Now is your chance to own a luxury property in beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Up for sale is an amazing golf and spa resort.

Located on one of Scotland’s most important privately-owned historic castle estates, you can purchase outright ownership
and fractional ownership properties in the unique Highland Tay Retreat development.

This investment opportunity is an ideal real estate investment in Perthshire in the Scottish Highlands. Property investors can enjoy on-site facilities plus spacious, luxury properties.

The Highland Tay Retreat is found in one of the most beautiful areas in the entire British Isles. It’s only minutes north-east of the picturesque village of Kenmore in Perth and Kinross and just over an hour from the historic city of Edinburgh.

Here is a a summary of what is available at the historic Highland Tay Retreat Taymouth Castle
– 13th Fractional Ownership of a freehold property
– Located within Taymouth Castle
– Own a luxury hotel suite in Taymouth Castle’s East Wing
– Outright Freehold Ownership of a property in Highland Tay Retreat
– Each owner receives a rental return of 10% of the purchase price per annum for 2 years from completion
– Impressive onsite facilities for full relaxation and enjoyment of the splendor of the Highlands
– Rental returns paid from solicitor’s escrow account
– Alternatively, you can use your property for up to 4 weeks per year.
– Facilities including an 18-hole golf course designed by James Braid (who created Gleneagles, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup), fishing on the River Tay and much more, including a world-class spa.

Inside the castle, Francis Bernasconi who is known as the greatest designer of fine plasterwork of the era, created a central staircase that rises up 100 feet through all four stories of the central tower. In addition, many of the castle’s ceilings were painted by Cornelius Dixon.

The scenic River Tay is the longest river found in Scotland and is famous for its Atlantic salmon. The river runs right through the castle grounds, making it a terrific place for great fishing.

So now you can own a property within the walls of a legendary Scottish castle along with an incredible hotel suite.

Pre-launch pricing for the Scotland’s Highland Tay Retreat Taymouth Castle is:
Property outright starts at £357,500 instead of £390,000
Fractional membership starts at £27,500 instead of £30,000

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing the Highland Tay Retreat Taymouth Castle in Scotland, please contact The Life of Luxury today. Be alerted to other luxury real estate announcements by following this popular luxury blog.

The luxury hotel Cromlix in Perthshire, Scotland is owned by tennis star Andy Murray. Cromlix now becomes the 28th Scotish property part of the Connoisseurs Scotland family of luxury accommodations.

Cromlix is the latest venture by Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. The luxury hotel is managed on behalf of Mr. Murray by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI).

The 15-bedroom luxurious Cromlix hotel is a stunning, Victorian mansion located just three short miles from Murray’s hometown of Dunblane.

The hotel is pure, grand country house living. The recently completed renovation has focused on keeping the original heritage. The hotel’s property even includes its own private chapel and loch.

The Cromlix offers a whisky room for guests to relax and have their favorite beverage. There’s a drawing room, furnished with muted sofas and an open fire. Overall, you will find nine different fireplaces throughout the hotel.

Cromlix Hotel Drawing Room

The hotel’s luxury decor features an elegant blend of antique Scottish furniture. The bar is decorated in sky blue and gold leaf and the Chez Roux dining room is adorned in French navy and moss green with glass-walls.

Guest accommodations at the luxurious Cromlix hotel include 10 bedrooms and 5 suites. Many of the bedrooms offer gorgeous views of the manicured grounds and nearby tennis courts. The VIP style rooms bask in natural light and are subtly decorated.

The 5 elegant suites have been named after famous Scots – Burns, Bowes-Lyon, Bruce, Eden and Ferguson by Andy Murray himself. Each of the luxury suites has their own unique character to make your Scotish stay a special one. You’ll find stunning, freestanding gold, silver and copper baths, in addition to high-end 32-inch televisions screens that are cleverly disguised as mirrors. It’s VIP living at its very best.

For a truly fine dining experience, try Chez Roux restaurant. This luxury restaurant is overseen by the legendary French chef – Albert Roux. Award-winning Executive Head Chef runs Chez Roux restaurant.

Darin Campbell, is housed in an elegant conservatory overlooking the grounds and offers diners a ringside view of the chefs at work in the extensive open kitchen. Guest will also find other private dining opportunities such as the intimacy of a small study that seats up to 10 people or the first-floor snooker room that offers traditional atmosphere. You’ll find a full-size snooker table that creatively spins over from green baize to a table that can easily seat up to 20 people.

If you would like to hold a wedding party at the Cromlix, there is a beautiful chapel that can hold up to 30 people. In addition, there’s a gorgeous organ with exposed pipes at foot of the stylish, hotel staircase.

Norbert Lieder is the managing director and was quoted, “Cromlix and Chez Roux combine to truly offer one of the best hotel and restaurant experiences in the country. The interiors, service, food and attention to every detail of the customer journey will make sure Cromlix becomes as well known for its service as it is for its famous owner. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over Scotland, the UK and the world.”

Outdoors, enjoy the beauty of Scotland. The perfectly manicured landscaped grounds are lush with flowers, trees and shrubs. Play the role of tennis star Andy Murray while you play a few games on the property’s tennis courts. The tennis court and practice wall have look and feel of Wimbledon, painted in the colors of purple and green.

