Dream Escape Magazine | Winter 2022

COVER PHOTO

WELCOME

FIRST WORDS

The Cotswolds is the largest of all the 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales, best known for its rolling hillsides, country lanes and picturesque stone villages

This season is a wonderful time for family, friends and festive celebrations and I am thrilled to introduce the winter edition of Dream Escape magazine, which is brimming with inspiring features, interviews and travel tips for you all to enjoy.

Our front cover shows the beautiful Cotswolds, which provided a fabulous location for our own recent Dream Escape team gathering, an overdue opportunity to get together after a long few years.

The year 2022 has been one of extremes, from the pomp, pageantry and joy of the Queen’s Jubilee to the solemnity and sadness of her funeral. There is no doubt that these events have knitted a nation together in grief and celebration of everything we have in common and all that defines us as a nation.

Looking forward to 2023, we can’t wait to proudly share these traditions, our landscapes, people and unique experiences with you; more than ever, there is so much to explore and celebrate. Events such as the coronation of King Charles III set a tone for the year and place London at centre stage. We will be there to welcome and guide you with our knowledge, expertise and flair for the extraordinary.

David

TOBIN OWNER AND DIRECTOR

THE COTSWOLD VILLAGE OF BROADWAY, WORCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND

© GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

WATCH OUR VIDEOS...

Scotland by Dream Escape Luxury Ireland by Dream Escape

DAVID

CONTENTS

WINTER 2022 | ISSUE 08

SOCIAL CALENDAR WINTER 2022

12 - Festive frivolities, artistic and cultural experiences are entwined in this season’s calendar, with everything from The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House and Viking festivals in Shetland to brand-new exhibitions at the Tate and the British Museum

WHAT’S NEW: TRAVEL BULLETIN

22 - We always have our finger on the pulse, with news about a luxurious escape in Chester, exclusive Christmas bottlings of Glenfiddich whisky, London’s Leighton House reopening, tiara-themed festive trees at The Goring and a multimillionpound transformation of a Cork resort

INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD BRANSON: FOR THE LOVE OF SCOTLAND

26 - Our exclusive chat with Sir Richard Branson will give you the lowdown on the UK’s very first Virgin Hotel, located in Edinburgh, and with another on the way for Glasgow

TOP 10 EDINBURGH EXPERIENCES

34 - It’s the second-most visited British destination after London, and for good reason. We’ve narrowed down 10 ultimate experiences to enhance your next encounter with the Scottish capital

BEHIND THE SCENES: A CHRISTMAS CAROL

40 – Attending a festive production is a big part of the countdown to Christmas in Britain. We go behind the scenes with actor Roger Dipper for all the details on this year’s A Christmas Carol performance →

IMAGE © VIRGIN HOTELS

INTO THE WILDERNESS

46 - Perk up your winter escapade with a trip to Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk, an 8,000-acre retreat with luxurious properties from Foxtons founder Jon Hunt, where fluffy robes and wild swimming followed by hot chocolates will lift the spirits

MEET THE MAKER: POWER PLAY

52 - Love playing board games? Ever dreamt of having your very own bespoke board created for a special occasion? There’s a designer for that. Read our incredibly insightful chat with Alexandra Llewellyn, a true visionary

A YEARNING FOR YORKSHIRE

58 – From cycling in the charming castle-scattered countryside to Michelin-starred dining in a medieval city, Yorkshire offers a wealth of historic and gourmet delights, alongside architectural beauty and rich literary history

MEET THE CHEF: MARK DONALD

64 – The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Scotland was awarded a Michelin star just seven months after opening. We meet Mark Donald, the chef responsible for this feat, and learn more about the world’s first fine-dining in-distillery restaurant

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: THE GRAND, YORK

70 – Learn more about York’s only five-star hotel, including its new Legacy restaurant

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES

72 – It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re using it as an excuse for chocolate indulgences, ice-skating, atmospheric carriage rides, luxurious hotels and mulled-wine-fuelled market expeditions

KINDRED SPIRITS

78 – Don’t miss our pick of the best UK and Irish distilleries to visit, each one remarkable for their innovation, creativity and picturesque locations

WINTER IN PERTHSHIRE

86 – It’s an idyllic time to rug up for a Scottish Highland adventure and to see why the world is talking about this incredible setting for TV series Outlander

WONDER

IN WALES: CELTIC ROUTES

92 – Whether you choose to embark on the West Wales or the Irish trail, the Celtic Routes offer an opportunity to walk in history’s footsteps while exploring the wonders of the natural world

THE

LAST WORD FROM ROSEMARY AND SAGE

98 – Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Managers and founts of knowledge Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, offer a heartfelt tribute to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, reflect on favourite royal retreats and exciting adventures in Scotland. ⬥

IMAGE © RICHARD HAUGHTON

Be

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jessica Way jessica.way@contistamedia.co.uk

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Melanie Abrams, Jillian Bolger, Chantal Borciani, Sophie Farrah, Emma Johnson, Suzanne Jones, Annabel Mackie, Karyn Noble, Samantha Rutherford

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Adrian Wilkinson adrian.wilkinson@contistamedia.co.uk

DREAM ESCAPE LUXURY TRAVEL DESIGNERS

Annika Busam annika@dreamescape.co.uk

Michael Davies michael@dreamescape.co.uk

Susie Little susie@dreamescape.co.uk

Nicki Thomson nicki@dreamescape.co.uk

HEAD OF PRODUCT

Louise Murray louise@dreamescape.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY

Contista Media

Contract publishers for the UK travel and tourism industry contistamedia.co.uk

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Dream Escape

Leading luxury travel design company and destination specialist dreamescape.co.uk

DAVID TOBIN

David founded Dream Escape with Holly in 2005. Based in Edinburgh, their vision was to create once-in-a-lifetime trips and events for a select group of well-travelled and discerning clients. David's previous marketing career included roles at ITV, Saatchi & Saatchi and Carat, where he worked across a wide range of clients. Prior to starting Dream Escape he was a Board Director at MediaCom London and Scotland, responsible for Audi UK and The Scottish Executive. David is a keen cyclist, and across the last few years has cycled around the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and the North Coast 500 in Scotland, raising money for various charities supporting people living with cancer ⬥

Who inspires you? “I have found inspiration from a variety of people, ranging from Ernest Shackleton and David Attenborough to the composer John Williams.”

SUE MORRIS

Sue brings over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and event management in the UK and Ireland travel industry. Sue started her career working for a leading luxury tour operator in London before enjoying 15 years at Tourism Ireland, where she was responsible for various marketing and communications campaigns for the consumer, travel trade, golf, and business tourism sectors. Having moved to the British Virgin Islands in 2011 with her family, she is no stranger to high-end travel experiences, the great outdoors and an odd hurricane or two! ⬥

Highlights of 2022: “Blowing the cobwebs away on the Glenfeshie Estate in the Scottish Highlands, reconnecting with our wonderful team at Temple Guiting, and observing with absolute pride and profound sadness the exceptional display of pomp and pageantry celebrating our late Queen's Platinum Jubilee and then her funeral.”

HOLLY MACKIE

Holly started her career at Carlson Marketing in Singapore after completing her Business & Psychology MA in Edinburgh. After a few years in London working at various advertising agencies, including TBWA, she moved to Edinburgh. Holly is passionate about travel and has a wealth of knowledge, having travelled extensively, including overlanding from India and Nepal back to England. As well as enjoying as much time as she can with her family, Holly would love to complete more charity challenges and get to some of the far-flung places on the map that have always been on her list to visit ⬥

What experience has recently inspired you? “Uniting with our incredible team in the stunning Cotswolds. Staying in a magnificent private manor and barn, having time to laugh, explore and celebrate a phenomenal chapter in travel post COVID-19.”

Winter 2022 CONTRIBUTORS

SIR RICHARD BRANSON

At the helm of the global Virgin Group, pioneering entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson has been pushing boundaries for over five decades. While he now lives on Necker – his very own private island paradise in the British Virgin Islands – earlier this year he opened the very

first Virgin Hotel outside the US in the heart of heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. With another Virgin Hotel due to open in Glasgow in December 2022, the man himself chats to Dream Escape about his latest luxury hotels, and his childhood memories of holidaying in the UK. See page 26

MARK DONALD

After working in the kitchens of several of the world’s top chefs, it’s now the turn of Glasgow-born chef Mark Donald to be in the spotlight. Within just seven months of opening The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Scotland’s first fine-dining in-distillery restaurant tucked in the heart of the Perthshire countryside, he was awarded a Michelin star. Championing local produce is the cornerstone of his innovative modern Scottish cuisine, where he lets, in his words, the country’s often ‘unmatched larder’ take central stage. He also injects a touch of humour and playfulness into his gastronomic degustation menu, as Annabel Mackie discovered while dining at the restaurant situated within the grounds of Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery on the banks of the river Turret. See page 64

LLEWELLYN

Alexandra has been designing luxury board games for 12 years, and playing them for a lot longer than that! Her knowledge and passion for what she does is so inspiring. The whole experience of designing a bespoke board is exceptionally streamlined, and Alexandra is adept at guiding you through the design process. It's a joy to see the ideas that she comes up with. Her level of creativity combined with a personal touch is exceptional. Alexandra will personally meet Dream Escape clients and introduce them to some of her classic as well as tailored designs in her workshop. This is a chance to learn about and understand the unique creations and get a glimpse into this very specialised process. See page 52

ALEXANDRA

CALENDAR SOCIAL

Winter 2022

DECEMBER

Photograph of Liisi LaFontaine as Satine in the West End production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical (see next page)

Cézanne, Tate Modern, London

Until 12 March 2023| This stellar retrospective of Paul Cézanne offers a fresh take on the father of modern art. Alongside iconic works ranging from his wife in a red chair to still life fruit and bathers, it’s the lesser-known pieces that grab attention. Case in point: the monumental portrait of model Scipio. Personal objects include his palette and watercolour tins.

DOCTOR WHO WORLDS OF WONDER, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH

9 December 2022–1 May 2023

If you can’t wait for Ncuti Gatwa to debut as the 15th Doctor Who next year, explore past Doctors’ adventures and the science behind the series at the National Museum of Scotland. Enter through the Tardis from the original 1963 show. See some favourite gadgets. And confront a dalek. ⬥

RE:IMAGINING MUSICALS, VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

Until 27 November 2023

If in London for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club or any other West End musical, then quickstep to the V&A. Its theatre and performance galleries are celebrating the cultural significance of musicals, from Hair to Hamilton. There are costumes, programmes, original recordings and more. Highlights include Eliza Doolittle’s beaded gown worn by Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady’s original stage production in 1958, Satine’s glittering costume in Moulin Rouge, and Aladdin’s fabled lamp. ⬥

IMAGE CREDITS

© MATT CROCKETT / STEWART ATTWOOD / THE J.

PAUL GETTY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES

/ VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM LONDON

MUSEUM OF THE MOON, OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, LONDON

13 December 2022–5 February 2023 Dine under a moon this month at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. British artist Luke Jerram’s 7-metre moon hovers above the college’s 18th-century hall, covered with paintings of royals and mythological creatures. It's recreated to scale using NASA images and surround sound, so nab a seat on the side not usually seen from earth. Other moonlit alternatives include afternoon tea or just a browse. ⬥

GAINSBOROUGH’S HOUSE, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK

From 21 November 2022

Thomas Gainsborough is one of Britain’s best-loved artists, painting portraits of 18th-century aristos and more. Now his Suffolk birthplace has reopened after a £10 million makeover, with the Grade-I-listed townhouse showcasing the widest collection of his works. A new three-floor building houses temporary exhibitions – with the first showing until 26 February 2023; you can enjoy Flemish art from 1880 to 1914, including including Léon Spilliaert’s 20th-century symbolist works. ⬥

Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt, British Museum, London

Until 19 February 2023| Discover how Egyptian hieroglyphs, one of human history’s oldest languages, was deciphered around 200 years ago from the Rosetta Stone. Highlights include a black granite sarcophagus from 600 BCE, richly decorated with hieroglyphs and images of gods and the four-metre-long Book of the Dead papyrus of Queen Nedjmet.

THE NUTCRACKER ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON

6 December 2022–14

January 2023

Kick off Christmas at the Royal Opera House, as the Royal Ballet revives the spectacular ballet, The Nutcracker. Set at a Christmas Eve party, The Mouse King and other lively guests dance, while Yasmine Naghdi as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Matthew Ball as the Prince are the first of many principal dancers taking on the roles each night. Keep the Nutcracker spirit going with a night or more in the Royal Opera Suite at the NoMad Hotel next door. ⬥

Northcote Christmas Chocolate Pine Cone

Northcote Obsession, Langho, Lancashire

20 January–5 February 2023| For a top-notch food experience in an equally gourmet environment, head to the north of England for Obsession food festival. Set in bijou hotel Northcote, different top chefs cook each night. This year, chefs come from some of the best restaurants across Britain, France and Portugal, including London’s Ritz Restaurant.

ATLANTIC IRISH FEST, BUNDORAN, DONEGAL

21–25 January 2023

A lively mix of music, history and culture defines this festival in northwest Ireland. Popular Irish folk bands like the Logues and the Henry Girls headline the Atlantic Irish Fest, but also make time for the pub visits, talks, and tours to local landmarks. There’s Donegal Castle for example, or the high Slieve League Cliffs, overlooking the picturesque coastline. Don’t forget your wetsuit either, as Bundoran beaches have some of Ireland’s best waves, even in January. ⬥

THE MAYFAIR ANTIQUES & FINE ART FAIR LONDON

12–15 January 2023

Start the new year in style at this treasure-filled art and antique fair in the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Over 40 exhibitors are displaying their wares, from paintings and glass to watches and jewellery. Top finds include Edgar Degas’ charcoal dancers at Haynes Fine Art, and 18th-century Qing dynasty porcelain plate from Santos. Or even a new cocktail at the hotel’s Luggage Room. ⬥

Hen Galan, Gwaun Valley, Pembrokeshire

13–14 January 2023| Celebrate the Welsh new year, Hen Galan, in the Gwaun Valley, southwest Wales, as the close-knit community sticks to the Julian calendar. Revel in the traditions that include a wooden horse’s head on a pole being paraded through the streets. And join in the Welsh folk singalongs in the Tafarn Sinc and other village pubs.

