Indulge in Edinburgh

Although Edinburgh offers an abundance of historic landmarks, beautiful views and cultural attractions, sometimes we want to spend a little of our free time in pursuit of the more indulgent things in life. After all, everyone deserves a little ‘me’ time. As part of #TasteofEdinburgh, our team have spent the last month tirelessly exploring the luxury experiences Edinburgh has to offer –sampling delicious chocolate treats, relaxing with soothing spa treatments and shopping for stunning creations by the most sought-after designers in the city. It was a hard job, but someone had to do it. We’ve also been working with some of Edinburgh’s most respected fashion, beauty and lifestyle bloggers to offer first-hand insight and have been sharing our favourite finds in news articles on The Scotsman Hotel website as well as across our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ pages. Just incase you missed them we’ve put together a few of the highlights for you to use as inspiration next time you’re in need of a treat in the capital:

• Designer Shopping

The capital’s fashionistas head to Edinburgh’s New Town for the latest catwalk creations and luxe accessories. Thistle Street’s Independent boutiques Jane Davidson and Pam Jenkins both pride themselves on the high level of service they offer as well as their hand-picked collections, which feature dresses by Diane von Furstenberg and Roland Mouret, alongside Christian Louboutin heels, Liberty silk scarves and leather totes from Jimmy Choo. Designer flagship stores and Harvey Nichols can be found at Multrees Walk, while Dick’s Edinburgh provide every lifestyle product a stylish man might need. Find our guide to designer shopping in Edinburgh here.

• Sweet Treats

We partnered with the ladies at EdinburghEtiquette.co.uk to provide inspiration when it comes to all things temptingly sweet. Though haggis flavoured chocolate may not appeal to everyone, we’re sure their top five Edinburgh destinations will inspire even the more savoury-inclined to sample a slice or two of cake. The sheer choice has had us spending our weekends tasting every suggestion, whether it’s choosing between the dozens of macaron varieties at Patisserie Madeleine, or the hand-crafted chocolate creations at Zukr Boutique…yum! Click here for their recommendations, but be warned, we are not responsible for any over-indulgence …and although we’re a little biased, our Champagne Afternoon Tea at North Bridge Brasserie isn’t to be missed either – the EdinburghEtiquette.co.uk team reviewed it here while EverythingLooksRosie.com let us know what she enjoyed here.

• Soothing Spa Treatments 

The new season has arrived and though colder weather may be coming, it needn’t put a dampener on our spirits. Our knowledgeable ScotsmanSpa team know a thing or two about looking after health, fitness and well-being, and were kind enough to share their tips for a feel-good autumn, inside and out. Think soothing stress-relieving massages and vitamin infused smoothies. While, those wishing to rejuvenate winter skin to embrace the au naturel AW 14 catwalk trends can find further information about Aveda facials here.

• Hand-Crafted Creations

90% of businesses in the Greater Grassmarket are independent and the capital’s design scene is thriving – ideal for souvenirs during a stay or showcasing local talent if you’re lucky enough to be a resident like us. Bold and bright shoes designed by Helen Bateman, stylish hats created at RoseYoung Designs and Jenny Parker’s edgy jewellery featuring Ballachulish slate, are some of the many hidden gems to be found and you can discover more about them here. Meanwhile, Howie Nicholsby has been transforming the way men wear kilts since 1996 at his company 21^st Century Kilts and we’ve been finding out more about his ambitions and achievements here.

Whether you’re in need of a little pick-me-up or a full day of indulgence, we hope we’ve inspired you to have a relaxing and luxurious experience in Edinburgh.

Discover the True Taste of Edinburgh…

You may have noticed the words ‘Taste of Edinburgh’ or #TasteofEdinburgh making an appearance across our website, news articles, Facebook and Twitter pages within the last couple of weeks. Take note, as any post with these three little words attached will take you on an adventure across Edinburgh over the next few months. We have created #TasteofEdinburgh with the help of local bloggers and businesses to ensure both visitors to the city and those of us who can proudly call the capital home, can discover top tips and exclusive offers for a unique Edinburgh experience. Our ultimate aim is to provide a very tempting taste of what Edinburgh really has to offer...and what kind of example of five-star Scottish hospitality would we be if we didn’t offer the chance to win an a selection of exclusive prizes, so that once you’ve read what to do in the city, you can experience it for yourself?

We have (naturally) begun with an exploration of the most indulgent and luxurious experiences the capital has to offer during September. Our article on exclusive designer shopping destinations in the city means you’ll know where to head to when you’re in want of catwalk-creations, and when you're in need of stylish sustenance, the ladies at Edinburgh Etiquette have provided their sweet treat suggestions…which have proved a little too tempting for the Scotsman team, on more than one occasion! Our A/W 14 shoe trend tips include had-to-have examples from award-winning designer accessories boutique Pam Jenkins, with designs from Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Miu Miu. Keep an eye out for well-being suggestions from our team at the Scotsman Spa & Health Club, and in the meantime you can see our pick of Aveda facials that will ensure you keep your summer glow a little longer – which will also be very handy when embracing this season’s less-is-more beauty trends. EverythingLooksRosie and 21^st Century Kilts will be offering their stylish suggestions next week…and we haven’t even mentioned this month’s competition to win a five-star overnight stay at The Scotsman Hotel for two, with luxurious spa and dining experiences included!

The following few months will introduce you to the capital’s incredible architecture, haunting past and historical landmarks, as well as recommendations on where to find the finest Scottish food and drink around the city. Keep updated on what we’ve been talking about and offer your top tips on our Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest pages, as well as on our news page…after all, you don’t want to miss out on the exciting experiences we have in store for you! 

Beat the Back-To-Work Blues with The Scotsman Hotel's Day Delegate Offer

The summer holidays are officially over and we’re back behind our desks with tan lines fading faster than the amount of time it takes to go through the seemingly endless pool-side selfies colleagues will endeavour to share. But let us not despair! The new season brings with it new positive challenges and the chance to take the next step forward on career paths…and knowing this, we have created the perfect day delegate package to help you!

After days and weeks spent soaking up the sun on many an exotic beach, everyone is markedly more refreshed than during their pre-holiday wind-down…and therefore form a much livelier, motivated and responsive audience. Thus, September can be the perfect time to make the finest of first impressions or inspire delegates within our five-star surroundings. Voice and visualise your ideas during a presentation in our 46-seater Screening Room, put pen to paper when closing contracts on our solid Boardroom desks, surrounded by oak-panelling, and follow by toasting to another successful day with our back-to-work offer for only £55 per person. If you’re hoping to gain influence rather than seal a new deal, the well-earned end-of-day drink included will instead provide the perfect opportunity to network and grow relationships in your field.

With a wide range of rooms and suites to choose from, a delicious Scottish lunch to enjoy at the award-winning North Bridge Brasserie and a fully equipped team to inform, returning to work doesn’t have to be daunting this September.