To book a reservation to Scotland and stay at the Cromlix luxury hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help arrange you entire itinerary. Want to read up on the latest travel news, follow our luxury blog.

April 6 is National Tartan Day. It’s a holiday that occurs each year to recognize proud Americans of Scottish descent and Scotland’s important contributions in the United States.

There will be numerous celebrations across the country leading up to National Tartan Day, such as parades, bagpipe players plus Scotch whisky tastings. Of course, great tasting Scotch Whisky is the perfect drink to help you have fun and enjoy this honored holiday.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky is well recognized whisky brand and known as the most richly flavoured Scotch Whisky found anywhere. Below is a delicious cocktail recipe we hope you will enjoy on National Tartan Day.

Laphroaig® Affinity ingredients:
– 1 1⁄2 parts Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky
– 1⁄2 part Sweet Vermouth
– 1⁄2 part Dry Vermouth
– 2-3 dashes Orange Bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

We have gathered some interesting, Scottish heritage facts to share with others who may be celebrating National Tartan Day.

• The U.S. Senate passed a bill resolution in 1998, naming April 6th as National Tartan Day. The reason that particular date was chosen wa because it was the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was signed in 1320 and asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over English claims.
• Across the U.S., there are eight towns named Edinburgh, eight that are named Aberdeen, and seven named Glasgow. IN addition, eight towns are called Scotland.
• The world’s first color photograph was of a Tartan ribbon.
• Americans of Scotch descent number over 5 million people. Several well known names include: Lucille Ball, Reese Witherspoon, Lyndon B. Johnson, Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Downey Jr., Johnny Cash, and surprisingly – Malcolm X.

So enjoy this special day in Scottish heritage and drink up with a glass of Laphroaig® Affinity
cocktail.

If you have always desired to visit Scotland, contact The Life of Luxury and we can help put together a wonderful luxury travel itinerary to make your trip a memorable one. Follow our luxury blog for the latest luxury news.

1494 is a private, members only club that uniquely unites individuals in the collection and enjoyment of single malt Scotch whisky.

New York City based 1494 was officially launched on June 1, 2012 and celebrates the spirit’s 518th anniversary. The organization’s name honors the first written record of Scotch Whisky’s distillation at the orders of Scotland’s Renaissance King, James IV on June 1, 1494.

1494 has partnered with Connoisseur Golf and developed an exclusive Founders Golf and Distillery trip to Scotland in June 2013.  In addition, 1494 will also utilize Connoisseur Golf’s luxury services for its members and for follow-on trips to Scotland.

Connoisseur Golf provides bespoke luxury golf travel for both individuals and businesses looking to experience an ultimate golf vacation to beautiful Scotland.

Scotland has over 500 golf courses and Connoisseur Golf affords their clients the opportunity to make their own little piece of history, and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous golfers.

Saint Andrews

The Founders Golf and Distillery trip will include:
. Private Jet: New York – Edinburgh roundtrip
. Welcome Cocktails and Dinner
. Personal Chauffeured Mercedes 24/7 with Concierge/Driver
. Golf on The Old Course, St. Andrews; The PGA Centenary Course; Gleneagles; Royal Troon and Turnberry
. Helicopter Transfers
. Full Scottish Breakfast overlooking the Courses each morning
. Private Dinners
. Six nights in Executive Suites at The 5* Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
. One night in a Member Room at an exclusive private championship course
. Meet Host Member Gordon Sherry (Former British Amateur Champion/Walker Cup Player)
. Clay Shooing at the Gleneagles Gun School
. Two nights in Deluxe Ocean View Suites at The 5* Turnberry Resort
. 3 VIP Distillery Tours arranged by 1494

This history and outstanding personal service, makes Connoisseur Golf the perfect partner for 1494 and its discerning members.

Setting the gold standard for the New York City private-membership experience, 1494 has spared no detail
in perfecting a membership model that features exclusive benefits and privileges befitted to royalty.

Annual dues for a 1494 Founding membership is $175,000.

The Gleneagles Hotel – Perthshire

Scotland, UK – Four Luxury Reasons to Visit.

Five star hotels:
Scotland has been popular with royalty and the rich and famous for hundreds of years. Whether for country pursuits in the highlands, golf at St Andrews – birthplace of the modern game, or visiting the cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh, Scotland has luxury hotels to match. One of the original and best known is The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, perhaps the most famous of the 5 star hotels in Scotland. The hotel’s world-class facilities and remote location in the foothills of the Scottish highlands were some of the reasons it was chosen to host the G8 Summit of world leaders in 2005, and its famous golf courses have been selected for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Whisky:
Scotch whisky has to be Scotland’s most famous international export? To be rightfully called Scotch, the spirit has to be aged in oak barrels in Scotland for a minimum of 3 years. Malt whisky can be blended from different distillings of malt barley, but for purists it has to be Single Malt – pure unmixed whisky from one of the many distilleries around the country, each with their distinct favours. Aging in oak barrels develops the taste and the length of time allowed for this adds both interest for the connoisseur and naturally, the price paid for a dram… With prices for a 55 year old single bottle from a famous distillery such as Macallan reaching $25,000, Scotch whisky really is one of life’s luxuries!