TRADFEST, TEMPLE BAR, DUBLIN

25–29 January 2023

Head to Dublin for the best Irish traditional folk music. While many performances are around the city’s Temple Bar, others encompass the city landmarks.

First is fiddler Sorcha Costello, a 2021 young musician of the year, at the former Collins Barracks, north of the River Liffey. Then there’s renowned band Dervish playing the country’s most renowned folk songs at the national stadium. And for the first time the city’s medieval castles, Swords and Malahide, host Saíocht, music and poetry evenings. ⬥

UP HELLY AA, LERWICK, SHETLAND

31 January 2023

Viking festival Up Helly Aa is the spectacle of the month when Shetland’s main town of Lerwick celebrates its Nordic heritage. Be there for 7.30pm, when more than 900 people in Viking and other costumes come together for a torchlit procession, galley burning and all-night performances. ⬥

Photograph of Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse

FEBRUARY

Alice Neel: Hot Off The Griddle, Barbican Art

Gallery, London

16 February–21 May 2023| This revelatory retrospective at the Barbican Art Gallery shows why the once-underground American artist Alice Neel (1900–1984) is now feted with major exhibitions in Paris, New York and London. Her colourful, deliberately distorted portraits certainly catch the eye, while her unconventional cast of characters show a candid slice of 20th-century life.

DONATELLO: SCULPTING THE RENAISSANCE, VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

11 February–11 June 2023

Hotfoot it to the V&A for this landmark exhibition on Renaissance royalty Donatello, aka Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (c. 1386 to 13 December 1466). His glorious bronze, marble and wooden works are among the most innovative pieces of this artistic period. Many of the estimated 130 objects will be in the UK for the first time, including the marble David and bronze Attis-Amorino from Florence’s Museo Nazionale del Bargello. ⬥

VERVE POETRY FESTIVAL, BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

15–19 February 2023

With its open-mic night, interactive workshops and charismatic poetry performances, the Verve Poetry Festival is the best place to find the hottest poets. This year’s headliners include Yomi Sode, known for his piercing rhythms, and Imogen Stirling who mixes poetry with performance and electronic music.⬥

MARITIME MUSEUM, LONDON

The Van De Veldes: Greenwich, Art And The Sea, Queen’s House, Greenwich

24 February 2023–14 January 2024| Britain’s 17th-century maritime power is on display at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Works by Dutch father and son Willem van de Veldes the Elder and the Younger show eyewitness scenes of tough battles, ships and even royal moments. Top spot: Charles II leaving Scheveningen in the Netherlands to reclaim his British crown.

DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL

4–5 February 2023 Join the two-day party at Leopardstown Racecourse for this thoroughbred horse-racing festival. See the 15-race action from the 1888 restaurant with its views over the parade and the racetrack. Enjoy its cordon bleu local cuisine – try the seared fillet of Irish beef. Stay in style at The Merrion’s garden wing penthouse, with its views over the city and Wicklow mountains. ⬥

WHAT'S NEW?

TRAVEL BULLETIN

ADARE MANOR IS VOTED THE #1 RESORT IN THE WORLD BY CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER

As featured in previous editions of Dream Escape magazine, Adare Manor is a prestigious member of our Hotel Collection. Situated in a picturesque Irish village, Adare Manor is an ideal base for exploring the best that Ireland has to offer. The luxury castle has a championship golf course, a La Mer Spa and an abundance of activities for active families looking to explore the outdoors, including falconry, archery, horse-riding, cycling and fishing. This historic country castle escape has it all, and we are delighted to share in the celebrations of Adare Manor's recent accolade – #1 Resort in the World in the Readers’ Choice Awards. ⬥

Click here to watch the video

NEW SUPER-LUXURIOUS CITY ESCAPE

Edgar House is a magnificent Regency property on the City Walls of Chester, overlooking the River Dee. Formerly a small hotel, it has undergone a no-expense-spared renovation to become the ultimate holiday hire for parties of up to 16. Chester’s many attractions, including the famous racecourse, theatre, cathedral, shops, and restaurants, are just a gentle stroll away. ⬥

Dream Escape Magazine Loves...

Festive Spice

The Highland Chocolatier's world-renowned enrobed Velvet Truffles. Read more in our Top Ten Christmas Experiences feature, page 72

GLENFIDDICH UNVEILS TIME RE:IMAGINED

This remarkable collection of aged and exclusive single malt whiskies of 50, 40 and 30 years, ranging from £900-£35,000, has been bottled in time for Christmas by Glenfiddich, beautifully presented in a unique casing of bespoke artwork. The striking outer packaging visually deconstructs and proudly brings to life these articulations of time in spectacular form, telling their stories through maverick and disruptive design techniques – whiskies that have been maturing quietly and evolving over decades in Speyside, Scotland. To find out more about visiting the family-owned distillery or purchasing Re:Imagined, contact Dream Escape ⬥

YOUR NEW WATERSIDE ESCAPE AWAITS

The new waterside spa cottage at the Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk is an ideal romantic getaway, where couples can retreat under the charming thatched roof, take a dip in their own tranquil natural swimming lake, soak in the hot tub, or row a boat from their own private jetty. See our article on page 46 ⬥

LEIGHTON HOUSE REOPENS FOLLOWING MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT

Leighton House, the remarkable studio-house of Victorian artist and former President of the Royal Academy, Lord Frederic Leighton has reopened. Situated on the edge of Holland Park, Kensington, Leighton House is famed for its opulent interiors, including the extraordinary Arab Hall featuring exquisite mosaic floors and tiles acquired through Leighton’s travels to Turkey, Egypt and Syria. ⬥

Dream Escape Magazine Loves...

Heart of Gold

The new Constellation Collection trio of Christmas decorations now available by Hand & Lock – each with a gold coloured acrylic plate engraved with Hand & Lock and the year, 2022.

DEVELOPMENTS AT THE CASTLEMARTYR RESORT

An exciting acquisition and €8 million investment has transformed Castlemartyr Resort in Cork – resulting in a brand new reception area, two restaurants (one 140-seater, one for intimate finedining occasions), and the refurbishment of 97 bedrooms in a contemporary wing. Plus to add to their dining offerings, there's the newly owned Hunted Hog, located in the heart of the village. ⬥

DREAM ESCAPE GATHERING AT TEMPLE GUITING, COTSWOLDS

Temple Guiting Manor provided an exquisite home-from-home setting for the Dream Escape team to reconnect recently. With new team members and a few years of Zoom calls to make up for, it was the ideal place for our company powwow and to explore all the amazing private experiences available in the area. ⬥

THE GORING UNVEILS TIARA TREE

A perfect pairing for Christmas, two landmark London houses and Royal Warrant holders have joined together in an exclusive festive partnership. The Goring, the only hotel in the world to have been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services by Her Majesty The Queen, has collaborated with fellow Warrant holder, Garrard, on two tiara-themed Christmas trees inspired by Garrard’s tiaras worn by Her Majesty throughout her reign. Visit or stay at The Goring with Dream Escape this Christmas. ⬥

For the love of Scotland

Earlier this year, Edinburgh became home to the UK’s very first Virgin Hotel. Dream Escape meets Sir Richard Branson, the dynamic man behind the world-famous brand, to hear about his love for Scotland, and what guests can expect from his latest luxury hotel

WORDS | SOPHIE FARRAH

Sir Richard Branson is a man who needs little introduction; the pioneering entrepreneur has been a household name for decades now. His global Virgin Group has pushed boundaries for over 50 years, encompassing music, telecoms, air and rail travel, hotels, holidays and more. Branson’s most recent project, Virgin Galactic, has seen him venture into space tourism – quite literally, but despite his interstellar wanderlust, and his home being in the Caribbean, there is another place that this seasoned traveller holds dear. “I’ve been fortunate enough to spend lots of time in Scotland – it’s a magical place that combines natural beauty with rich history and a

dynamic culture. There’s nowhere else like it, which is why we chose it for our first hotel outside of the US,” he beams. “My wife Joan was born in Glasgow and my grandparents were from Edinburgh, so my family will always have a real fondness for this great country.”

Following in the footsteps of his five award-winning hotels across the pond, Virgin landed in Edinburgh in June 2022, and with Branson at the helm, it was never going to be just another chain opening. Virgin’s unique approach combines heartfelt service and a personalised guest experience, with luxurious interiors and the brand’s trademark sense of playful style and impressive originality. Located in the heart of the city’s fairytale-esque Old Town, surrounded by buzzing →

Interview with Richard Branson

local restaurants and a vibrant music scene, Branson’s new boutique hotel encompasses 222 beautiful bedrooms, several stylish drinking and dining destinations, and an enviable roof terrace that offers unobstructed views of the city’s magnificent castle.

“I always love visiting Edinburgh – it has such a great energy. It’s such an iconic city, and the local people have been wonderful in welcoming us,” Branson says.

The specific site of Virgin’s inaugural UK opening had to be extra special, and Edinburgh’s historic India Buildings provided the perfect fit.

A team of designers completely re-envisioned the cluster of connected characterful 19th-century structures, carefully retaining numerous original features and much of the Victorian architecture, while incorporating striking contemporary style and Virgin’s unique interpretation of Scottish luxury.

“I love seeing the designs come to life. A lot of thought goes into all our Virgin Hotels – it’s often the small details that customers notice the most, and our hotels are full of them,” says Branson.

Filled with bright colours and designer furniture, the hotel oozes both modern sophistication and a sense of fun. Impressive historic elements, such as stone walls, arches, and wood panelling, have been carefully preserved and sensitively intertwined with innovative design and a striking selection of artwork produced by local artists and inspired by Scotland past and present. The result is a stunning mix of old and new that captures the spirit of the city.

“No matter which Virgin Hotel you visit, guests experience the same level of comfort and service, but each

one is unique as it takes on the culture and community of the city surroundings, through food and drink, music, design, and more,” Branson explains.

“With Edinburgh’s long history and distinctive feel, it was exciting to make this a part of the hotel. Preserving the history of the India Buildings was so important to us. We’ve worked hard to create a place that everyone will enjoy.”

This effort is evident in the hotel’s bedrooms, or ‘Chambers’ as they are known – Virgin’s unique reimagining of the traditional guest bedroom. Bright, airy, and elegantly decorated, each one is filled with warm textiles and plenty of extras that are distinctively on-brand, such as generously stocked in-room SMEG mini fridges (in Virgin red, no less), custom lighting that automatically illuminates as guests move around the space, and Virgin Hotels’ patented and famously comfortable ergonomically designed bed. If anyone knows what the modern-day traveller wants, it’s Branson, who, by his own admission, is accustomed to ‘living out of hotel rooms’.

“Wherever I am in the world, I always want the same things – free wifi, no cancellation fees, and early check-in or late check-out without penalties,” he explains.

“I also want a comfy bed, space to work, a social space to relax, and brilliant service. This is why we decided to launch Virgin Hotels. These needs – and frustrations when hotels fall short – are shared by many travellers and it seemed like there was a great opportunity to create a new, wonderful hotel experience where people leave happier than when they arrived.” →

“ No matter which Virgin Hotel you visit, guests experience the same level of comfort and service, but each one is unique as it takes on the culture and community of the city surroundings, through food and drink, music, design, and more... With Edinburgh’s long history and distinctive feel, it was exciting to make this a part of the hotel. ”

Pictured first page: Sir Richard Branson Clockwise from top left: Hotel Entrance; Foyer; Reception Hall

“ Travel has changed dramatically over the past few years due to the pandemic. Guests expect a higher level of service and personalisation than before. One of my favourite things about our hotels is how you can personalise your stay”

Pictured above and left: Junior Suite; Oculus Lounge from above Next page left to right: Funny Library Hall; Scarlet Lounge; Commons Club Bar detail

Speaking of which, each Chamber features a unique twospace design, with a sliding wooden door that separates a dressing room from a lounge area; a thoughtful and luxurious concept designed with the discerning holidaymaker in mind.

“The Chambers are distinctively Virgin,” smiles Branson. “Having two spaces means if one of you wants a nap while the other person is getting ready, you don’t have to disturb each other. Or, if you want to get your breakfast delivered bright and early, you don’t have to rush to find a dressing gown. It just gives guests a bit more freedom and space to be themselves. When you’re travelling, it’s nice to be able to relax and enjoy some privacy. We want our hotels to feel like a home away from home.”

In addition to the hotel’s unique Chambers, Dream Escape’s Travel Design team also organise unforgettable stays in its

three stunning speciality suites; the Eve Branson Suite, the Kasbah Tamadot Suite, and Sir Richard’s Flat, which you’d think would be his favourite...

“Named after my late mother, Eve, the Eve Branson Suite is very special,” Branson explains.

“It’s located under the hotel’s church bell tower, and it’s beautifully appointed with 19th-century architectural features.”

Despite this palpable sense of history found throughout the hotel, the guest experience is impressively 21st century. ‘Lucy’, the hotel’s mobile app, allows guests to check in, control in-room technology, order food and drinks, and more, all from a mobile device. Guests can also sign up for ‘The Know’ – a signature loyalty programme that cleverly allows users to design a bespoke experience that is completely unique to them.

“Travel has changed dramatically over the past few years due to the pandemic. Guests expect a higher level of service and personalisation than before. One of my favourite things about our hotels is how you can personalise your stay,” says Branson.

“If you’ve got an allergy or you want a distinctive cocktail ready for when you arrive, you can let us know with The Know. If you want to adjust the temperature in your room, you can use our app,” he explains.

“For extra special requests, the team will make it happen –like any Virgin experience, what makes it special is the people. The local team who work at the hotel bring such passion to the place – I really enjoy getting to meet them.”

After a busy day exploring Scotland’s stunning capital, the hotel provides Dream Escape guests with various enticing options when it comes to eating, drinking and simply relaxing. The Funny Library Coffee Shop is a cosy spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of freshly baked cake by the roaring fire, while The Bar serves a selection of inventive cocktails and some of the very best local whiskies, because no trip to Scotland would be complete without a wee dram...

