SCHLOSS Roxburghe: The Perfect Scottish Country Getaway
SCHLOSS Roxburghe - an escape to the country with a difference
There’s something about SCHLOSS Roxburghe that feels like stepping into a storybook—one where luxury, heritage, and natural beauty meet in perfect harmony. Just over an hour from Edinburgh or Newcastle, this stately country house hotel in the Scottish Borders offers so much more than a weekend escape. It’s a destination for serious R&R, culinary excellence, and modern wellbeing—all wrapped in historic grandeur.
A Suite Stay
The suite offered the perfect escape at SCHLOSS Roxburghe. Room rates start at £201.
My stay began in a beautifully decorated suite with a balcony overlooking the rolling Borderlands—a view so serene it felt cinematic. Whether soaking it in from bed with a morning coffee or bathed in the golden hour glow before dinner, it set the tone for total switch-off.
Afternoon Tea & Fine Dining to Remember
Afternoon tea at SCHLOSS Roxburghe is worth the trip alone: beautifully brewed, artfully presented, and dotted with pastries and scones that could tempt even the strictest health kick.
Later, dinner at Sunlaws surpassed all expectations, thanks in no small part to newly appointed Head Chef Dan Ashmore. With a career that’s seen him rise through the ranks at Michelin-starred La Trompette, The Square in Mayfair, Tom Aitkens, and Gleneagles, Ashmore brings a sharp, creative energy to the kitchen.
Standout moments in this fine dining experience (£75 per person with an optional £50 wine pairing also available) included the whimsical hors d’ouevres ‘A Morning On the Estate’—a theatrical introduction that told a story while delighting the palate. The warm, golden brioche bread course was also so divine it almost ruined me for the courses ahead. Almost.
A hand-dived scallop paired with a rich onion and kombu broth was perfection. Then came Borders lamb, served with an Imam Bayildi, Pastilla and Apricot Ketchup—a dish that layered Scottish provenance with Turkish flair. For dessert, my companions opted for Honey, Toast and Tea—a dreamy medley of Borders Honey Mousse, caramelised sourdough, citrus curd and Earl Grey ice cream—while I chose the cheese board. The blue cheese? Gone in a heartbeat.
The Spa: Scottish Serenity in Style
This inside/outside spa is one of the best Scotland has to offer
No visit would be complete without surrendering to the SCHLOSS Spa, the first outdoor spa in the Borders. Whether you’re floating in the warm pool with views of the estate, alternating between the saunas and the icy plunge pool, it’s wellness at its finest. Sunshine is a bonus, but frankly, the misty mood only adds to the magic.
Pursuits & Playtime
Discovering my hidden talent for clay pigeon shooting
When the spa serenity gets too chill, SCHLOSS Roxburghe’s outdoor pursuits offer a burst of country fun. Clay pigeon shooting revealed a surprising sharpshooter side to me—fishing, not so much. Guests can also enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, fly fishing, archery, and cycling across the sprawling 300-acre estate.
Family-Friendly Luxury
Families are more than welcome here, with new self-catering cottages nestled in scenic woodlands—perfect for a private escape with all the perks of a luxury hotel. The recently launched Kio Kids’ Club, based on the book Kio, Everything in Flow, offers eco-minded, creative fun for ages 4-12. There’s also an onsite Estate Market, a beautifully curated farm shop with local produce, fresh baked goods, and everything needed for a lazy brunch back at your cottage.
A Global Stage
Now recognised as a Global Partner of the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, SCHLOSS Roxburghe has its sights set on international acclaim. This partnership signifies the hotel’s unwavering dedication to excellence in luxury, service and guest experience—and the dream of one day earning a Forbes star.
The Hood Verdict
SCHLOSS Roxburghe is a rare gem that gets the balance just right: elegance without stiffness, indulgence without overstatement. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, family adventure, spa escape or foodie retreat, the Borders has never looked so inviting.