Food:
Scotland is a popular destination for fine dining. In the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, recent years have seen a huge growth in excellent restaurants offering a regional variation on the vogue for Modern British cuisine. As in London and other UK cities, the modern trend for regional fine dining, using the finest locally-available ingredients has really taken off in Scotland. Utilizing a choice of excellent fish and seafood from the shores around the Scottish coast, high quality meat and produce, and a heritage of traditional recipes; Scotland has some fantastic new restaurants rapidly gaining an international reputation.

Entertainment & Shopping:
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh hosts a world-famous arts festival annually in the month of August. The Edinburgh International Festival showcases performances from the world’s leading musicians and orchestras, and is a famous fixture on the worldwide performing arts calendar. For sporting fans, the annual rugby match between England and Scotland is a spectacular occasion that elicits passions based on the ancient rivalry between the unified nations. The luxury hotels of Edinburgh are busy during this popular time to visit the city. For those disinterested by sport, shopping may be an alternative attraction… Scotland’s major cities have an interesting mix of boutiques and major label stores, such as in Edinburgh’s St Andrews Square district. Scotland has a number of unique luxury products on offer, in particular very high-quality cashmere along with unique tweeds – perhaps most famously Harris Tweed, which has been woven on the Hebridean island of Harris for hundreds of years.

Glasgow Cathedral

Scotland is such an incredible and popular place to visit. One of the most exciting cities anywhere to visit is Glasgow.

Glasgow has such a wide array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Although there are numerous modern attractions to see, most visitors come to Glascow to take in the sights of the city’s spectacular architecture. View the many works of designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the famous Art Nouveau architect.

Glasgow born (in 1868) Mackintosh worked as an apprentice to the architect John Hutchinson from the age of 16. In 1890 he took a tour of Italy, financed by the prize money he gained from winning the Alexander Thomson Travelling Studentship. In 1893 Glasgow returned from Italy and began work on the Glasgow Herald Building which was his first large scale project.

While visiting Glasgow, visit many of the places that showcase the work of Mackintosh including the House for an Art Lover and the stunning Glasgow School of Art.

A short distance away, in Helensburgh, is Hill House which is also well worth visiting as it is considered one of his finest works. Two additional buildings associated with Mackintosh are the Lighthouse and Queens Cross Church.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, and opened as part of Glasgows status as UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999. The renamed building, originally housed the offices of the Glasgow Herald newspaper, and was remodeled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1893-95. This was Mackintoshs first design, for a major public building. One of the most stunning features of The Lighthouse is the view over Glasgow City from the Mackintosh Tower, which is accessible via a helical staircase from the third floor. There is also another modern viewing platform, which forms the buildings sixth floor, and is only accessible via a lift.

Queens Cross Church

Glasgow’s Queens Cross Church, though no longer an active church, is famous for being the only church ever designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh that was completed. Many people know it as the Mackintosh church and it first came into use in 1899 and was decommissioned in the 1970s. It is now open to the public and home to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.

Another must see building in Glasgow is quite possibly the most important the Glasgow Cathedral, the only medieval cathedral to survive complete during the destruction of the Scottish Reformation. One of the more recent elements are the stained glass windows which are the finest example of 20th century stained glass in Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous, most frequently visited castle in Scotland, and really worth the steep entrance fee.

Edinburgh Castle was built in the 7th century and sits high on Castle rock, which is a 437 feet high chunk of black, basalt rock. Years past this rock was once a volcano.

Three sides of mighty Edinburgh Castle  are surrounded by sheer volcanic cliffs.  To the east, is a long, cobbled road named the “Royal Mile”.

The first record of the Edinburgh Castle being used as an actual royal residence, occurred sometime in the 11th century when Margaret, the wife of Malcolm III died there, after hearing about her husband’s death at Alnwick in 1093.

In the past, Edinburgh Castle was used for keeping valuable royal treasures and records. Kings frequently lived in it. But when William the Lion was captured at Alnwick in 1174, Edinburgh was one of a number of castles handed over to Henry II of England.

Today, dominating the inner city of Edinburgh is the most popular national monument in Scotland. A trip to Edinburgh Castle affords visitors a magnificent view of the city.

A classic drawbridge lowers over a dried-out moat from the broad Esplanade where the famous Military Tattoo is held every August.

As you approach the main entrance to the Edinburgh Castle, it is flanked by bronze statues of famous people. Legendary William Wallace. Wallace, the main character in the 1995 movie “Braveheart” starring Mel Gibson, led the Scottish resistance against Edward I. William Wallace was later executed in London. The other bronze statue is of Robert the Bruce. Bruce is Scotland’s national hero, and is fame arose from defeat of the English under Edward II at Bannockburn.

Some of the major sites to see at Edinburgh Castle are: Argyll’s Tower, Crown Square Scottish National War Memorial, French Prisons, Great Hall, Mons Meg Cannon, National War Museum of Scotland, One O’Clock Salute, Royal Palace, and St Margaret’s Chapel.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Edinburgh Castle.