For private get-togethers, Dream Escape’s Travel Design team arrange exclusive hire of Greyfriars Hall, the hotel’s very own 19th-century church, which has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a stunning event venue.

The team also organise tables at Eve, a lively all-day dining space open late into the night with a roster of home-grown entertainment. There's also Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant and bar, Commons Club, which acts as a sophisticated modern-day social club. Here, the Dream Escape team →

arrange seats at the communal Chef’s Table, which offers an incredible view of the open kitchen, where Edinburghborn Executive Chef Steven Wilson and his team create contemporary Scottish cuisine using strictly seasonal and locally sourced produce.

“I’m passionate about making more purposeful food choices. We all have the power to positively impact the environment and our own health through food. For that reason, it was important that the hotel menu championed local and seasonal produce,” says Branson.

“Saying that, freshly caught fish and chips is always my go-to in Scotland – it’s comfort food at its finest.”

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is located just a stone’s throw

from the Royal Mile – Edinburgh’s famous shopping street – so Dream Escape guests will find plenty of opportunity for retail therapy nearby, and the hotel itself also has its very own shop. Exclusive to hotel guests, The Curiosity Shop showcases a carefully curated range of sustainable Scottish products, all made by small businesses that have been supported by Virgin StartUp – Virgin's not-forprofit organisation that helps founders start and scale the businesses they are passionate about.

"From wild-harvested Hebridean seaweed to outdoor clothing made from recycled materials, hand-crafted gin and Scottish spun yarns, it is full of Scottish treasures,” explains Branson. “I have great memories of meeting the

founders of Meander Apparel, an Edinburgh-based clothing company that make sustainable clothing for outdoor adventures. In 2018 they joined our Virgin Strive Challenge and I got to model one of their jackets in a charity auction that raised more than £1 million. Meander Apparel is now one of our Virgin StartUp businesses in The Curiosity Shop,” he explains proudly.

“I love chatting to entrepreneurs who are starting out and trying to make their ideas happen – and Edinburgh is full of them!”

It’s not just the Scottish capital that has undergone the Virgin treatment this year; Virgin Hotels Glasgow is due to be unveiled in December 2022. This impressive open-plan new-build will have a ‘raw and elegantly industrial’ feel, with 242 Chambers across 15 floors. Situated on the River Clyde, it is perfectly located for exploring the culture-filled city.

“As I mentioned, my wife Joan was born and raised in Glasgow, which makes it a special place for us. It’s a dynamic city, with a rich

history that is translated through the hotel’s build and decor,” Branson explains.

The Virgin Group’s much anticipated arrival in Scotland signals the ever-growing demand for high-end travel experiences in Britain, and while Branson may live on Necker – his very own private island paradise in the British Virgin Islands – he also has very happy childhood memories of holidaying in the UK.

“I’ve been fortunate to spend lots of time on Eilean Shona, the tiny Scottish island that inspired JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, and I have lots of happy memories of holidaying in Devon as a child, so that’s still one of my favourite places in the UK. I learned to swim in Salcombe because my aunt bet me 10 shillings that I wouldn’t be able to master it by the end of the fortnight...” he recalls.

“The water was very cold, and it wasn’t until we were on our way home that we stopped by a river and finally, I managed it!”

Of Sir Richard Branson, we’d expect nothing less.

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Sue Morris, Head of Marketing

“

Knowing the Virgin brand so well and the family personally, we are all incredibly excited to welcome Virgin Hotels to Scotland. It is a fabulous addition to the city of Edinburgh and having stayed in their various properties around the world already and enjoyed their world-class customer experience, I know that our clients are going to absolutely love it!”

sue@dreamescape.co.uk

“ From wild-harvested Hebridean seaweed to outdoor clothing made from recycled materials, hand-crafted gin and Scottish spun yarns, it is full of Scottish treasures.”

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

1Private studio tour of textile designer Araminta Campbell

Encounter first-hand craftwork as Araminta Campbell reveals her behind-the-scenes secrets, from sourcing British alpaca fleeces to the skills involved in weaving on traditional looms. To conclude, visit the showroom, (not open to the public), for an exclusive private shopping experience.

TOP 10

EDINBURGH experiences

2WATCH THE TATTOO PERFORMANCE FROM THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE

Enjoy priority access to the castle esplanade before joining the Salute Taker and dignitaries with a VIP seat in the Royal Gallery. The Edinburgh Tattoo is a dazzling display of military pageantry with a cast of 1,000 pipers, drummers and dancers from all around the world against the breathtaking backdrop of

Edinburgh Castle. Highlights include the wondrous sight and sound of the massed pipes and drums emerging from the giant castle gates and over the drawbridge, playing the inspiring battle tunes of Scotland’s most famed regiments, as well as a long piper high on the ramparts, playing a haunting lament to bring the evening to a poignant conclusion. After the performance, drinks and canapés will be held in the Royal Gallery – a unique opportunity to mingle with other guests and performers. ⬥

3Learn to play the bagpipes on Calton Hill

Be greeted by a bagpiper for an engaging lesson with panoramic views across the city from the top of Calton Hill. Look out for the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed, leaving just the 12 columns you see today. The Nelson Monument, shaped like an upturned telescope and completed in 1816, commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Edinburgh was properly recognised in 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the second-most-visited British destination after London

5PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR AND BREAKFAST AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

Enjoy a pre-opening guided tour at Edinburgh Castle; from its volcanic rock, it towers over the city, every inch a mighty fortress and defender of the nation. Highlights start as soon as you find yourself on the esplanade. Step inside the ancient walls and learn of the royalty who lived and died here, the battles fought over it and the struggles for control of Scotland, with a delicious breakfast served in the

Gatehouse. See beautiful and small St Margaret’s Chapel and the Stone of Destiny – a powerful and ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy. Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the Honours of Scotland: the Scottish Crown Jewels. Comprising of the crown, sceptre and the sword, these three pieces were used in the Coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543 when she was just nine months old. ⬥

4whisky tasting in the

Private

Vault at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Designed for whisky connoisseurs, hosted in a rare underground cellar where special whisky expressions are matured – this experience includes an unforgettable tasting of exceptional whiskies and an exclusive Johnnie Walker Princes Street expression created on-site by one of the master makers.

IMAGES © VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM / GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO / MIKE BOYLAND

6Discover the city on a Gastronomy Tour

Be entertained with stories on the history of Scottish food and the city as you stroll through both the New and Old Town into unusual and hidden restaurants, shops and bars. At each location you will have the opportunity to taste locally sourced dishes, sample carefully selected beverages and chat to the chefs and patrons behind such products as smoked salmon, Stornoway black pudding, wild boar sausages, cheeses, charcuterie and dessert.

Drinks include Edinburgh raspberry gin, Scottish beer and of course the water of life – whisky!

7PRIVATE TOUR OF PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Official Residence of King Charles III and the royal family in Scotland. This baroque palace stands against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat and is closely associated with Scotland's rich history. It is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent and short-lived reign. Inside, view the magnificent State Apartments. There are 14 in total, which include the Great Gallery, hung with Jacob de Wet’s portraits of the

real and legendary kings of Scotland. In the Palace grounds, discover the ruins of the 12th-century Abbey. Accompanied by an expert guide, this private tour provides a unique and special opportunity to 'go behind the ropes' in selected rooms, including the West Drawing Room. This is used by members of the royal family as a private sitting room and is not normally open to the public. It is among the most beautiful rooms in the Palace and features one of the finest 17th-century plasterwork ceilings in existence. Exclusive private-guided Palace garden and 12th-century Abbey tours are also available. ⬥

8Private ghost tours in the underground vaults of the city

The Old Town is peppered with hidden streets and historical closes; one of the most famous being Mary King’s Close. Accompanied by a private costumed guide, descend deep beneath the Royal Mile to discover a secret warren of hidden streets that have remained frozen in time since the 17th century, or take a visit with an expert Mercat guide to the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a Gory Stories children’s tour.

9A RUNNING SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF EDINBURGH

Delve into the history, the characters and the scenery of this beautiful city as a highly experienced guide leads you through the narrow streets and hidden areas that you might not get to see otherwise. Whether it’s a gentle jog through Edinburgh, or you’re looking for something a little more fast paced –the tour can be tailored to suit your

needs. This is the perfect opportunity to see some unexpected sights mixed in with the cultural history of Scotland’s capital city. The tours are open to all levels and abilities, whether you’re a newbie runner or have a few marathons under your belt. Whatever your pace, and whatever your interests are, this will be a unique and unforgettable Edinburgh experience. ⬥

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Did you know? The world's one and only knighted penguin lives at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo. King penguin Nils Olav, is named after Major Nils Egelien and was knighted by King Harald V of Norway.

While in Scotland you might also enjoy...

10Private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Travel to the historic docks of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia pre- or postopening before the crowds. Formerly the Queen's floating royal residence it belonged to Her Majesty and the royal family for over 40 years, transporting them over 1 million miles around the world. Opened exclusively for you, the yacht'sVIP experience commences with a 'quayside arrival', and from here you will see the ship in all her splendour. Board via a red carpet on the Royal Brow, a practice previously reserved for members of the royal family and visiting dignitaries.

Meeting a Reindeer in the Highlands

Combine an off-road safari with guided walking on a luxury Braemar Highland Experience. ⬥

Gazing up at star-filled skies

Glimmering Northern Lights, dazzling shooting stars and twinkling constellations –watch Scotland’s night skies come to life. ⬥

Christmas at the Botanics

Follow the one mile illuminated trail that winds its way through the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh for a magical experience after dark. ⬥ enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk

Christmas shows are magical, and in a special interview with Roger Dipper, who is playing Bob Cratchit at this years production of A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, Dream Escape brings you an intimate and exclusive look at one of the best... Behind the Scenes

Why is A Christmas Carol still loved by people of all ages?

A Christmas Carol stands out because it is a ghost story about Christmas. I now see how much Dickens basically shaped what we see as 'Christmassy' in the English-speaking world, with references to things like holly and sticky pudding. The year after A Christmas Carol came out, the first Christmas cards were produced.

What attracted you to your character Bob Cratchit?

I’ve played a lot of lighter, comedic characters, which I wouldn’t necessarily say Bob is. There are nice family jovial moments and Bob represents

so many people, and goodness, hard work and resilience. I love Bob’s honesty, so as soon as this job came up, I said yes.

Why is this version of A Christmas Carol so special?

Because Matthew Warchus is a brilliant director. He is a man of few words and doesn’t direct with an iron rod. Matthew hires people who have an idea of what they want to do with the script, and he tweaks and does very subtle things that mould us to his vision. Matthew has pure fairy dust in his pockets.

Why are the themes in A Christmas Carol so relevant and especially important today?

The ghost of Christmas Present comes in and shows Scrooge the town from above: the butcher and baker are closed because they can’t keep up with their debts, so that’s very relevant, as shops close down all around us. It also reflects the precarious time we are living in. The show highlights the importance of charity and community. And at the moment that’s being tested because people are struggling and →

hopefully community will get us through. One phrase really stands out: the world is generally kind to those who change. Scrooge asks the ghost: am I past hope? I don’t think anyone is past hope.

What treats are in store for the audience?

All the creatives have been really clever, and our staging is unusual. In the rehearsal room we don’t talk about upstage, downstage, stage right, and stage left, but north, south, east and west, like on a map. The set is a series of walkways surrounded by the audience.

What’s so special about Jack Thorne’s writing?

Jack gets to the meat of scenes quickly, so we come in and out in flashes. The story has to zip along, and we’ve done a couple of runs now and the show just flies by. I think Jack’s writing really reflects what’s in the book. Jack said he wouldn’t write this script unless the children playing the Tiny Tims were genuinely disabled. I think that’s really important.

There are ghosts in the story. Which one would you like to be visited by and why?

The future is scary, so not that one. The past would be good as I’m a nostalgic guy and it would be nice to see my younger self through an older lens and learn from it. There’s a scene in the play that makes me sob every time I watch it: “I don’t want him to become me,” where Scrooge is talking about himself.

You are playing opposite Owen Teale as Scrooge (who was so menacing in Game Of Thrones). What is that like?

Owen Teale is a kind and generous actor who is lovely and wonderful. His piercing blue eyes are highly emotive. He is also a bit naughty and we have great fun in the rehearsal room. Owen is a proper leading man and a gentleman. He has all these wonderful stories and he knows absolutely everyone. Yesterday he was telling us about the film star Toni Collette’s recent party.

Christmassy – although there is something funny about singing Christmas carols in September. I’ve worked most Christmases doing panto or other Christmas shows. Doing Christmas shows is hard work, as schedules are more intense. Acting casts are like having another family, as you become very close, but with Christmas there’s an extra sparkle to it.

How will you be celebrating Christmas?

I’m going back to Mum’s in Wimbledon with my sisters and our dogs. We go for a walk in Richmond Park and have a big dinner. We sometimes see other family, but we are probably just us this year, with our partners coming in and out. They are all coming to see me in the show on Boxing Day.

You were in the award-winning musical Matilda, what was that experience like?

Matilda is another one of Matthew’s shows with Tim Minchin’s music, so it’s wonderful. It’s a clever adaptation of a brilliant story and it looks simple but is incredibly

complicated. I played in the ensemble and covered Mr Wormwood. There are so many shiny shows in the West End, such as Frozen and Mary Poppins, and what’s great about Matilda is that it doesn’t need frills, as the staging is so clever and magical.

Hello Dolly is coming over from Broadway starring Imelda Staunton, but now she is working on The Crown, the timing has changed. I saw Bette Midler in the Broadway production who was fantastic. Groundhog Day, another Matthew Warchus show that I did a short run of at The Old Vic is supposed to be coming back. Emma Corrin is doing Orlando based on the Virginia Woolf book, that’s going to be great and then the revival of Noises Off by Michael Frayn is also coming into town. →

What is it like being in a Christmas show at Christmas?

