STORIED STAYS

If you’re after a trip that’s steeped in history, culture and heritage, check into these hotels for the complete experience

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

"Enjoy a Highland fling at this well-preserved 19 th-century castle"

INVERLOCHY CASTLE: SCOTLAND, THE UK

This 19-century castle is a masterpiece of Scottish baronial splendour. Lying at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, the magnificent mansion has played host to royalty, including Queen Victoria. She spent a week at Inverlochy in 1873, and wrote in her diary: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” Each of the hotel’s 17 period-style bedrooms and suites has its own character, and overlooks lush woodland grounds and a private loch. The Albert and Michel Roux Jr restaurant, named after the award-winning father and son chefs, offers modern British cuisine with French influences and showcases local produce. Guests can sign up for country-style pursuits such as deer stalking, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Visit slh.com th

 

My Reading Room
My Reading Room
From left: Dress, Coach. Lipstick, Chanel. Bag, Fendi
My Reading Room
"The elegant facade of the Belmond Castello di Casole reflected in its infinity pool"
 
My Reading Room
Ring, Louis Vuitton. Necklace, Tiffany & Co.
 
My Reading Room

BELMOND CASTELLO DI CASOLE: TUSCANY, ITALY

Set on 17km 2 in scenic Siena, this hotel, comprising historic buildings that date back to 998, boasts stunning views of unspoiled rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Each of the 39 gorgeous bedrooms are bursting with rustic charm, but we say go for the Tinaia suites close to the chapel, which boast original stone walls and bathrooms with mosaic tiles. The luxurious Essere Spa, housed in an ancient wine cellar with vaulted ceilings and authentic Etruscan statues, offers rejuvenating treatments infused with Tuscan ingredients such as grapes, rosemary and olive oil. The centuries-old great oak forest that borders the estate is the inspiration for a number of signature experiences, including truffle hunting. If you are lucky enough to unearth any, they will be sent to the hotel kitchen to whip up a tasting menu of taglierini, Tosca fillet and black truffle tarts. Visit belmond.com
 
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"The tranquil garden evokes a sense of calm and peace"
 
My Reading Room

From left: Coat, Etro. Necklace, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen. Sandal, Salvatore Ferragamo 

My Reading Room

AMAN KYOTO: JAPAN

Set in Japan’s ancient imperial capital, Aman Kyoto is nestled at the foot of the Hidari Daimonji mountain in the Takagamine district. The resort—which has 24 rooms and two villas—features some three hectares of exquisite gardens, lovingly tended to for decades by its former owner, one of Japan’s most respected collectors of the obi. His unrealised dream was to house his collection in a textile museum built within the garden, which is traversed by moss-covered stone pathways and punctuated with large granite boulders. Minimalistic rooms draw inspiration from traditional ryokans (inns) and onsens (bath houses), and afford floor-to-ceiling views of the forested grounds. The resort is a stone’s throw from the city’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Kinkakuji temple, which is within walking distance. Visit aman.com

BY ALLYSON KLASS