CONNOISSEURS SCOTLAND PROPERTIES CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH STYLE

HOST OF SPECIAL OFFERS ENCOMPASSES FIVE-STAR SPAS, PICTURESQUE CASTLES AND MORE

                Edinburgh, Scotland, August 2009 -- The Scottish Christmas season is a time for family, celebration, relaxation and merrymaking – and Connoisseurs Scotland is abound with special offers, group packages and deluxe accommodations to make this holiday season unforgettable.  From an intimate family reunion in a quaint country house hotel to a rejuvenating spa stay in a cosmopolitan city – or festive traditions in one of the country’s finest castles – there is a wealth of options from which to choose:

•         Stobo Castle Health Spa -- set deep within the Scottish Borders countryside and surrounded by vast pine forests, a tranquil lake and Japanese Water Gardens -- is offering a “So Festive” break starting at £349 ($579)* per person for two nights (Dec. 24-26).  The package includes complimentary back massage, champagne reception and dinner with minced pies and mulled wine on Christmas Eve; breakfast, lunch and a traditional dinner on Christmas Day; and breakfast and buffet lunch on Boxing Day.  Guests can extend their stay on December 23 or 26 for only £89 ($148) per person. Contact: reservations@stobocastle.co.uk.
•         Despite its location in the centre of bustling Edinburgh, the five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s “Christmas Break” package, available December 1 through 29, is all about relaxation.  The special includes accommodations, full Scottish breakfast and use of One Spa’s infinity swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym and Cleopatra baths; single rooms start at £120 ($199) and doubles at £140 ($232). Spa treatments starting at £25 ($42) include Escape at One, a series of heat and water experiences inspired by ancient Celts and Romans; chakra balancing with hot stones; and holistic facials.  Contact: grandedinburgh.sheraton@sheraton.com.
•         Inverlochy Castle, recently voted by  Travel and Leisure Magazine  to be  the finest hotel in Europe, has a unique Christmas package (Dec. 24-27) that includes a champagne reception, entertainment featuring the Lochaber Children’s Choir and piano played by resident pianist Clelland Barrie, festive meals in the Great Hall, a falconry display, a sheep dog trial and clay pigeon shooting.  Rates inclusive of the three nights and most meals start at £2,772 ($4,602) for two people sharing. Contact: info@inverlochycastlehotel.com or toll free 888-424-0106.
•         Situated on 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, the Gleneagles Hotel – known for its three top Scottish Championship Golf Courses and the award-winning spa by ESPA – offers a luxurious Christmas break (Dec. 24-27) with rates from £1505 ($2,498) for adults and £480 ($797) for children - under five years and under are free.  Roaring log fires, all meals, daily entertainment, dancing and special events for both adults and children complement the three-night accommodations.  Guests can extend their stay –adding December 23 or 27 – for free.  Contact: resort.sales@gleneagles.com or toll free 866-881-9525
•         Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens, a boutique hotel set in a tree-lined Victorian terrace in Glasgow’s fashionable West End, has announced holiday rates (Dec. 24-26) starting at £175 ($291) and “Winter Warmer” rates, valid December 11 to February 28 (excluding Dec. 24-26 and Feb. 12-14) starting at £150 ($249); both include full Scottish breakfast.  Festive celebration menus and a special Christmas Day lunch are available from £27.50 ($46).  Website: www.hotelduvin.com/edinburgh.
•         The intimate Knockinaam Lodge is offering exclusive use of their charming property for the holiday season; with ten individually decorated rooms, elegant Scottish dining and breathtaking views, it is the perfect getaway for 20.  The package includes three nights’ accommodation (Dec. 24-27), festive afternoon tea on arrival, dinner, full Scottish breakfast, lunch on Christmas with a light supper and all crackers and decorations; cost is £10,000 ($16,600) for the entire lodge - the equilivant of £500 ($830) per person.  Contact: reservations@knockinaamlodge.com

                Another important holiday in Scotland is New Year – or Hogmanay, as it is traditionally called.  The holiday evolved from pagan rituals -- smaller celebrations such as “first-footing,” traditional ceilidh dances and the more recent singing of Robert Burns' “Auld Lang Syne” -- became city-wide celebrations with torchlight processions, live musical performances, fireworks and more.  Whether seeking to celebrate quietly or join the ' the biggest party of the year' in Edinburgh, Connoisseurs Scotland offers a range of diverse properties from which to choose - many with holiday specials.

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 (Prestonfield), 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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