Thinking ahead to 2023, what do you think the big must-see productions will be?

“ Owen Teale is a kind and generous actor who is lovely and wonderful. His piercing blue eyes are highly emotive. He is also a bit naughty and we have great fun in the rehearsal room.”

I did without knowing it. I was always role playing and directing my sisters in plays and camcorder films. I did amateur dramatics and it was when playing the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver when I was 13 years old that I knew I wanted to act. National Youth Theatre and then Arts Educational Drama School followed.

If you believe in yourself and you know you need to do it then try. You have to find out who you are, as what will get you hired is you. The first thing they said to me at drama school is ‘if you are talented and you are nice then you will get work or you should work’. You have to be able to work closely with people as it’s a small industry.

I go travelling in my campervan. You can’t be an actor if you haven’t experienced stuff. I love meeting people, the outdoors, mountains and in particular Scotland and Wales. I visited

Did you always want to be an actor and why?

What advice would you give anybody who is thinking about pursuing a career as an actor?

What do you do in your downtime and what are your favourite places to visit in the UK and why?

“

I did amateur dramatics and it was when playing the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver when I was 13 years old that I knew I wanted to act”

Find out more

Cornwall last summer and had a great time. It’s so beautiful, Jurassic and exotic. I loved the tiny little town of Mousehole, which I called 'Mouse Hole' until I realised the locals call it 'Mowzol'. It is beautifully picturesque and quintessentially Cornish.

I’ve heard you work with Dream Escape clients, offering very special and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. Can you share with us something about that? I love meeting people after the show, especially if they love theatre but don’t necessarily have anything to do with it. I show them backstage, the wings, the dressing rooms, scene dock, quick-change areas. I introduce them to the technicians and everyone who works backstage. People find it fascinating to look from the stage into the auditorium – that’s an unforgettable experience. I explain how tricks and special effects work. I’ve also led acting workshops and movement and dance experiences.

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

12 Nov 2022–7 Jan 2023

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Sally Strange, Client Relationship Manager

“No trip to London is complete without a visit to the theatre and whatever your taste there is guaranteed something to tempt. And what better way to enhance your visit than to experience one of our exclusive backstage tours or to meet a member of the cast who has ‘trodden the boards’. And for those who have dreamt of ‘lights, camera, and action’, we have bespoke workshops with directors of stage and screen. In true Dream Escape style – we promise that ‘dreams really can come true’.” ⬥ sally@dreamescape.co.uk

A Christmas Carol, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic is showing at London's Old Vic Theatre

Into the Wilderness

Jump in a lake and emerge to fluffy robes and a hot toddy or dine outdoors around a blazing bonfire, winter in the UK doesn’t have to be dull if you choose the right dream escape

WORDS | ANTONIA WINDSOR

The best way to arrive at the 8,000 acre Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk is by helicopter. From the air, the autumnal colours of the sprawling grounds render the landscape in shades of gold and amber and you feel as though you might be about to embark on safari in an isolated pocket of Africa, rather than land in a genteel corner of the East of England. From above, you get a bird's-eye perspective of these ecoestates, which are threaded with three rivers. You catch the flash of blue from the manufactured freshwater lakes and the sunken swimming pool, and glimpse the thatched and tiled roofs of the luxury cottages, which are tucked away in the landscape.

Wilderness, which is a new accommodation partner for Dream Escape, started life as a rewilding project for Foxtons founder Jon Hunt. The estate agency

Georgian mansion that overlooks a broad sweep of water. It was quickly snapped up by celebrities for exclusive-hire celebrations, including the television presenter and model Alexa Chung, who celebrated her 32nd birthday there.

“After the successful renovation of Sibton Park, we began to slowly renovate the other cottages and barns on the property and Wilderness Reserve was born,” says Harry.

Working with local artisans and traditional materials, the refurbishment has been a labour of love. Oak frames, lime plasters and traditional thatch roofs, give each of the 16 properties the feeling that they have always been in the exemplary condition they are in now. Complete privacy has been ensured through the skillful design of the surroundings by landscape architect Kim Wilkie. Rivers have been moved, moats

tycoon wanted to turn the arable land surrounding his mansion – the Grade-I-listed Heveningham Hall – into a wild landscape. Slowly the family bought up more and more land, and over 28 years more than 1.5 million trees have been planted – and the planting continues at a rate of about 100,000 trees a year. As his son Harry explains: “The tourism aspect was almost accidental. As we bought up more and more of the surrounding land we found it came with existing properties, and at first we didn’t know what to do with them.”

The first property to be renovated and turned into a luxury let was Sibton Park, a grand 12-room,

dug out and wetlands created to encourage birdlife back to the area. “When we first bought the estate there were 38 bird species,” says Harry. “Now we have more than 150 different species. Birds are a key indicator of a happy habitat.”

Each of the properties has its own individual character. From one-bedroom Hex cottage, which has no electricity and requires the Aga to be stoked to heat the radiators and hot water, to airy Chapel Barn, which sleeps 38 people and has its own subterranean playground with a games room, a cinema, a gym, a sauna, a steam, two treatment rooms and

indoor golden pool.

an

‘

...Wilderness has created properties with their own private spas. “We think our spa houses are the first of their kind...” They each have a heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam and treatment room.’

“Chapel Barn is one of our spa houses,” explains Harry. “If you’ve stayed in a five-star hotel you know how awkward it is to navigate the lift and the corridors in your dressing gown.” To combat that problem Wilderness has created properties with their own private spas. “We think our spa houses are the first of their kind,” he explains. “They each have a heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam and treatment room. You can leave your room naked and walk down into the spa and have your treatment and no-one will see you.”

Although you may not want to depart from your immaculate accommodation once you’ve checked in through the old-fashioned sweet shop (and helped yourself to a candy-striped bag of sweets, of course), there is so much fun to be had in the grounds it would be churlish not to step out and explore.

Wild swimming in the lake is a must, no matter what time of year you stay. Immerse yourself in the clear fresh water and emerge to a fluffy bathrobe and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. If you’re averse to cold-water immersion, you can instead opt for a paddleboard or rowing boat to get up close to the ducks and the herons. You can also explore the grounds on Pashley bikes, sign up for some →

archery or axe throwing, learn survival techniques or dine on food cooked outdoors at one of their bonfire nights.

Dream Escape owners David and Holly recently visited for a weekend: “There’s such a relaxed vibe,” said Holly Mackie. “Wilderness is a place where you can switch off, explore, swim, bike or stroll. Kick back, indulge in delicious locally sourced cuisine or simply put the BBQ on. There is so much available but you can do as little or as much as you please. And although it isn’t easy to leave the estates, they are in a lovely location with quaint Suffolk villages to explore nearby.”

‘ Wild swimming in the lake is a must, no matter what time of year you stay. Immerse yourself in the clear fresh water and emerge to a fluffy bathrobe and a steaming cup of hot chocolate.’

WHAT TO DO AT WILDERNESS RESERVE

Dream Escape’s Owner & Director Holly Mackie shares her top activities.

Survival Training with Chuck

Just chatting to Chuck for five minutes makes you feel inspired by the local landscape. We spent a wonderful morning learning survival tips and so much more about the estate: how to light a fire, build shelters, manage the local environment and, importantly, leave no trace! Chuck's knowledge, guidance and entertaining stories make this an unmissable experience.

Exploring the Estate

A highlight was jumping on our Pashley bikes and exploring the two estates with an obligatory stop at the sweet shop. Another must-do stop is the heated pool and hot tub designed by landscape architect Kim Wilkie. It's definitely a pool with a

difference; a wonderfully secluded and peaceful place to swim under the ancient oaks.

Private Chef for Sunday Lunch

What a treat to return from Survival training to a wonderful Sunday lunch cooked by Wilderness Reserve in-house chefs. This is good food, extremely well done, with amazing Suffolk-sourced ingredients.

Wild Swimming

Wilderness Reserve’s lakes were imagined and designed over 300 years ago by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, England’s most famous landscape architect. Book a wild swimming experience and enjoy an après Whisky Mac and a bacon or vegan sausage bap to restore your body temperature.

Archery and Axe Throwing Fun and competition for all ages, this is a fabulous activity to while away an afternoon at Wilderness Reserve. We piled into the waiting Landrover Defender and embraced our inner Robin Hood, learning the basics of these sports under watchful supervision, away from any moving targets!

Fire Feast

Fire Feast is an unmissable dining experience available to all guests: wild dining under ancient tree canopies in a magical woodland clearing, white linen, sparkling lights and food grilled to perfection; what’s not to love?

Find out more

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

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Susie Little, Travel Design Manager

“Wilderness Reserve quite possibly covers the whole fairy tale from start to finish; it’s as if each unique property pops out of a different chapter. Starting with the humble yet cosy cottage, to the romantic retreat, working its way up to Sibton Park as the finale. Then the story is enhanced with archery, cycling, watersports – and throw in a private chef and gin masterclass for good measure.”

susie@dreamescape.co.uk

Meet the Maker

POWER PLAY

From playing backgammon as a child to designing bespoke backgammon boards for clients across the world, Alexandra Llewellyn is an inspiring designer and a visionary in the world of luxury, and working with her on a bespoke board or poker set is a true joy. She talks to Dream Escape about playfulness and precision…

WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON

Alexandra Llewellyn vividly remembers the first time she understood the power of play. Aged six and sitting on a dusty backstreet in Cairo with her Egyptian step-grandfather, she started playing a game of backgammon with an elderly gentleman. “He was about 90 years old, and spoke no English. And I spoke no Egyptian!” she tells me. “But that didn’t matter, because we spoke the language of backgammon and that was all we needed. That game broke down the barriers of culture and age and geography.”

Raised in a big family, where board games and competition went hand-in-hand with playful family afternoons around the fire, board-game designer Alexandra Llewellyn talks with passion and conviction about the importance of play in all of our lives.

“We all need human connection. What I do is all about bringing people together. Whether a game is competitive or just a bit of fun, it always involves laughter and joy. And then there’s the other side of it too – the tactics, the thinking, and the process of playing, which is sort of reflecting life. Take backgammon for instance – it's a game that's incredibly tactical – it’s easy to play, but the hardest game to conquer. There's this element of luck and roll of the dice which is just so reflective of life. I think that's why it's so amazing for children and families to play games. Because it’s [a] life lesson of sorts.”

Trained in fine art, with parents who designed gardens and fashion for a living, Alexandra has always had an eye for envisioning and making things, working with colour and pattern in unique ways. But it was when she set up her own business in 2010, designing and making bespoke games – backgammon →

and chess boards, poker sets, playing card decks, games tables and accessories – that she really felt she was able to fully express her creativity.

“I think what makes her work so beguiling is that these are not only beautiful objects but are also games,” says Louise Murray, Head of Product at Dream Escape. “They create memories by drawing people into play and are so much fun. Not to mention her bespoke designs, which are truly oneof-a-kind – the intimate details of these designs are sensational.”

Working within the strict geometric rules of board-game design means Alexandra has to really call on her creative skill to envision each client’s ideas, and create a piece as beautiful to look at as it is to play with. She has designed hundreds of bespoke backgammon boards, and each piece is completely different because, in the design, Alexandra brings together both her clients’ quirky and unique ideas, and her own incredible eye for something special.

She was the winner of the Walpole Brand of Tomorrow in 2017 and named Hero for Craftsmanship by Country & Town House magazine. This year cemented her position when she was included in the Walpole Power List as one of the 50 most influential people in British luxury.

Proudly designed and made in Britain and crafted with exquisite care, all pieces that Alexandra creates are true works of art, heirlooms to be treasured. Recent designs have included an

entire board dedicated to a client’s love of hippos; a collaboration with Pharrell using Martian meteorites, bringing to life a dream of being in outer space and looking down on Earth from Mars; and a board featuring DNA strands in the shape of a butterfly celebrating a husband-and-wife scientist team, who had discovered a rare mutating gene, but also discovered the cure.

“That was pretty mind-blowing,” says Alexandra, who meets every single client personally before she starts designing their board.

Designs can be highly biographical or they can be something to commemorate a special occasion, but each one is highly unique. The interview process is really important, because, for Alexandra, it is as much about understanding the client's aesthetics and taste, as it is their vision and their story.

“It’s an amazing moment for me too, because each design is like a window to someone’s world,” she says. “I want to get an overarching understanding of the person that I’m designing for... and so it's about sort of teasing the little details out, asking the right questions, knowing what to focus on. I’ll even encourage them to bombard me with pictures and ideas on WhatsApp, which all helps to build up a picture of the person that I’m designing for.”

After this meeting, Alexandra designs the piece, which can take around three to four weeks, before sending the final design to the client to approve →

Previous

page: Alexandra Llewellyn sits by Zodiac Circular Backgammon This page: Alexandra's artistry and creative process

“ I want to get an overarching understanding of the person that I’m designing for... and so it's about sort of teasing the little details out, asking the right questions, knowing what to focus on.”

or make changes to, and then the construction process begins. Alexandra chooses the materials and works with her artisans to bring the piece to life.

The skills of the team involved in making each piece is incredibly important to Alexandra. “It’s the most amazing relationship – because you learn from each other, and you push each other to do ever more wonderful things, and you can bring all those years of experience together for this one piece. Joe, who does our marquetry, said to me recently that he always tells clients that it takes 40 years to make a board, because that’s the collective wealth of experience in the team who are creating and making it.”

Alexandra’s studio is on a little cobbled mews in Belgravia, a two-minute walk from Hyde Park. You enter the mews under an archway of flowers, walking past Rachel Vosper’s studio, who makes her wonderful candles next door to Alexandra. “It’s so charming,” says Louise Murray. “By the time

you've got to the front door, you're completely seduced by the setting. It is wonderful to see Alexandra's work in person, where you can touch and feel the exquisite craft involved in all of her pieces.”

Alexandra’s showroom is a beautiful light-filled space, with carefully chosen pieces of her work, and an adjacent workshop where the boards are put together, so Dream Escape visitors can really see the whole process and discover the magic of these bespoke creations.

