We were luxuriating in those delicious moments before sliding from reality into the twilight zone of dreamland, when it suddenly dawned on me that I was sharing Donald Trump’s bed.
I was wide awake, just like that.
But Mr Trump was far away on the other side of the Atlantic, deeply
embroiled in the bruising business of persuading voters to choose him for the US presidential race.
Back at his magnificent Scottish estate, staff had something more pressing on their minds – putting the finishing touches to their Valentine’s dinner, bed and breakfast hotel packages. While the arrows are flying back and forwards in the presidential nominations, Cupid’s arrow is all that matters to those worrying about how to impress the object of their desires on Valentine’s Day – and win their romantic vote. Or simply relive those special moments, for us older types.
My wife and I were enjoying a preview of the Valentine’s treats on offer here next weekend. If you are looking for opulence and luxury, fine food, an intimate setting – and being treated like a lord and lady – you cannot go wrong with MacLeod House, the gem in Mr Trump’s estate and golf resort, Trump International links, near Balmedie.
His baronial mansion just north of Aberdeen has been lovingly restored and a fortune lavished on it to make it an exceptional hotel experience.
Everything is on a big scale, with 10 beautifully appointed rooms within MacLeod House, and nine more in the nearby guest lodge.
As we sank deeper into our huge, luxuriously soft bed, my wife and I savoured every moment – we deserved it, as we almost needed a ladder to clamber up it in the first place.
This was the life, I thought: tucked away from the world in Mr Trump’s personal suite, where he lives on trips to survey his Scottish empire. I’d eaten at the hotel before but I’d always wanted to stay the night.
Elegant furniture was in keeping with the style of a grand country house, while a beautiful writing desk and a chandelier were runners-up to the bed – if I had to list the stand-out features of the room.
Wait a second, there was an even bigger chandelier in the bathroom – the biggest, most opulent bathroom in which I can ever remember staying.
Spectacular wall-to-wall marble floor tiles had been flown in from Italy, and were also used to create the shower and a bath.
Twin wash basins side-by-side, large mirrors and plenty of elbow room for two in the shower made me think of Valentine’s Day again, for some reason, but enough of my fantasies.
I reckon the bathroom was big enough for a game of squash (not that I play squash in bathrooms as a general rule) and the bath was almost deep enough for a swim. A member of staff confided that American visitors do not bat an eyelid at the scale of it all, but space-challenged Brits remark on it all the time. Come to think of it, while pouring a drink earlier, I noticed that the sideboard almost reached my shoulder – and suddenly I felt like a munchkin.
Just to set the Valentine’s mood, our bed was festooned with petals and bathroom towels had been fashioned into the shape of two kissing swans, with a heart shape cleverly created with their long necks. Posh hand-crafted chocolates were also in abundance.
They say the route to a man’s heart goes via his stomach, so it’s worth noting that the food on offer during our stay was superb. People on the Valentine’s package can choose from the MacLeod House menu we sampled or a special Valentine’s tasting menu.
We ventured out from the Trump Suite and down a plush grand staircase, surrounded by more chandeliers, mirrors and an impressive array of paintings from Mr Trump’s personal collection, which are all over MacLeod House.
It was a cold night outside, but a combination of central heating and roaring open fires everywhere made it super-cosy. Complimentary Valentine’s cocktails by the fireside downstairs (excellent gin and champagne, with a hint of lime and cucumber) got things off to a great start as we relaxed on leather sofas, perusing the menus.
The chefs here pride themselves on traditional dishes with a contemporary look, which impresses and makes you smile (look out for the pre-dessert pudding, which looks like a boiled egg).
Our dinner began with some appetisers and an amuse bouche of lobster bisque, which introduced our starters of scallops and smoked haddock.
Mains were loin of Ross-shire lamb neck, with aubergine, goat’s cheese and Savoyard potato, and, for my wife, prime Scottish beef fillet, short rib, with celeriac, Marmite and parmentier potato.
We rounded off with two puddings worthy of a grand finale: hot apple crumble soufflé and cinnamon ice cream, and banana and salted peanut-baked Alaska. For creative skill and presentation, they have to be seen to be believed. And so to bed and a deep, satisfied sleep…
Mr Trump’s pictures are impressive, but the view framed in our windows, as we opened the curtains the next morning, was breathtaking: sweeping lawns, manicured traditional gardens and a sumptuous classical sculpted fountain near the entrance. For a moment, you do feel like the lord of the manor.
Breakfast was another sumptuous affair – a delicious cooked offering, including haggis and two poached eggs (there are speciality dishes, too).
The menu even offers a glass of Champagne or Prosecco – but, for Valentine’s Day guests, maybe that depends on how well you did the night before.
VALENTINE’S PACKAGE
Treat your special someone to a night to remember with a stay at MacLeod House and Lodge. Your stay will start in style as you are greeted with a Valentine’s cocktail before making your way to one of our sumptuous guest bedrooms, complete with romantic flourishes. Your evening will be spent amidst the renowned MacLeod House Restaurant where a truly sensational culinary experience awaits. With a lavish selection of delicious and indulgent dishes in this most unforgettable and charming of settings, this is sure to impress.
Priced at £295 per couple, the package includes:
1 night’s stay in a superior queen double or twin guest room
Full Scottish breakfast
Choice of Valentine’s Tasting Menu or MacLeod House Menu in the Restaurant
Valentine’s cocktail and treats.
Available Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February.
Price based on two guests sharing a superior queen double or twin guest room. Trump Suite rooms are classed as “grand deluxe” and carry an extra supplement. Terms and conditions apply.
For an extra special treat, why not include a bottle of Trump fizz and a box of chocolates which can be served in your bedroom at any time. Just £49.
Trump International Golf Links, Menie Estate, Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. Phone 01358 743300 or see www.trumpgolfscotland.com