Travelling Scotland: Boutique Places to Stay Which Celebrate Scottish Luxury

photographing in the trossachs, inspiring places and spaces, mairi helena, luxury scottish interiors

photographing in the trossachs, inspiring places and spaces, mairi helena, luxury scottish interiors

out and about in scotland, photographing natural landscapes by mairi helena photography

Travelling around Scotland is one of my favourite ways in which to gain fresh inspiration for my new Mairi Helena fabric and wallpaper designs. From the picturesque lochs of the Trossachs to the weatherbeaten West Coast or simply seeking a quiet spot here in the capital, Scotland's landscapes never fail to sweep me off my feet with the unspoilt beauty in which it has to offer.On my photographic journeys, I have come across a wonderful selection of special places to stay from boutique hotels to restaurants with rooms, all offering a unique stop over and representing Scottish luxury interiors and cuisine in their own individual way.Here are a few top picks of unique Scottish places to stay that I would love to share with you should you be planning your own Scottish adventure! Monachyle MhorTrossachsA hidden gem, spectacularly placed nestled at the far end of Loch Voil 4 miles off the A84 from Balquidder. Monachyle Mhor offers a boutique, contemporary and stylish place to stay within beautifully tranquil surroundings.Being frequent visitors to the Trossachs, we can often be found canoeing up Loch Voil to Monachyle Mhor to be revived by deliciously fresh homemade scones (baked upon order!) before paddling the return journey back down the Loch.In fact the beauty of the landscape here was the focus for one of my new designs this year 'Glen Voil' within my 'Homelands' collection which I offer as fabric and wallpaper.

Above: Mairi Helena 'Glen Voil' Wallpaper from her 'Homelands' Collection 

Coruisk HouseISLE OF SKYEWe are not long back from a wonderful trip to the Isle of Skye (without the tent this time with it being a birthday occasion!) and to our delight we have discovered Coruisk House. Situated just over a mile from Elgol Harbour which offers stunning views over the Cuillins, Coruisk House is perfectly placed in which to take in the captivating landscapes that surround.Image Credit: Coruisk HouseIf you're a lover of spectacular scenery in which seek abundant wildlife and wish to enjoy exceptional food and drink at the end of your hard days walking, then Coruisk House is the place for you.Image Credits: Coruisk House An intimate, cosy and charming boutique restaurant with rooms awaits you in which to enjoy the enchanting, rugged and wild side of the Isle of Skye!Above: Exploring Loch Coruisk, Cuillins, Isle of Skye The Dunstane HousesEDINBURGHA capital city boutique hotel The Dunstane Houses here in Edinburgh, which conveniently happens to be just up the road from me! (Although does this mean I can never justify spending a night here?!) An award winning hotel which boasts contemporary style with romantic luxury. In their own words "a breath of fresh Orkney air in the heart of Edinburgh".I just love the timeless, characterfully charming Scottish interiors of The Dunstane Houses influenced by the hotel owners own Orcadian roots. I'm in particular admiration of the special attention which has been taken to decorate in fixtures and furnishings that originate from companies based here in Scotland.The Dunstane Houses acted as a perfect location in which to photograph my new Mairi Helena 'Homelands' fabric collection earlier this year.

Above: Mairi Helena Crossing Tides VelvetPhotographed in the The Dunstane Houses by photographer Susie Lowe

Above: Mairi Helena Island Botanist Velvet Photographed in the The Dunstane Houses by photographer Susie Lowe

Colonsay HotelISLE OF COLONSAYThe Colonsay Hotel, a charming hotel on the beautiful Isle of Colonsay. It's been on my wish list of places to visit for such a long time and yet we still haven't made it yet! But its charismatic, cosy interiors and enticing sea view rooms means that I cannot write this blog without including it!I'm drawn in by the roaring fires within the stylish Colonsay Hotel bar, their local fresh food offered in the restaurant and perfect location in which to take in the compelling views over the sea across to the Isle of Jura. Hopefully it won't be too long until we can step foot onto the Isle of Colonsay and explore!

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 So there we have it, a handful of gems all offering a unique place to stay here in Scotland. An opportunity to relax and unwind and at the same time discover beautiful spots and experience divine cuisine. I hope that this has whetted the appetite for plotting your own Scottish adventure!If you have come across a special place to stay in Scotland or alternatively if you have a special place to stay, then I'd love to hear! Please do leave a comment below, I'm always on the hunt for new adventures of my own! Two websites I can thoroughly recommend for searching a unique place to stay include Sawdays and Canopy and Stars - be prepared to be enchanted, inspired and booking many a trip away!Until next time...x