“It makes such a difference to see the work in person,” agrees Alexandra, who meets Dream Escape clients for exclusive mornings at her studio. “You can see and touch the work, and I can share stories of some of the pieces we’ve made and we can discuss some of your ideas and how the design process works. And all in this beautiful London space, that feels familiar and welcoming. People often say that coming here feels like coming to my house, and I love that. Because

Clockwise from left: Alexandra Llewellyn and Terry O'Neill; Butterfly-themed Collection; Geometrix Collection launched for Christmas 2022

this is at the heart of who I am. So, it’s very special to welcome people into this private space.”

Dream Escape guests can expect Alexandra to share some of her experiences of working with the likes of photographer Terry O'Neill on a beautiful new collection of limitededition photographic pieces featuring such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Bridget Bardot, Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy. And, they might also get the story behind the Geometrix board, which Alexandra has created as an

ode to architect Gio Ponti’s ceramic tiles, and features a recurring pattern of shapes and symbols realised in intricate wood marquetry in a striking denim-blue palette.

Whether you have a penchant for hippos and butterflies or modern goddesses' strands of DNA, getting a window in the beautiful world of Alexandra Llewellyn is both a privilege and a joy. And working with her to create your own bespoke piece is a deep dive into a world of luxury and creativity par excellence.

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“

dreamescape.co.uk

Holly Mackie, Owner and Director

We are particularly passionate about our private shopping experiences and supporting local artisans throughout the UK and Ireland. Alexandra Llewellyn has created the most timeless handmade products and this is a truly wonderful experience for anyone visiting London.” ⬥

holly@dreamescape.co.uk

A yearning for

YORKSHIRE

With the cathedral city of York just a two-hour train trip from London, Yorkshire is a must-visit destination, brimming with history and architectural splendour, home to a captivating countryside and an enticing gourmet scene. Whether you walk York’s medieval walls, roam the Yorkshire Dales or climb up a colossal castle, it’s a region that lingers in the heart

WORDS | KARYN NOBLE

It feels an extraordinary privilege to dine in the oldest inhabited house in York and within the only restaurant in the city that looks over its medieval walls. Spooning up butternut squash velouté with harissa and pomegranate in the Grays Court Hotel’s Bow Room, while glimpsing the city’s day trippers circling in and out of my vision, pleasant distractions abound. I’m desperate to delve into the history of the kings who have been hosted in this historic hotel, the nobles knighted in its Long Gallery, but this is just one of many delights; the entirety of Yorkshire is replete with discoveries old and new. Visit for a weekend or a week; we’ve narrowed down the must-dos while you’re in this compelling part of England’s north.

Medieval marvels in York History buffs and admirers of architecture will find York immediately enchanting, with its visually striking thick stone wall encircling the city, the Norman castle and lofty spires of 13th-century York Minster providing a dramatic skyline.

Dream Escape offers private visits of the gorgeous Gothic Minster, where a stonemasons’ tour reveals exclusive insights into its past, including the remains of a Roman basilica and gravestones of Anglo-Saxon and Viking settlements. The vertigo-averse may also take a tour of the roof and octagonal Chapter House dating from the 1280s; with its glorious vaulted ceiling, it was once used as the parliament for King Edward I in 1297.

You’ll notice many streets are called ‘gates’ here, thanks to York’s Viking past, and a great way to learn more about this is at Jorvik Viking Centre, where interactive exhibits and a timetravelling monorail transports you through the centuries to the way things were in Jorvik (the Nordic name for York) in the 9th century.

There’s just as much history and architecture to absorb while exploring York’s plethora of independent shops. Don’t miss The Shambles, York’s oldest street, which is a wonderful example of preserved timber-framed buildings with jettied floors hanging high over the cobblestones below – one of the best medieval shopping strips in Europe. For more medieval magic, there’s a hidden townhouse called Barley Hall, not

discovered until the 1980s during a demolition, which was restored to its former glory by the York Archaeological Trust in 1987. It is believed to have the only horn window in England, and the immersive displays and exhibits offer a real sense of what it was like to live in medieval England.

If you only have time for one dining experience in York, it must be Bettys. This historic café and tea rooms has been going strong since 1919 and has five outlets in Yorkshire. Deservedly popular, Bettys in York has an exquisite afternoon tea that can be booked in the Belmont Room, where you’ll be serenaded by a pianist while enjoying dainty sandwiches, scones and Fat Rascals (a Yorkshire speciality, a little like a rock cake and Bettys’ best-selling item). →

Countryside culture, cycling and hiking

Yorkshire is not just rich in history but also in literature. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture out to West Yorkshire to the wild moors and windswept heather of Brontë country, so named as it’s the inspiration for the classic novels by the Brontë sisters, including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre Brontë enthusiasts can visit the village of Haworth where the sisters were brought up, in the lovingly preserved Brontë Parsonage Museum.

A little further north are the lush valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, where you could hire a bike to cycle Malham Tarn (or the adventurous might like to take on the Malham Cove climb, to see an extraordinary curving natural limestone amphitheatre). A hike to Scale Haw Force, a waterfall on Hebden Beck, will also reward with its natural beauty. Further north Swinner Gill is another wild waterfall in the remote village of Keld.

Cavernous castles, manors and abbeys

Yorkshire is also an idyllic setting to explore grand country estates, such as the 18th-century Harewood House, which has one of the finest art collections in Britain; the beautiful English baroque beauty of Castle Howard; or the Grade-Ilisted 19th-century Gothic glory of Allerton Castle. Dream Escape arrange VIP castle tours, as well as private tours of Nunnington Hall, a charming manor house with highprofile art and photography exhibitions.

The largest Cistercian abbey ruins in England also happens to be in Yorkshire: Fountains Abbey is incredible to explore and one could easily spend a day at this World Heritage Site, with its 18th-century Georgian water gardens (Studley Royal), medieval monastery and 400-acre deer park. And if one awesome abbey is not enough, there’s Rievaulx Abbey founded in 1132 as the first Cistercian abbey to be established in the north of England. →

‘ A hike to Scale Haw Force, a waterfall on Hebden Beck, will also reward with its natural beauty. Further north Swinner Gill is another wild waterfall in the remote village of Keld. ’

First page: Steam train crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct Left to right: A street scene from the historical city of York with York Minster in the background; Fountatins Abbey owned by the National Trust; Swinner Gill Waterfall, Keld

Gourmet getaways

If Michelin-starred destination dining is on your to-do list, then Yorkshire won’t disappoint. Book ahead for acclaimed chef Tommy Banks’ The Black Swan at Oldstead, which also has nine luxurious rooms on the edge of the atmospheric North York Moors. For something more central, try his sister restaurant Roots York in its namesake city, with tasting menus also awarded one Michelin star. Over in the North Yorkshire Dales, it’s The Angel Inn at Hetton that offers sumptuous stays along with Michelin-starred menus (it received a star just 12 months after opening in 2018), and the accolades continue with chef patron Michael Wignall crowned 2022 Chef of the Year and the venue was named Gastropub of the Year by the National Restaurant Awards for the second time.

Ensure you plan enough time to pick up some delectable souvenirs from the region. A visit to Wensleydale Creamery (home of the famous crumbly Wensleydale cheese, also a favourite of the British comedy claymation creations Wallace & Gromit!) is a must for tutored tastings and artisan hampers.

Clockwise from left: Yorkshire countryside and village; The Shambles, a medieval street preserved in the heart of York; The Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey

Follow it up with a Black Sheep Brewery tour to sample some of the region’s award-winning craft beer. Its new (launched April 2022) first-ever carbon-neutral cask beer called Respire, a Session IPA, is full of juicy fruits and citrus notes. And while you’re in Yorkshire, it goes without saying that you should try a Yorkshire Pudding, some treacly-ginger Parkin cake and rhubarb from the county’s Rhubarb Triangle; all delicious regional specialities.

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Contact the team at Dream Escape... dreamescape.co.uk

WHERE TO STAY

Grantley Hall

For a glorious getaway in the Yorkshire Dales, this luxury hotel and wellness retreat is home to Michelin-starred restaurant Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, as well as the Three Graces Spa.

Grays Court Hotel

This boutique, family-run hotel has delightful views of York’s medieval walls and is mere moments from York Minster. Its Bow Room restaurant is the only restaurant in York with 3 AA rosettes.

The Grand Hotel

A luxurious 5-star experience, and winner of Hotel of the Year 2022 at the Catey Awards, this Grade-IIlisted building set in former railway quarters is a few minutes’ walk from York’s train station.

Broughton Hall

An astounding 3000-acre historic estate in the Yorkshire Dales, the Grade-I-listed Broughton Hall is available for exclusive use and dates back to 1597, resplendent with 18thcentury formal gardens.

Louise Murray, Head of Product

“Having been at school in Yorkshire it is always a pleasure to return to this beautiful county. I love wandering down the Shambles or popping into the Minster to hear the choir sing. It’s magical. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors offer a fabulous day out with spectacular scenery. Hike with our guides, spend time with a local shepherd or simply enjoy exploring the quaint market towns before rounding off your day with dinner in a cosy traditional pub.” ⬥ louise@dreamescape.co.uk

Meet the Chef

Interview with Mark Donald

has worked under some of the world’s top chefs, and now the spotlight is firmly on chef Mark Donald. His innovative cuisine served up at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant has earned him a Michelin star and, more recently, Scotland’s first in-distillery fine-dining restaurant was awarded 4 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence

WORDS | ANNABEL MACKIE

Passion, produce, provenance and a splash of playfulness are the key ingredients that run through the innovative and imaginative tasting menu served by chef Mark Donald at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, located in the heart of the Perthshire countryside in central Scotland.

And within just seven months of the restaurant opening its doors in 2021, Glasgow-born Mark Donald proved that this is a winning formula when he was awarded a Michelin star.

Situated at the Glenturret Distillery, widely considered to be Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery dating back to 1763 (and recently bought

by the luxury French crystal house, Lalique), Donald serves his multicourse gastronomic experience in a beautiful six-table dining room overlooking the tumbling waters of River Turret and surrounded by green pastures and hilly peaks.

Donald has impeccable culinary credentials, having held positions at some of the world’s finest Michelinstarred restaurants including Noma, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Hibiscus London and, most recently, Number One at the Balmoral in Edinburgh.

In a candid interview for Dream Escape, chef Donald tells Annabel Mackie about the wonderful Scottish produce at his fingertips, his culinary inspiration and how he likes to inject some humour into his menu. →

He

Previous page: Mark Donald Clockwise from left: Bisqueit; The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, an exclusive jewel-box dining room; 10 Years Old Peat Smoked Whisky Caramels; The Tattie Scone, Black Truffle, Baerii Caviar.

“ I use foraged mushrooms from the banks of the River Turret and wild garlic, pears and quince from my own garden.”

How did you feel when you heard you’d won the Michelin star?

Retaining the star (when he was at the helm at the Balmoral) was great, but this felt different and meant a lot more to me as we’d built the restaurant and concept from scratch. It felt more earned. Do you use a lot of local produce?

I’ve made a lot of great local connections since I moved up here. My neighbour provides the honey, we get our game from Castle Game, Wagyu beef from

Highland Wagyu (Bridge of Allan), fish from David Lowrie in Edinburgh, scallops from Orkney and herbs from Tomnah’a Market Garden just down the road. I use foraged mushrooms from the banks of the River Turret and wild garlic, pears and quince from my own garden. Do you think diners are more educated now?

Absolutely. I think that it has a lot to do with all the cooking shows such as MasterChef, Great British Menu and

Bake Off: The Professionals, where people are jumping through hoops to make amazing centrepieces. People are more aware of what to expect and they want to be wowed. If I was to pay £100-plus per head for a meal, I would expect it to be amazing. Not just the diners are more educated, so are the cooks. They have so much information in the palm of their hand (mobile). And I think, like me, that once they’ve worked abroad you realise that the Scottish produce you have at your fingertips is better than good. It is unmatched, sometimes. I have guys in my kitchen from Spain, France, Sardinia, Greece and when they see the langoustines and the scallops come in, they’re blown away. You’ve worked for some of the world’s top chefs. Who has inspired you the most?

All of them for different reasons. When I was doing my internship at Noma in Copenhagen in 2010 The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards had just made them the number one restaurant in the world. So I knew I was in a special place and chef Rene (Redzepi) had such a clear vision and definitive conceptualisation of everything he did. When I worked under Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles it was all about learning the fundamentals of cooking at a high standard, and Claude (Bosi) at Hibiscus was such a visionary of putting flavours together, even the simplest of ones.

Do you accommodate different dietaries at Glenturret?

Yes, I offer the lot. When you book, you’re asked whether you have any dietary requirements. Catering for all the dietaries when I worked at Bentley restaurant (Sydney) helped me to →

recalibrate my cooking, so I am now able to better cater for them.

So, guests then get the same experience?

For sure. You are paying the same amount of money, so you should. Some of the kitchens I’ve worked in, the replacement is just the meat taken off the plate. So, if you’re vegetarian, or have an allergy, you instantly feel you’re an afterthought and that is just due to lazy chefs. For me one of the reasons I

pushed myself to do the dietaries is that it has unlocked a different way of cooking and allowed me to discover things that

I probably wouldn’t have done. For example, I have a coeliac-friendly and egg-free ravioli on my menu.

You like to inject some humour into some of your dishes, don’t you?

I’ve always been a bit of a joker. I had a regular at Bentley who loved Glasgow and I made him a deep-fried pizza and wrapped it in newspaper! On my menu,

I have added humour with the likes of the Tattie Scone, Lobster Bisque-it, The Snack a Jacques and the Sweetie Box. How much of a free rein were you given to create the menu?

I can do whatever I want at Glenturret. Although it’s still an 'occasion' restaurant I don’t want people to feel nervous about coming somewhere so fancy. I want people to relax and enjoy the experience. When I came here, I was very worried that it was going to be a carbon copy of

“

I’ve always been a bit of a joker. I had a regular at Bentley who loved Glasgow and I made him a deep-fried pizza and wrapped it in newspaper!”

