After months of living – and working – in my jammies, a deluxe “duvet day” experience spoke directly to my heart.
From cocktails delivered to your room and cream tea in bed to long, hot soaks in the roll-top bath and a free mini bar, the Ultimate Duvet Day at Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club sounded like heaven on Earth.
Joking that we felt a bit like Thelma and Louise – without the crazy drama – myself and my mum loaded the car with our bulging suitcases (yes we were staying for one night) and set off on our mini road trip to Kirknewton, outside Edinburgh.
Top golf resort
Set within one of Scotland’s top golf resorts, famed for hosting the Scottish Seniors Open and the Solheim Cup, just the drive up to the baronial-style hotel is an experience in itself.
A tad early for check-in, we parked up and explored the sprawling grounds, quickly stumbling across a bird hide where we sat overlooking the water, feeling our stresses melt away.
The growl from our stomachs soon reminded us that we were booked in for cream tea so we strolled back up to the hotel where friendly duty manager Alma kindly showed us through to The Pentland Restaurant, overlooking the golf course.
Tucking into warm jam scones washed down with Prosecco, we both agreed that it was the most relaxed we’d felt in months.
Presidential suite
We were high on life – and Prosecco bubbles – when Alma kindly led us up to the Morton Suite where our collective jaws dropped.
Walking round the huge suite complete with roll-top bath, huge king size bedroom, grandiose living room and study, was like a luxury out-of-body experience.
It came as no surprise to discover that a few months after our trip, the opulent suite played host to the American President Joe Biden during his visit to Cop 26 in Glasgow.
We also discovered that popstar Robbie Williams once stayed in the suite and even gatecrashed a hotel wedding where he thrilled the newlyweds by performing on their big day.
Feeling like popstars ourselves (minus a few million or so), we set down our suitcases and tucked in to the complimentary chocolate-dipped strawberries and Prosecco.
The Pentland Restaurant
Donning our fluffy white robes and slippers, we enjoyed a relaxing dip in the pool before getting ready for dinner.
It was nice to see people enjoying themselves in The Pentland Restaurant, which overlooks the golf course.
Swimming always makes me ravenous, so when our starters of mushroom stew on brioche bread swiftly arrived at the table, it was so tasty that we both demolished it in a matter of minutes.
For mains, I opted for the Heather Hills honey roast chicken breast with fondant potato, baby vegetables and herbs, while my mum chose the Shetland salmon filled with crushed Jersey royals, samphire and Grenoble sauce.
One look at our clean plates and the chef would instantly know what we made of the dishes.
Like mother like daughter, we both have a sweet tooth so dessert was always on the cards.
The Scottish berry gratin with elderflower and raspberry was as vibrant and zingy to taste as it was to look at, while mum made short work of the lemon tart with lemon curd and strawberry compote.
Cocktail movie night
Waddling back up to our suite, we changed into our jammies for our movie night.
That’s right, as part of our Ultimate Duvet Day overnight package, cocktails, popcorn and ice cream were delivered to our room as well as piles of sweets, crisps and a selection of DVDs.
French martinis in our hands and snacks at the ready, we finished off our girlie day in style by sticking on a good old chick flick, Bridget Jones’s Diary.
After a refreshing night’s sleep, we fuelled up on breakfast before I was treated to a trip on a golf buggy with Craig Waddell, the hotel’s director of golf and leisure.
Bumping round the fairways, it was clear to see why golfers from across the world are attracted to the spectacular course which boasts views towards Edinburgh Castle.
And just as we started growing accustomed to this luxury lifestyle, it was time to wave goodbye to Alma and her amazing team at the hotel.
Maid of the Forth
But our weekend escape was far from over as we made the 30-minute journey to Hawes Pier in South Queensferry to embark on a three-hour cruise aboard the Maid of the Forth.
Piped on to the boat, courtesy of the beautiful bride who was heading over to Inchcolm Island to tie the knot, excitement was in the air as the small boat passed under the mighty Forth Rail Bridge.
Following the bride and her guests we disembarked the boat for a 90-minute trip round the beautiful island.
After climbing some stairs, we soon found ourselves stumbling through a dark munitions tunnel that was used by soldiers in both world wars in a bid to protect the Royal Navy’s base at Rosyth and the rail bridge from attack from the sea.
The skirl of the bagpipes indicated that our time on the island was over as we followed the bridal party back on to the boat where we all raised a glass to the newlyweds and to an unforgettable weekend.
TRAVEL FACTS
Prices for the Ultimate Duvet Day start from £369 per room per night in winter (Nov-Mar) and £399 per room per night in summer (Apr-Oct) which is based on two adults sharing a deluxe king room.
For more information go to the hotel’s website or to book a cruise with Maid of the Forth visit website.