. Its fairytale turrets and towers shelter a timeless world of oak paneled rooms- rich fabrics and fine antiques- as well as the modern luxuries of fine cuisine and service.

Hites Travel Perks

★ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
★ Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
★ Complimentary one-way private airport transfers (must have a minimum value of $100USD equivalent)
★ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
★Complimentary Wi-Fi.

Cameron House On Loch Lomond

The five-star Cameron House resort nestled on the world-famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond provides a memorable and one-of-a-kind setting. Located where the Scottish Highlands meet the Lowlands the 17th century baronial estate where Cameron House resides is rich in character and history. Enriched by an award-winning Spa with rooftop infinity pool a championship golf course and an executive course a vast array of resort activities and a choice of dining experiences that will cater to everyone. The iconic lochside setting is impressive in its grandeur celebrated and treasured.

Hites Travel Perks

★ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
★ Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
★ Cruise on Loch Lomond on Celtic Warrior, once during stay
★ Nip of Whisky from the Virtuoso Whisky Locker
★ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
★ Complimentary Wi-Fi