Clockwise from above: Mark Donald; The Glenturret Lalique bar, where the intricate cocktail list ranges from revisited classics to eclectic creations; Cumbrae oysters, kipper, dashi; Langoustine, buttermilk, Daurenki Tsar Imperial caviar

the (Lalique) restaurants in France. I was given all the crystalware, the linen, the porcelain. They are stunning but I‘ve also added some of my own touches, such as the stoneware dishes I got from an Edinburgh ceramicist and the use of a barley ‘grist’ box to present a dish. How have you incorporated The Glenturret whisky?

When I first heard about the job, I immediately thought of I’d be making shortbread and haggis bon bons! I knew, however, I needed to smash people’s expectations and mine too. So, the team and I spent time learning about the processes involved and tasting the whiskies.

We then played around with the sugary barley water and realised it could taste like treacle, so that’s what we put on the malted barley loaf we serve. We’ve also made a barley soya sauce in aged peat-smoked whisky barrels, a barley miso to marinate meats and fish, and whisky is used in some of the puddings.

Is a second star your next goal? I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. It would be nice but it’s not the only reason I get

out of bed in the morning. I get out of bed as I love to cook. I think the reason why Michelin is so revered is that it seems to be peerless and fair.

In an industry where you put in so much and get so little back, having this affirmation and confirmation of what you are doing is right is so important. It’s the food Oscars. It’s great to win, especially when the guys in kitchen are slogging it out for 17 hours a day. I don’t want to make achieving a second star my only mission, as I think that’s dangerous. You can go down a dark road when the Guide comes out and you don’t get it. I’ve worked for two-star chefs, I’ve cooked for them and run their kitchen, so I would be lying if I said I didn’t want the accolade but it’s not the reason why I cook. What advice would you give young chefs?

Become a carpenter (laughs)! No, I think of the many times when I was a junior in kitchens and I had wild ideas of things I wanted to do. I wanted to be better the whole time. It’s good to be driven and I think you should always dream big.

The Glenturret Lalique, Restuarant

Review by Annabel Mackie

Snowcapped peaks and the green pastures of the glorious Perthshire countryside set the scene for my arrival to The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant.

Bypassing the cluster of whitewashed stone whiskey-processing warehouses at Glenturret Distillery, I made my way to the elegant dining room, where my eyes were immediately drawn to the two eye-catching Lalique maple leaf chandeliers.

A welcome Glenn Fizz cocktail was slightly sweet due to addition of sweet cicely that is foraged from the surrounding woodland. Foraging is an integral element to Donald’s dishes, and wild garlic, morels and edible flowers all made an appearance.

The ocean was very well presented on the tasting menu with notable mentions being the Spoot, the local name for an Orcadian razor clam, and the langoustine ceviche with a rich sauce of green matcha tea and cucumber juice. Committed carnivores won’t be disappointed either, with the satisfying tranches of tender Sika deer beautifully matched with a hay-smoked celeriac and tart quince deserving special mention.

Other standout dishes were the Blood Orange amuse-bouche stuffed with Crowdie cream cheese, which I was encouraged to eat whole to benefit from the entire flavour and textual experience. And the Scallop Kedgeree, a meaty barbecued scallop that sat on a bed of Thai Kaffir lime-leaf-flavoured curry rice that packed a punch.

Last, but certainly not least, were the puddings. With a nod to Asia, the Crème

Fraiche Sherbet with pomelo and local honey deserved praise for its unusual Eastmeets-West combination, while the layers of the Maracaibo Mille-Feuille infused with Green Coffee and Glenturret Triple Wood were delicate but richly flavoured.

Leave room for The Sweet Box, a bespoke mahogany box with secret compartments stuffed full of whisky-infused chocolate and delectable confetti-coloured edible creations.

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT:

The Grand, York

In a city bursting with historic landmarks and culinary experiences – York’s only five-star hotel provides a home away from home filled with exceptional service and rich heritage

The award-winning hotel, The Grand, York is housed in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, formerly the North Eastern Railway Headquarters, and offers guests a unique approach to inclusive luxury. A destination for memorable experiences and unforgettable service, The Grand delivers the finest of Yorkshire hospitality, from locally sourced food and beverage to bespoke experiential packages.

The hotel has 207 bedrooms across two varying styles. One, traditional and lending itself to old-world Edwardian charm and the other, a contemporary twist on the hotel’s railway past.

Set in the hotel’s atmospheric former vaults, is the secluded and tranquil escape of The Spa. This space offers the ideal backdrop to relax and rejuvenate after exploring the historic city of York. The skilled therapists offer an array of treatments and packages for guests to enjoy a complete restful stay. Choose from a relaxing swim or spend time in the Nordic dry sauna, as well an abundance of other facility options such as a Spa whirlpool, Relaxation Lounge and Gym.

With a wealth of staycation experiences available to

enjoy, The Grand have truly thought of all their guests at every point throughout the journey. From relaxing spa stays and gourmet getaways to stargazing in the York Moors with hot coco, there’s an indulgent and experiential break to suit every guest’s need.

Boasting an award-winning Concierge team that is fit for to welcome Royalty, the hotel is ready to cater to all your wishes. Immerse yourself in the city and unlock its true beauty with private sightseeing tours organised by the team. From a five-star valet arrival, all the way through to your departure, a dedicated helping hand is always available to offer a true Yorkshire smile.

Having been awarded ‘Best Afternoon Tea’ by 2022 Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence, as well as The Rise Restaurant claiming an AA Rosette, it’s clear that the excellence in quality of food and beverage runs deeply throughout the hotel.

The Rise Restaurant Terrace & Bar creates an immersive and social dining experience for guests each evening, committed to serving the best seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, the menu offers a Yorkshire twist on British favourites from our expert chefs. If an afternoon treat is something you seek, take

in stunning views of the city walls as you indulge in the best contemporary take on Afternoon Tea in York, with optional Prosecco, Champagne and Gin & Tonic upgrades – perfect for special occasions.

In August 2022, York’s only five-star hotel launched Legacy, a brand new fine-dining restaurant offering an iconic eight-course tasting menu with pairing wine flights. Legacy elevates the hotel’s focus on modern British cuisine with a refined menu made up of a carefully curated collaboration of flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Seasonality, sustainability and locality is at the core of the restaurant’s belief and direction.

The Grand is keen to pass on the culinary knowledge and skills from its chefs to their guests too. Having opened The Cookery School in 2019, the experience has become extremely popular with hotel guests and locals alike. The Cookery School is designed for novice and aspiring chefs, with classes inspired by cuisine from around the world.

Built on both history and heritage; The Grand is the perfect place to visit to indulge in life’s finer things. Guests are guaranteed an exceptional experience filled with elegance and relaxation. Create unforgettable memories at York’s finest hotel.

1Visit a Chocolatier

What would Christmas be without boxes of delectable chocolates and sweet treats?

Enjoy a guided gourmet chocolate tasting, learn about the world of cacao and browse the gift shops. Discover chocolates at many UK boutique outlets, from The Highland Chocolatier to Rococo Chocolates in Belgravia.

TOP 10

CHRISTMAS experiences

2EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS IN THE WIZARDING WORLD

Winter has officially arrived in the wizarding world, with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter undergoing a festive makeover. Explore the famous sets from the Harry Potter franchise and delight at the Yuletide touches, including Christmas trees, decorations and a replica festive feast. Bewitching Diagon Alley looks especially frosty with a decorative

dusting of snow on its twee cobbles and shopfronts. Elsewhere in the studio you can see roaring fires and piles of presents in the Gryffindor Common Room and the Boys' Dormitory. Even the impressive Hogwarts Castle model is covered in a dusting of snow. The atmospheric Forbidden Forest has also been given a special seasonal makeover, with glistening snow draped across the haunting trees. Wander through a series of animatronics, costumes and special effects that bring scenes from the movies to life. ⬥

Enjoy a Christmas

3Carriage

ride in Richmond Park

Glide like royalty through Richmond Park on a special Christmas carriage ride. Festive music will play as your group is pulled along by the same horses that were responsible for transporting the Queen's memoriam flowers from Green Park to Kensington Gardens. Snuggle under a cosy blanket and enjoy sloe gin and a mince pie as you steadily traverse a wintery landscape – including falling snow if you’re lucky.

4GO OUT AFTER DARK TO SEE THE ILLUMINATIONS

Across the UK and Ireland there is an array of immersive light trails that are sure to spark Christmas joy. Marvel at show-stopping lights and illuminations at Kew Gardens and feast on festive street food. Walk the enchanting Christmas trail at Leeds Castle and watch carefully choreographed light installations, perfectly timed to a seasonal soundtrack. Learn about The Magic of Life while enjoying Ireland's Wild Lights festive display in Dublin, or head over to see Wonderlights at Malahide Castle. Arouse your senses with millions of sparkling lights and Yuletide music filling the crisp winter air at Blenheim Palace. Make sure to also get a festive family snap in front of the tallest living Christmas tree at Glow Wild in West Sussex. ⬥

5Enjoy a London Festive Cracker Experience

London is pure magic in the holiday season, so why not hop on a special seasonal tour and get ready for Christmas in style? Walk through the glittering displays in the West End, make your own decorations, and sample traditional food and drink.

6TAKE A FESTIVE MASTERCLASS

Master a craft this Christmas and head over to the World Heritage Site, the Tower of London to learn how to create a decorative Christmas festive wreath to proudly hang at home.

Over at Heckfield Place, shake off festive excesses and plunge into icy waters with a spot of guided cold-water swimming in the pristine lake. Post-swim, be sure to join their spirited whisky trail or mix up perfect Christmas cocktails in a boozy masterclass.

Christmas at the 5-star Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast includes festive wreath-making workshops and feasting on seasonal afternoon tea, with Christmas songs and carols performed by the Bangor Ladies Choir.

Join us in Bath, the only city in the UK to be a designated World Heritage Site in its entirety, to combine a memorable experience with a great gift. Here, we take Dream Escape guests to visit a glassblowing workshop, where you can choose to watch the artists at work, or learn how to shape, heat and blow yourself.

National Trust properties in Wales will also host festive workshops and classes in December. Learn snowflake embroidery in Tredegar House in Newport and craft a wreath from foraged forest materials at Llanerchaeron. ⬥

7GLIDE INTO A WINTER OASIS

Ice skating at Somerset House is an essential festive activity for all the family. The neoclassical courtyard is transformed into a splendid, open-air ice-skating destination at Christmas. Enjoy contemporary music, glittering decorations and a post-skate glass of fizz at the Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon.

Glide at Battersea Power Station is London’s newest and only riverside open-air ice rink in the capital. Skate alongside the Thames over three interconnecting rinks surrounded by Christmas lights and a towering 30-foot Christmas tree. While in Ireland, the popular ice rink and light trail returns to Fota House and Gardens, Cork. ⬥

8CATCH A CHRISTMAS PLAY

Nothing could be more festive than watching the ultimate Christmas classic, Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker with dancing snowflakes and the famous sugarplum fairy. This historic twoact ballet opens at Woking New Victoria Theatre and then departs on a multi-theatre tour to dazzle audiences with ballet prowess.

In Northern Ireland, The Magic of Christmas concert is being performed by the Ulster Orchestra and Belfast Philharmonic Choir at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

For another unforgettable Christmas experience head to the Grand Opera House, Belfast to experience the magic of pantomine – and where this year the much-loved classic Cinderella hits the stage. ⬥

Stay for Christmas in a beautifully decorated luxury hotel

Treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas stay at Grade-I-listed Bamburgh Castle and enjoy an opulent festive wonderland like no other. During the joyous holiday season, the castle is filled with festive theatrical sets and lighting, fabulous floral displays and gleaming decorations.

In Dublin, only steps away from Christmas shopping on Grafton Street and the Christmas lights, stay at The Shelbourne, which offers a glittering array of festive dining options, or stay in an Irish castle. Ashford Castle is where children can enjoy a Santa's Grotto Festive Lunch that includes a magical visit to meet Santa.

The Goring also offers a plush Christmas break, with deluxe decorations and a gourmet festive feast carefully created by Executive Chef Richard Galli.

9IMAGES © MIKE MARSLAND / PAUL GROVER / RICHARD HAUGHTON / BLENHEIM PALACE / GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO / SOLID CREATIVES / OWEN HARVEY / STUART BOULTON / CHRIS LACEY

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10ENJOY MULLED WINE AND SHOPPING FOR SPECIAL GIFTS AT A CHRISTMAS MARKET

Across the UK and Ireland, many cities and towns will also host a range of jolly Christmas markets packed with decorated stalls and tempting food vans.

Over in the spa city of Bath, artisan stalls and Christmas carts line the grand streets with all manner of gifts and handcrafted items. You will find festive eats and treats at the Waddesdon Manor Christmas market too. Browse charming stalls housed in wooden chalets and buy a range of crafts and chocolates. Warm up with a mulled wine or a festive hot drink as you shop.

Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre, with stunning views of the city’s dramatic skyline, Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument, you will find Edinburgh’s Christmas Market (named the best in Europe by National Geographic in 2022). Discover a wonderful range of gifts and delicious Scottish fare.

Or soak up the sparkly atmosphere and Yuletide spirit at the traditional Winterval Christmas Market in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city – transformed into a magical wonderland at Christmas. ⬥

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

dreamescape.co.uk

Annika Busam, Travel Design Manager

"For me, Christmas is the most magical time to relax, enjoy and celebrate. It is such a special time of the year where family and friends come together to celebrate. We are thrilled to showcase some of our favourite and truly unique winter experiences, for all ages to enjoy, which are sure to get you into the festive spirit.”

annika@dreamescape.co.uk

KINDRED SPIRITS

From heritage distilleries to family makers and new crafters, the UK and Ireland are brimming with master blenders and unique spirits that are raising the bar. With creativity, legacy and sustainability at their core, these distilleries are well worth hitting the road for...

