YSW on tour | Cromlix

Our visit to Cromlix nearly didn’t happen thanks to Storm Arwen.

Andy Murray’s renowned Perthshire hotel lost power for days but thankfully the lights came back on in time for our December visit and we arrive to a beautifully festive scene.

The fire in the entrance hall is crackling, the staff are super-welcoming and attentive, and fairy lights twinkle out of the gorgeous garlands trimming the grand staircase and mantlepiece.

And the festive vibe doesn’t stop there.

We’re staying in the Carnegie Suite which occupies Cromlix’s turret and honestly it’s like a scene from Home Alone 2.

From the wreath adorning the suite door to the garlanded fireplaces in both the living room and bedroom, it really feels magical.

We even have our own little Christmas tree. Honestly, just call me Kevin McCallister!

This suite is something else with an impressive, canopied bed, sumptuous furnishings, an elegant copper roll-top bath and a powerful double-rainfall shower.

But while any newlyweds would consider themselves lucky to kick off married life here, Cromlix doesn’t actually have a dedicated honeymoon suite.

Instead, any of the hotel’s five suites would be the perfect setting.

The Eden Suite is charming with its two turrets, while the Bowes-Lyon Suite boasts a four-poster bed and can be combined with the adjacent study for an intimate dinner or a hair and make-up station.

Just imagine your ‘maids joining you there for champagne and pampering!

Incidentally, if you do choose Cromlix for your honeymoon or minimoon, staff can organise beautiful treats, such as a special champagne afternoon tea or a
luxury picnic down by the estate’s loch.

After exploring our suite, we make our way down to the Chez Roux restaurant and discover it’s actually snowing outside.

I can think of worse things than getting snowed in in a luxury hotel!

We sit cosily watching the flakes fall while the talented chefs prepare a mouthwatering menu.

I choose parsnip velouté followed by deer ragu, (I just can’t resist venison) with pumpkin ravioli and finish off with a delectably rich chocolate truffle cake.

Just gorgeous! Then it’s back upstairs to try out that bath before climbing into bed.

Let’s get married

The next morning, before check-out we explore more of the hotel and discover the full offering for weddings.

Did you know Cromlix has its own consecrated Episcopalian chapel which comfortably seats 36 for a wee wedding?

But if you aren’t religious you can still host a non-religious wedding here too.

And if your numbers are looking larger, the tastefully furnished drawing room seats up to 80 for a ceremony or 50 for dinner.

Couples hosting weddings of 50 or over, or with an evening reception, take over the entire hotel on an exclusive-use basis, with meals for up to 80 being served in the restaurant.

Taking on the run of the place, you can use all the gorgeous spaces as you choose.

We love the stylish art deco bar with its hand-painted gold designs.

The garden room is full of character with wood panelling and can seat up to 24 round the dining table, while the billiards room is perfect for a drinks reception.

As we get ready to go, although the lawn is under a crisp frost I can just imagine an excited bridal party walking down the aisle for an al fresco ceremony before enjoying drinks on the terrace.

Just magical.

Fancy holding your wedding at Cromlix? Find out more here