"WATER OF LIFE," ALSO KNOWN AS SCOTCH WHISKY, TAKES CENTER STAGE AS SEVERAL CONNOISSUERS SCOTLAND RESORTS OFFER LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR DISTILLERY HOTSPOTS

Popular Scotch Whisky Attractions Include "Malt Whisky Trail," "Whisky Live" and Others

Edinburgh, Scotland, May 2009 -- Aficionados of Scottish Whisky - whose name is derived from the Gaelic, usige beatha ("water of life"), can spend their days visiting and touring several of Scotland's most popular distilleries and themed events while enjoying their evenings (and off days) at one of Connoisseurs Scotland’s 23 distinctive upscale hotel properties.  Three of Scotland's most popular distillery attractions are conveniently located near one or more Connoisseur Scotland property, who are offering their own reasons to visit:

• The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is located close to the Malt Whisky Trail -- a 68-mile route through the picturesque glens of Speyside, connecting several of the country's finest distilleries.  The five-star country hotel is offering a “Partner Stay Free” package, allowing a second guest to stay for free when a single rate Executive or Deluxe room is booked Monday-Thursday; the offer includes a full Scottish breakfast and runs through the year.  Amenities include world class salmon fishing, championship golf, nearby historic castles, chefs specializing in the best of Grampian produce and a selection of more than 400 wines and 100 malt whiskies.

• “Whisky Live” is a world-wide celebration taking place in cities from Glasgow to Tokyo, bringing together hundreds of different whiskies for tasting by both industry professionals and novices.  Hotel du Vin (at One Devonshire Gardens) is the perfect host for those partaking, conveniently located in the fashionable West End of Glasgow.  The boutique hotel has walled-in gardens, impeccable service and a new bistro and bar and is offering a free half or whole bottle of Macallan to those booking Standard/Club or Superior rooms, respectively, and a complimentary in-house whisky tasting to those booking suites.

• The Glasshouse, Edinburgh’s five-star boutique hotel - voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 50 hottest hotels - is ideal for those wishing to visit the popular Glenkinchie -- the 19th-century distillery known for its highly regarded single malt whisky.  The Glasshouse is currently offering three nights for the price of two, with regular prices starting at £185 ($250) per room per night.  Built behind the facade of the 150-year-old Lady Glenorchy church, the hotel features a two-acre, lilac-scented roof garden, in-room massages and an impressive whisky selection.  The special three-night offer, valid through July, includes full Scottish breakfast for two, a luxury fruit plate, noon checkout and VAT. 

               
          Connoisseurs Scotland's 23 members include four of the world's finest golf resorts including Gleneagles and Old Course, Inverlochy Castle - recently voted the best hotel in Europe, six outstanding city centre properties, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel, a 19th-century castle health spa, a collection of intimate country house hotels, the Royal Scotsman luxury train, two exclusive use properties and three properties set in scenic coastal locations.  Four properties boast Michelin-starred restaurants.  Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk. 

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