WORDS | JANE FREEMAN

SILENT POOL

Situated on the Albury Estate in the heart of the Surrey Hills, the distillery sits adjacent to its namesake, The Silent Pool, a tranquil body of water that dates back to the Ice Age. Distilled from 24 different botanicals, which are collected where possible from the local area, Silent Pool Gin uses Bosnian juniper berries, liquorice root, cassia bark, orris and bergamot, alongside honey sourced from a neighbouring beekeeper, in its secret recipe. The distillers work closely with local farms and fruit producers in the area and uses their leftover fruit to make limitededition small-batch gins, including Blackberry and Damson Gin, Apricot Aperitivo, and Greengage Gin. ⬥

ADNAMS SOUTHWOLD

Situated on the picturesque Southwold coast in East Suffolk, Adnams have been brewing beer for over 150 years. This family-run firm was the first brewery to be legally allowed to open a distillery in 2005. And within six months, The Copper House was producing award-winning spirits, such as Copper House Dry Gin, which carried off ‘The World’s Best Gin’ trophy in 2013. The Adnams distillery tour is a must. ⬥

HENLEY DISTILLERY

A recent addition to the UK distillery family, The Henley Distillery was founded in 2021 by 28-year-old Master Distiller Jacob Wilson. Headquartered from a restored threshing barn just outside Henley-on-Thames, its smallbatch, single-shot sipping gins have already bagged a number of industry accolades. One of only a handful of distilleries in the UK owned and run by a Master Distiller, The Henley Distillery range includes the multiple award-winning Henley Gin Classic Dry – giving a contemporary twist on a London Dry; and The Henley Gin Oriental Spiced – a complex blend of rich spices inspired by the Silk Road. Guests see the distillery in action, learn about the history of gin and, of course, taste several of the gins before creating a bottle of their very own using a mini copper still and choosing from a library of over 100 botanicals. ⬥

SILVER CIRCLE

This Welsh distillery in the Monmouthshire village of Catbrook has a craft spirit range that includes the award-winning Silver Circle Aquavit, Wye Valley Gin, Black Garlic Vodka, and its Botanical Vodka No.1. The distillery recently opened a new tasting room and shop in the heart of Chepstow, providing the perfect place to savour the fine range of Silver Circle’s spirits. The shop offers gin taster boards, make-your-own-gin experiences, and tutored tasting sessions. ⬥

SALCOMBE GIN

Salcombe Gin cofounders Howard Davies and Angus Lugsdin met some 20 years ago when they were teaching sailing locally. The company was born out of their love for gin and their desire to start a local business. Success came quickly and today The Boathouse is home to the mighty Provident still and bar, which overlooks the water. Made with hand-sourced ingredients and water from Dartmoor, there are several varietals, including the award-winning Start Point. ⬥

BERRY BROS & RUDD

By appointment to the late Queen and King Charles III, London’s Berry Bros & Rudd specialise in only the finest and most fascinating spirits. It has a history dating back to 1698 , and visitors may enjoy tastings at their leisure. Experiences include a luxurious lunch or dinner to complement the tasting in one of their finest of spaces, such as the William and Mary Townhouse and Sussex Cellar at 3 St James’ St, one of London's premier addresses. ⬥

BOATYARD DISTILLERY

This award-winning farm-to-bottle distillery on the banks of Lough Erne in Enniskillen was founded in 2013 by Joe McGirr in a disused boatyard near his brother Joe’s farm, who harvests the native botanical sweet gale (aka bog myrtle), which, along with juniper berries, helps give Boatyard spirits their unique taste and provenance. Boatyard Double Gin is the signature brand, which takes its name from the double contact with juniper berries, giving it a uniquely floral and citrus sweet taste. Tasting tours will acquaint you with the full range, including Boatyard Vodka, Old Tom Gin, Sloe Boat Gin and Winter Solstice Gin. ⬥

ISLE OF BARRA

The most westerly distillery in Scotland, the Isle of Barra Distillers makes an Atlantic Gin infused with a key botanical – carrageen seaweed, which the brand is now famed for. In 2022, the distillery launched its first Island Dark Rum – strong, bold and rustic, much like the rocky east coastline, with a finish as smooth as the fine golden sands found on the west side of the island. ⬥

COLWITH FARM DISTILLERY

Cornwall’s only single-estate distillery is founded on five generations of farming and produces award-winning vodka and gin. Unlike distilleries that buy in mass-produced ethanol, Colwith makes everything from scratch, using potatoes grown on their family farm to create their Aval Dor (Cornish for potato) spirits sustainably. Its range of gins use a range of botanicals, including

fresh lemon balm, rosemary and bay leaves, picked from the family’s grandmother's garden. This summer, Colwith launched the UK’s first ploughto-bottle vodka school, where guests can make their own bespoke vodka from Cornish potatoes. Guests are invited to craft, blend and fill their own 70cl bottle with flavoured Cornish vodka to take home, using a blend of botanicals to their taste.

Alongside its vodka school, Colwith also offers gin experiences, tutored tastings and distillery tours. ⬥

IMAGES

© KRYSTIAN KRZEWINSKI / JOHN PORTLOCK / COPYRIGHT DONAL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

PEARSE LYONS

Pearse Lyons Distillery in The Liberties area of Dublin is situated in a deconsecrated old church, St James, which is only a hop, skip and a jump from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, so the company here is convivial. Specialising in high-end whiskey and gin, one of the many highlights here is The Gin School. It's set in the distillery’s nearby early-20th-century townhouses, and students select their favourite botanicals to create a bespoke blend of gin in their own copper pot still, which they then bottle with a personalised label. ⬥

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

dreamescape.co.uk

Sarah Butler, Marketing Executive

"Visiting craft distillers is a wonderful way to sample our fabulous destinations. Local influences and flavours ranging from woodland botanicals and foraged coastal berries to Christmas pudding and smoked honey will tempt even the most traditional gin lover. My favourite tipple would have to be an Adnams Orange and Sea Buckthorn gin enjoyed in the beautiful town of Aldeburgh on the Suffolk coast. Cheers! ⬥

sarah@dreamescape.co.uk

Dream Escape Winter in

PERTHSHIRE

getaway

WORDS | LUCY GILLMORE

In the depths of winter, Perthshire turns into a Narnia-style wonderland of frost-fringed pine forests and snowcapped mountains. Rivers rush frothy and brown, granite-grey lochs are swollen with meltwater, and waterfalls freeze into spear-like shards. The natural landscape is wild and untamed, but below the frozen peaks there are pockets of prettiness, tranquil glens and quaint villages where you can hole up with an artisan-roasted flat white or dram of whisky beside a roaring fire in a local pub.

Dark nights drawing in also add drama to the region's fairy-tale castles, ruined cathedrals and rich clan history; the big names here: Murray, Robertson and Menzies. There's even a palace.

From Robert the Bruce to Charles II, Scotland's kings were crowned for centuries on the Stone of Destiny (now housed in Edinburgh Castle) at Scone Palace just outside the capital, Perth.

A River runs through it

The Tay is Scotland's longest river and one of the most famous salmon fishing beats in the country. On its banks you'll find a peppering of pretty villages and vibrant market towns, home to butchers, bakers and smoked-salmon makers... These country hubs have an abundance of wildly creative artisan producers.

In the little town of Aberfeldy, alongside The Watermill – an independent book store, gallery and café in a converted mill – and Homer, a country-chic interiors shop, there's Birks Cinema, an Art Deco community filmhouse. The town has a whisky distillery, Dewars, on the doorstep, Glen Lyon Coffee, an artisan roastery and café, the Ballintaggart gourmet farm shop and, nearby, the Highland Chocolatier for exquisite, handmade, award-winning truffles. From the centre of town you can walk to the Birks of Aberfeldy, the spectacular waterfall made famous by →

For gift-wrapped fairy-tale castles and snowflake-dusted escapism, Highland Perthshire is the perfect winter

18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns –his statue sits on a bench looking over the gorge; 'The braes ascend like lofty wa's The foaming stream deep-roaring fa's, O'erhung wi' fragrant spreading shawsThe birks of Aberfeldy'

A short drive away, the picturesque village of Dunkeld with its ruined medieval cathedral overlooking the Tay was once an important ecclesiastical centre. The relics of St Columba were moved here from Iona to protect them from Viking raids. Today, its whitewashed cottages, many restored by the National Trust for Scotland, house cute cafés and galleries, the atmospheric Scottish Deli, and TV's The Great British Bake Off semi-finalist Flora Sneddon's Scandi chic bakery Aran for gourmet pastries and the best flat white in Perthshire.

There's also a traditional, smokehouse, established over 30 years ago to smoke anglers' fish, and a great pub. The Taybank on the riverbank, is famous for its traditional Scottish music, log fires and gastropub dining. Here the literary

Previous page: Straloch Estate's Wild Picnic experience in remote Lunch Hut; Clockwise from left: The Queen’s View, which overlooks Loch Tummel; Loch Turret near Crieff; Kenmore Village

connections include children's author, Beatrix Potter, who spent her childhood summers nearby – there is an exhibition of her life and stories in the Birnam Arts Centre.

Fit for a King Leaping straight out of the pages of a fairytale, Blair Castle, historically the home of the Dukes of Atholl, the head of Clan Murray, is a white-turreted confection and the gatekeeper to the Scottish Highlands for over 700 years. Key figures in Scottish history have bedded down here, including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with the estate's archivist as well as 4WD safaris on the estate.

Location Hunter

If you are a fan of Diana Gabaldon's swashbuckling historical blockbuster, Outlander and fancy following in the footsteps of time-travelling heroine Claire Randall and her kilt-clad lover Jamie Fraser, Perthshire ticks a lot of

boxes. Dream Escape's set-jetting experiences swing by Abercairny Estate, which features as Aunt Jocasta’s plantation River Run, for a Land Rover tour and lunch in the converted stables. Other pit stops include Faskally Wood from the Mohican village scenes, Tibbermore Church used as the location for the Witch trial, and Drummond Castle Gardens.

Dating back to 1490, the castle itself is not open to the public but the spectacular 17th-century formal gardens are – and are so impressive they doubled as Versailles in the series.

Highland Safaris

One of the best ways to explore this magnificent landscape is to head off-road. Highland Safaris, based on a 250,000-acre estate, takes you up into the hills, the vehicle stocked with hats and handwarmers, hot drinks, shortbread and a warming dram along with binoculars to scour the hillsides for grazing red deer, shy mountain hares, or golden eagles soaring overhead. You'll learn about the history and geology of the area while gazing

down from a rustic mountain bothy towards Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel.

If you would rather take the wheel, Dream Escape can organise a Land Rover experience at Butterstone Loch near Dunkeld. You can spend a half-day or full day tackling challenging terrain, traversing steep inclines, deep water and rocky slopes – with lunch overlooking the loch.

Another Perthshire property offering bespoke wilderness experiences is Straloch Estate. This year the 3,000-acre estate launched Wild Picnics, gourmet feasts in a remote Lunch Hut. The cabin is decorated with fairy lights and candles, a log-burner and sheepskin-scattered benches, making it a cosy hideaway at the end of the long hike up into the hills – or 30-minute off-road journey in one of the estate's Land Rovers. The table is laid with homemade pies and puddings and warming soups and hearty venison stews rustled up by the estate's chef.

The estate's owners welcome Dream Escape clients in their house with a glass of Champagne before taking them up to the bothy. →

‘

One of the best ways to explore this magnificent landscape is to head off-road... hot drinks, shortbread and a warming dram along with binoculars to scour the hillsides for grazing red deer, shy mountain hares, or golden eagles soaring overhead.’

Winter walking Perthshire has good reason to dub itself 'Big Tree Country' – the landscape is blanketed with 200,000 acres of planted woodland. The great 19th-century seed collector and botanist David Douglas, in fact, was born in Perthshire and was responsible for introducing many new tree species to Scotland, including the Douglas Fir, named in his honour following planthunting expeditions around the world for the Royal Horticultural Society.

Dream Escape will organise a local guide to help you explore the walking trails, 58km of waymarked paths radiating out from the mighty River Tay, through shaded woodlands and forestry along the river banks, climbing steep hillsides for panoramic views.

Whisky galore

For a wee dram, there's Dewar's in Aberfeldy, Blair Athol and Edradour (the smallest distillery in the country) in pretty Pitlochry and, on the outskirts of Crieff, you'll find Scotland's oldest working distillery, Glenturret. Dating back to 1763 and overlooking the River Turret, the distillery still produces small-batch handcrafted malts 250 years later. It now also has a gourmet Lalique restaurant, which opened in 2021. The sparkling contemporary glass-fronted dinneronly restaurant has just six tables, two spectacular five-tier Lalique chandeliers and a multicourse gastronomic tasting menu. Dream Escape can organise private whisky tastings at the distillery.

Where to Stay Gleneagles

Gleneagles is the grand dame of Scottish resort hotels, nicknamed 'a Riviera in the Highlands' when it first opened in 1924. It is wellknown for its golf, of course, with three championship courses to its name, but, cradled by an 850-acre country estate, there's a whole host of outdoor pursuits on offer, from trout and salmon fishing to claypigeon shooting, gun-dog scurries, falconry, mountain biking, hiking and horse riding. The hotel has 205 luxurious, classically designed

rooms and 28 sumptuous suites. Its culinary credentials are equally impressive, the line up including The Strathearn – finedining Franco-Scottish style in an elegant wood-panelled dining room – and the more intimate two-Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant for a gastronomic tasting menu. More relaxed dining is also available in The Birnam (an American-Italian grill) and the Dormy in the clubhouse.

There are two indoor pools, an outdoor thermal pool, a gym and a glamorous destination spa.

Left to right: 5-star luxury hotel, spa and golf resort, Gleneagles; Outdoor firepit with views at Dun Aluinn – luxury 5-star exclusiveuse accommodation

IMAGES © VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM / CRIEFF SUCCEEDS / DAMIAN SHIELDS / TINA

HILLIER / RUTH MARIA MURPHY

Dun Aluinn

On the edge of the lively little town of Aberfeldy, Dun Aluinn is a grand Victorian nine-bedroom exclusiveuse property and a four-bedroom contemporary cedar-clad lodge set in a wildflower meadow on the five-acre estate. They can be booked separately or together and both come with full housekeeping and butler service as well as the option to add on a chef and bespoke Highland experiences, from 4WD safaris to guided hikes, canoeing trips and distillery tours.

