Glasgow's Finest Hotel and the Western Isles
Before beginning our exploration of Scotland's Highlands and the Western Isles, we did some jet-lag therapy at One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow's most luxurious Victorian Hotel. Set in a tree lined terrace on the city's fashionable West End, the hotel occupies five Town Houses that were originally built during the late 1800's by several successful local shipping merchants. After a recent $4 million refurbishment, this beautiful hotel retains the opulence of a bygone era while providing every modern amenity. After all the work, One Devonshire Gardens still retains a remarkable sense of intimacy.
Grand staircases, stained glass windows, marvelous chandeliers, sumptuous armchairs and sofas, enormous working fireplaces all combine to make a stay at this hotel special. The Drawing Room is ideal for a morning cup of coffee, afternoon tea or a pre-dinner cocktail. The secret terraced garden is a charming outdoor oasis from the rest of the world. Each luxurious guest bedroom features its own unique design with Victorian highlights, lush drapes, plush bedding and huge bathrooms. This is the kind of hotel that makes it difficult to want to go sightseeing!
After the overnight flight from New York, I slept away the day, watched movies and listened to classical CD's. The small private gym has all the latest equipment and a personal trainer or yoga instructor can be arranged. I especially enjoyed the in-room spa services available... It was pure indulgence to have a massage in the privacy of my own room. Service at One Devonshire Gardens is a delight and the staff is gracious and welcoming. The rooms are not air-conditioned, so if you are in Glasgow on the rare hot summer day, it may not be what you are accustomed to.
No5 Restaurant is intimate, elegant and combines French cuisine with traditional Scottish cooking. Executive Head Chef, David Clark makes it work wonderfully! Insisting on fresh ingredients from Scotland, No5 features local seafood, meats and produce. The fresh Scottish blueberries and blackberries were delicious. Chef David first enjoyed learning how to bake birthday cakes in his mother's kitchen. With five kids in the family, he had plenty of opportunity each year to watch, learn and lick the spoon at his mom's side. He soon began picking up traditional Scottish dishes like mince with potatoes and steak pies. After taking a formal cooking class as a young teen in his native Glasgow, the rest, as they say, is history...
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| No5 Restaurant |
With only thirty-five rooms, Chef David and his kitchen team prepare on average only 15 to 35 dinners each evening, primarily for One Devonshire Garden guests. The quality and attention to each course is truly remarkable making this restaurant one of the best in Europe. For more information about One Devonshire Gardens and dining at No5 Restaurant, log
onto their web site at www.onedevonshiregardens.com.
The Western Isles
This part of the world is far more remote than expected. The Hebrides and Scotland's Western Isles offer a stark natural beauty which at times is breathtaking. Each island has its own particular place in the region's history and the locals are fascinating. The weather can be brutal, but with a little luck and plenty of layers, visiting these remarkable islands is memorable.
On Jura we visited the local distillery. After a generous tasting, we bought two bottles of "Isle of Jura" Scotch... even had the sun not been shining on Jura for our visit, after a sip the "Colour of intense mahogany with glittering sun rays" as it is described in the brochure, would have made up for it!
