It almost felt like it would never get here, didn’t it? After a long and terrible winter that simply refused to end, summer seemed like it was taking a break of its own this year.
Alas, as we look beyond the windows of our luxury hotel in Highland Perthshire, taking in dramatic views of mountains, valleys and lochs, all bathed in the gentle rays radiant sun, we can’t help but bask in the glow of hope and eternal optimism:
Yes friends, good times and great weather are definitely ahead, and for many of our readers, that means only one thing:
Time to plan that big summer holiday in Scotland you’ve been dreaming of throughout those horrible winter months.
That is, of course, assuming the summer decides to stick around.
After all, with the Scottish weather so famously fickle, how can you be sure your highland break won’t be a washout?
Here, the Dunalastair Hotel Suites team offer our top tips for making the most of your Scotland vacation, no matter what the weather has in store this summer.
Enjoy a Taste of Scottish Life at an Authentic Highland Gathering
Rain or shine, there’s nothing more guaranteed to turn an average Scottish vacation into a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience like attending a genuine Highland Gathering.
Sure, you could enjoy every tourist hotspot in town and even spend hours happily lost in wanderlust as you roam the beautiful hills and valleys, but a Highland Gathering is your chance to enjoy something many tourists miss out on:
A chance to experience authentic highland life just like the locals do.
A highlight of the summer calendar in many parts of the region, events such as the Rannoch Highland Gathering which takes place a stone’s throw away from our five-star hotel in Kinloch Rannoch are a true melting pot of culture, sports, and tradition.
Witness the might of noble Scottish Highlanders as they toss the caber and put their strength to the test in a number of highland games.
Enjoy rousing entertainment provided by Scottish country dance troupe and traditional pipe bands, or snap up some unique treats and gifts to take back home.
Whatever else you have planned for your Scottish break, attending a Highland Gathering is guaranteed to make it a holiday to remember for all the right reasons.
Don’t Let a Rainy Day Spoil Your Fun
Yes, the rumours are true:
Sometimes it rains up here in the Highlands.
Whilst there are few things more magical than enjoying the spectacular Scottish scenery on a clear, sunny day, there’s nothing more guaranteed to put a dampener on your plans than a rain shower.
Fortunately, the area offers just as much to see, do, and explore indoors as it does outside, meaning you’re never too far away from an alternative.
For families with young children, activity centres such as Noah’s Ark in Perthshire offer a host of fun-filled activities for kids of all ages, including go-karts, ten-pin bowling, a soft-play centre and more.
Elsewhere, a visit to the four-star Scottish Chocolate Centre is a must for children and grown-ups alike. The only one of its kind anywhere in Scotland, the centre offers a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how chocolate is made, plus the chance to sample the finest chocolate in the Highlands for yourself.
Speaking of the finer things in life, no visit to the Highlands is complete without a trip to The House of Braur, Perthshire’s deluxe shopping outlet and home to some of the highest-quality brands from across the globe.
Whether you’re looking for gifts to take back home, or simply to look the part during your stay, House of Braur’s vast collection of Scottish country clothing offers something for all tastes and all occasions.
Having found the perfect outfit, be sure to stop by the exceptional Food Hall and Delicatessen, where you’ll traditional Scottish food and drink beyond compare, all sourced from local suppliers.
Take a Trip Back in Time
First-time guests at our luxury hotel in Highland Perthshire often express their surprise at just how much history there is to be found right on their doorstep.
A country steeped in legendary tales of great battles, noble kings and queens, and valiant warriors galore, no matter where you go in Scotland you’re never too far away from discovering a truly fascinating piece of history.
Take the magnificent Blair Castle in Blair Atholl, for example.
For over 700 years, this remarkable venue has seen it all, from bloody battles to times of peace and harmony, and has at one time or another played host to a veritable Who’s Who of Scottish royalty and noted dignitaries.
Today, the castle and immaculately preserved gardens remain a popular attraction in Highland Perthshire and deserve to be the top of your itinerary if you’re planning the perfect Scotland vacation this summer.
Soar to New Heights For A View That’s Truly Out of This World
As you may or may not have gathered by now, we’re particularly smitten with the scenery here in Scotland.
Though we could show you a thousand photographs, none of them would quite do justice to the way the views take your breath away.
Only be stepping into the great outdoors, listening to tranquil waters gentle lapping against the shore of vast, deep-blue lochs, breathing in lung-fulls of fresh air and gazing out over mile upon mile of stunning vistas do you truly experience the beauty of Scotland in all its glory.
On your next Highland break then, be sure to make a visit to one of a number of vantage points, such as the incredible Queen’s View in Pitlochry, and see for yourself why we’re so in love with this awe-inspiring natural wonderland.
Indulge Yourself With Traditional Scottish Cuisine, Cooked to Perfection
Erratic weather, highland games, picture-perfect views, Scotland is famous for many things, no more so than our food.
Don’t leave without tucking into a hearty, traditional Scottish breakfast, complete with mouthwateringly succulent Cumberland sausage, scrumptious tattie scone and that most unique of Scottish delicacies – haggis.
Don’t fill up too much, however, as you’ll want to leave room for freshly smoked Scottish salmon (widely regarded as the most delicious in the world), neeps and tatties and, of course, some oh-so-delightful Highland shortbread.
Experience World-Class Luxury in the Heart of the Highlands
If you’re really going to do your Scottish vacation in style, you need the kind of accommodation that offers unbeatable luxury, unrivalled peace and quiet, and first-class service like nowhere else.
At the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Ideally situated in the midst of the oasis of tranquillity that is Highland Perthshire, our luxury hotel combines an unbridled sense of contemporary elegance with a traditional highland charm and a commitment to making our guests’ comfort and enjoyment our top priority.
It’s these features, along with our famous Highland charm, that have placed us among an elite group of five-star hotels in Scotland, offering everything you could need to really make the most of your next vacation.
Book your summer holiday in Scotland directly through our website today to take advantage of our exclusive special offers.
Alternatively, to discuss your stay with one of our team call now on +44 (0)1882 580444.