Renovated by husband-and-wife team, John Burke and Susie Whyte, an architect and interior designer respectively, the main house is a sumptuous pad with an astounding entrance hall, roaring open fires, walls

decked out with modern artworks, sheepskin-strewn sofas to curl up on, a children's library and cosy cinema room, a wood-fired hot tub hidden among the trees, and a blazing firepit on the terrace.

Bedrooms are all individually designed; one has a square Japanese wooden bathtub, another a steam room. The lodge is bright, light and contemporary, with a dreamy decking area and huge picture windows offering views over the valley to the River Tay. Their catering partner is Michelin-Guide-selected Ballintaggart Farm, which dishes up fabulous smorgasbord feasts of local produce along with seasonal tasting menus such as 'the Taste of the Highlands'.

Find out more

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

dreamescape.co.uk

Rosie

Peattie,

Client Relationship Manager

“

The Perthshire landscape varies from fertile farmland to rugged mountains and lochs, as you travel north crossing over the Highland Boundary Fault close to Dunkeld. An abundance of experiences and adventures await all age groups and I can highly recommend a visit to ‘Big Tree Country’. My latest find in a farmyard is a tiny church with an exceptionally rare and fascinating 1600s painted ceiling.”

rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

Wonder in Wales

CELTIC ROUTES

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Celts on an adventure of a lifetime to West Wales and Ireland’s

Ancient East. Feel enthralled by the wonders of our natural world – a region rich with wildlife, mountains and waterfalls, ancient castles and historic landmarks

WORDS | JESSICA WAY

You’ll find it in the land, the sea, and the sky. You’ll find it in the people, their languages, and their stories. And you’ll find it in the rivers, the trees, and the stones. But what is it? They call it the Celtic Spirit. It’s hard to describe, but if you travel with Dream Escape on a Celtic Routes journey, it’s easy to discover. Come alive in these regions, exploring miles of pristine golden sand and spectacular vistas...

Travel is all about discovering new places. And for many it’s about finding lands where we can feel closer to nature and history. Places to restore a sense of balance and harmony in this pressured and sometimes scary world. Celtic Routes is a collection of authentic Celtic experiences, fresh ideas and inspiration to discover the counties of Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow in South-

East Ireland; and Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in West Wales.

On a Celtic Routes journey with Dream Escape our Travel Designers will take you beyond the tourism honeypots and take roads less travelled. In Wales, Pembrokeshire is a popular destination but it’s still possible to avoid the crowds and really get to know the county. In the Preseli Hills you can walk ancient tracks through captivating prehistoric landscapes – it’s known in Welsh as Gwlad Hud a Lledrith, meaning ‘Land of Magic and Enchantment’. If you visit Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber, particularly at dawn or dusk, you really have a sense of time and place. The hustle and bustle of modern life will feel a world away.

North Pembrokeshire shares many characteristics with Ceredigion, its neighbour to the north: a dramatic

and beautiful coastline, wild and wonderful uplands and a strong Welsh culture. Cardigan Bay is home to Europe's largest pod of bottlenose dolphins, and many of Ceredigion's beaches are secluded coves that can only be reached on foot or by boat. One of Dream Escape’s favourites is National Trust’s hidden cove Mwnt – picture-postcard perfect with a little whitewashed chapel and several steps down to the shore. Aberporth,

once an important village for herring fishing, is another wonderful beach. From here you can walk the coast path (one mile) to Tresaith, named after the River Saith, which cascades as a waterfall over the cliffs to the beach. Another National Trust beauty, Penbryn can only be reached by meandering through some woods. Llangrannog is another fabulous stop, with homemade food and sea views at The Pentre Arms. →

Previous page: Barafundle Bay

Left to right: View of the Cambrian Mountains from Devil's Bridge Falls; Baby deer in Glendalough valley in County Wicklow; Spectacular woodland waterfalls in Carmarthenshire Next page; Dromana Gate, Dromana House and Gardens, Waterford

Visitors to Ceredigion who decide to leave the coast and head for hills will be rewarded with an area of astounding natural beauty, otherwise known as the Cambrian Mountains. Here you will feel close to the land as you tread in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims en route to ruined Strata Florida Abbey. And as you enjoy the tranquillity of the Teifi pools, you are more likely to hear skylarks and the whistling call of red kites soaring above, rather than the constant hum of traffic.

Dream Escape will take you to visit Devil's Bridge Falls. These nature-trail walks reward you with the most incredible views of the 300-foot Mynach waterfall. If you are a keen hiker then Dream Escape can arrange a private walking tour of the Pumlumon Trails, with more spectacular landscapes and climbs to the peak of the Pumlumon Mountain.

Carmarthenshire is farming country. Agriculture has always been important, so you’ll find plenty of places serving food and drink from the area, locally sourced, prepared with care and presented with passion. Towns in the county are blossoming, alive with independent shops and full of products and stories connected to the county. You can also find your lunch in the wild. On a foraging experience along the

Carmarthenshire coastline, you’ll learn how to find prawns, mussels, cockles, wild samphire, sea anemones and scarlet elf cup mushrooms. The reward for your efforts is your very own zero-waste, organic lunch on the beach.

South-East Ireland is less visited than some other parts. But a visit to Ireland is not complete without venturing to this corner known as Ireland’s Ancient East.

To the south of Dublin are the Wicklow Mountains, where you will get a real sense of being in the Emerald Isle. In the heart of the wild scenery, Glendalough was one of the most important monasteries in Ireland; follow in the footsteps of St Kevin on a guided hike around this mystical site. Explore the magnificent 47-acre garden at Powerscourt, with its aristocratic blend of French and Italian formal influence. Then relax in the Avoca Café, which must have one of the best views in Ireland. As the source of the River Liffey, this area is a popular spot for water-based activities like fishing, boating and kayaking. You can walk or cycle the Blessington Greenway along the lakeshore and into natural woodland, or take a private chauffeur-driven tour around the valley. Novelist and poet Brendan Behan described his trip to the area as a ‘journey to the jewel of Wicklow’. →

“ ... as you enjoy the tranquillity of the Teifi pools, you are more likely to hear skylarks and the whistling call of red kites soaring above, rather than the constant hum of traffic”

The route through County Wexford passes through many places with an important historical significance. Ferns was the ancient capital of Leinster, where many strands of ancient stories that shape modern Ireland come together. Nearby Enniscorthy has played a key role in Ireland's turbulent history; at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798, Irish rebels fought the British Army. Although the rebels were defeated here, the campaign ultimately led to Irish independence.

On the way to Waterford, New Ross was once an important port; a poignant reminder of its maritime heritage is the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of a vessel that took victims of the Great Famine of the 1840s to a new life in North America.

Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and has attracted visited for thousands of years. In 914 a fleet of Viking ships

landed in what is now Waterford city. They settled, forged alliances and established trading routes and became an important part of Ireland’s story. If you join the Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle, you’ll discover six national monuments that date from 1190 CE to 1783. This is a wonderful way for visitors to get an overview of Irish history in Waterford.

Travelling through these six incredible counties there is excitement and intrigue at every turn, which in Wales they call Croeso Cynnes Cymreig, so whichever Celtic experiences you pick to add to your Dream Escape journey you can’t go far wrong.

From lush rolling countryside and dramatic mountain ranges to the many idyllic unspoilt beaches, Celtic Routes delivers an adventure from start to finish. Memories are made on this route and the Celtic spirit is infectious.

Where to Stay in Ireland

Dunbrody Country House Hotel

This luxury boutique hotel located on the dramatic Hook Peninsula on Ireland’s south coast, has just reopened after a major refurbishment and with more developments to the spa planned for 2023. Within the centuries-old walls of this beautiful Georgian property there are 22 luxury bedrooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, the chic Dundon's Champagne Seafood Bar and terrace. Set in 300 acres of parkland, there's plenty of woodland and coastal walks to lose yourself in, as well as a cookery school with owner Kevin Dundon who is passionate about fine food.

Powerscourt Hotel

Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is a 5-star destination situated with a stunning view over to the Great Sugarloaf mountain. With various restaurants and bars, and a wide range of activities available on the estate, this hotel is home to one of Ireland’s most exclusive and scenic spas.

Where to Stay in Wales Brown’s Hotel

You can’t really ask for a more welcoming, cosy and atmospheric boutique hotel. It is easy to see why Brown's was poet Dylan Thomas' favourite too – he drank there most nights, playing shove halfpenny, darts and skittles, and even called in for tea

and breakfast most mornings. In fact, he was there so often that he would even give the hotel phone number out as his own.

Brown’s is clearly proud of their literary legend, with his poems and quotes adorning the walls. Owned today by Nigel Short, who also runs Penderyn Whisky, the bar is always well stocked. The restaurant – Dexters at Brown's – is named after the breed of cattle that makes up the hotel's own herd, which is reared on nearby Llywn Farm.

The Grove, Narberth

The Grove is one of the most luxurious hotels in Wales, tucked in the heart of Pembrokeshire with views to the Preseli Hills. Stay in the elegant house or one of its charming cottages and enjoy sitting outside in the manicured lawns by the pretty flower borders and meandering stream. Inside is equally as exquisite; bedrooms are luxurious, full of character with original features. There are two restaurants: the fine-dining Fernery, which has been awarded three coveted AA Rosettes, and

the more relaxed and informal Artisan Rooms. For guests in need of pampering there are deep cast-iron baths and in-room massages. One mile away, the market town of Narberth is full of interesting independent shops, including Ultracomida – one of the best delis in the country. With a small dining area at the back, it's a delightful spot for a continental lunch.

Twr y Felin Hotel, St Davids

A former windmill and Wales' first modern art hotel, featuring contemporary design throughout, Twr y Felin is decorated from floor to ceiling with colourful abstract artwork – chosen to evoke the Pembrokeshire landscape. The creativity doesn’t end there either, the chefs in award-winning threeAA-Rosette restaurant Blas are renowned for their flair in the kitchen – with guests and nonguests alike dining there. From the hotel it is a short stroll into St Davids, Britain's smallest city, where you will find plenty of cafés, pubs and the Cathedral.

dreamescape.co.uk

Michael Davies, Travel Design Manager

“There are many reasons for visiting the beautiful scenery of West Wales and Ireland’s Ancient East. From the monuments on the Preseli Hills and the Wicklow Mountains, from St Davids Cathedral to Glendalough Monastic City, and from Pembroke Castle to Reginald’s Tower in Waterford, a visitor can wonder at how prehistoric farmers, Celtic saints, and medieval knights all left their imprint on the landscapes here.”

michael@dreamescape.co.uk

“ From lush rolling countryside and dramatic mountain ranges to the many idyllic unspoilt beaches, Celtic Routes delivers an adventure from start to finish.”

Contact the team at Dream Escape...

The last word from ROSEMARY & SAGE

Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Managers and founts of knowledge, Rosie Peattie and Sally Strange, both Blue Badge Guides, share some of their favourite experiences from recent travels...

II

As this page often takes the form of seasonal reflection, all experiences of the last quarter have to take second place to the event that we all knew was inevitable but somehow believed would never happen: the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

For a period of 11 days our country seemed suspended in time. We were given a brief respite from politics, economics and the daily dose of dire news to reflect on the life of one woman who directly, or for most indirectly, touched the lives of millions of people during the course of her long and glorious reign. The country, indeed the world, witnessed a seamless succession. ‘London Bridge’ the eponymous phrase for the Sovereign’s death was activated and so unfolded the Royal Proclamation, the lying in state, the pilgrimlike procession past the catafalque, and, finally, the state funeral itself. For one brief moment, London became the focal point of the world and all those familiar sites that I had shared so many times with clients took centre stage. And now as life and London slowly return to ‘normal’ we can begin to look forward

to the coronation of our new king who has quietly waited in the wings for over 70 years. The crown has passed from mother to son and provided continuity in an ever-changing world. ‘God Save the King’

Did you know? Following the Elizabethan era, King Charles III’s reign will be known as the Carolean age, previously associated with the reign of Charles II from 1660 to 1685. ⬥

Sally Strange, Client Relationship Manager sally@dreamescape.co.uk

REFLECTING ON ROYAL RETREATS

Looking back, the most-visited areas for me in 2022, and still firm favourites, were Royal Deeside and Perthshire. With clients, I was the first to have a private visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. To visit the Throne Room, where she rested the night before lying at rest in St Giles’ Cathedral, was an incredibly privileged experience for everyone. I laid flowers at the gates of Balmoral Castle a few days after the funeral cortege left, and with clients we observed two minutes’ silence in Glenfeshie, overlooking the mountains towards Balmoral. Did you know? A ‘behind the ropes’ tour of Palace of Holyroodhouse starts with Champagne and canapes, in the sumptuous West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family as a private sitting room. ⬥

Sally

Rosie

I have spent a lot of time at Glenfeshie this year and loved the fabulous 4WD trip around the estate, learning about Wildland’s long-term conservation plans for one of the most beautiful and remote glens in Scotland. With 46,000 acres and only the beautiful Highland ponies for company, it’s pure magic!

Filming of TV drama Outlander (series seven) is underway in Scotland, and Perthshire is home to multiple locations for all the series. I’ve just finished a two-week Outlander Tour with guests in Perthshire, where we visited sites of River Run, Stephen Bonnet’s lair, Mohican Village, the witch trial, and beautiful Drummond Castle Gardens, which stood in as the gardens at Versailles. Finally, no visit to Perthshire is complete without a visit to the Glenturret Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Scotland. Did you know? The distillery cats at Glenturret have very easy-to-remember names: Glen and Turret. ⬥

Rosie Peattie, Client Relationship Manager rosie@dreamescape.co.uk

Find out more

Like the sound of these experiences? Get in touch with Rosie or Sally for expert advice on your next adventure. You can read more about Perthshire in our feature on page 86, and there’s an exclusive interview with The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant’s Michelin-starred chef Mark Donald on page 64 ⬥

EXPLORING SCOTLAND’S GORGEOUS GLENFESHIE AND PERFECT PERTHSHIRE

REMEMBERING HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH