Wednesday 11 June 2014

The World Cup is Here

Watch all the Action at The Scotsman

Tomorrow sees the start of the world’s biggest sporting tournament – the World Cup. It has been three years and 334 days since Spain beat The Netherlands in a bad-tempered final in South Africa. This time, the action takes place across Brazil, the first time the tournament has been held there since 1950. Fans from across the globe have waited patiently, and at 9pm tomorrow when the hosts Brazil take on Croatia, the wait will finally be over.

If that wasn't enough, every resident, diner, spa guest and conference visitor to The Scotsman Hotel will be able to see a lot of the action in our state-of-the-art Screening Room. With 46 wingback leather chairs, surround-sound system and huge cinema screen, you can watch all the best goals, the toughest tackles, and see the eventual winner seize the crown when the tournament comes to an end on the 13th July.

A Whole Summer of Sport is Here

If football isn't your cup of tea, then The Scotsman Screening Room is also showing plenty of other sporting events across the summer. The 2014 Wimbledon Championships will be taking place at the same time as The World Cup. Starting on the 23rd June, the most prestigious tennis event in the world will play host to all the big names. Home favourite Andy Murray will be hoping to repeat his historic success of last year, but as always, will have to see off the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer along the way. Meanwhile, the women’s tournament is wide open, with last year’s winner Marion Bartoli having retired immediately after her victory.

Then, on the 23rd July, the Commonwealth Games come to Scotland, as Glasgow gets its chance to be the host city. The Commonwealth Games have a special atmosphere in the UK, as its one of the few occasions when Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland attend an athletics event separately, ensuring a competitive rivalry among the home nations.

The action stays in Scotland for the final major sporting event of the season, with the famous Ryder Cup being held at the iconic Gleneagles golf course. The European team will hope to retain their trophy for the third time in a row, especially after the events of 2012, nicknamed the ‘miracle in Medinah’, where Europe fought back from almost certain defeat to win the tournament in style.

Visiting The Scotsman this Summer?

So, as you can see, The Scotsman has you covered for sport this summer. If you’re staying in one of our elegant rooms or suites, or you have enjoyed a delicious meal at our award-winning North Bridge Brasserie, or even if you've been pampering yourself at our indulgent Spa & Health Club, then feel free to join us in the Screening Room to watch the best of the summer’s sporting action.

*The Screening Room will be opened on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the nature of sporting events we cannot guarantee the timings of events.

Monday 9 June 2014

Strawberries & Cream Afternoon Tea Spa Offer

Summer is finally here… although we don’t want to curse it by typing this! The first rays of sunshine signalled an exciting dash to dust off our sandals and sunglasses at The Scotsman, followed by a sashay down the cobbled streets of Edinburgh in our long-forgotten summer wardrobes. It’s has also seen us preparing to jet off on hot summer holidays and receiving piles of exquisitely enveloped wedding invitations, and so we felt it was fitting to create an offer that provides the perfect opportunity to pamper in preparation for all the important events this season.  Our relaxing remedy offers the choice from a selection of 45 minute Stress-Fix spa treatments, followed by a delicious summertime inspired Afternoon Tea for £65 per person – ensuring you feel your very best inside and out…and has had our team indulging in some ‘me-time’ this summer.

When we’re in need of an escape or simply 45 minutes of pure indulgence, the tranquil Stress-Fix spa treatments available at Scotsman Spa are our go-to treatments, especially as they’re the perfect length for lunch-hour. Choosing from manicure to pedicure, massage or facial, we can’t help but feel soothed by the aromatic waves of lavender and sage scents the Aveda team use. The Stress-Fix Body Massage offers Swedish and deep tissue massage with foot reflexology and acupressure point, all while guiding into a calming mediation; perfect for when you’re in need of switching off and feeling refreshed from head-to-toe. However the Scotsman team favourite has to be the Aveda Stress-Fix Manicure (with the ladies at least)… acupressure and reflexology experiences lead to final outcome of nails polished to perfection, and it allows us the chance to have a good gossip too.

However the cherry on top of this offer is the ‘Strawberries and Cream Afternoon Tea’ served in North Bridge Brasserie. Followed by the Stress-Fix spa treatment, the offer includes a sweet and savoury selection inspired by the Scottish summertime, available gluten-free also. With ground almonds and succulent strawberries encased in the shortcrust pastry of the Bakewell tarts, the truly tempting Champagne and truffle cupcakes and our favourite, sweet and fruity Pimms Trifle, the three-tiers of Afternoon Tea have had us reminiscing over summertime’s well spent driving down country lanes, having high teas in quaint villages and light refreshments at bunting trimmed fetes. There is definitely nothing we love more than enjoying Scotland in the sunshine…and all the tempting treats that come with it!

Though more often than not (ahem), we have chosen to wash down our Afternoon Tea delights with the complimentary Seduction Cocktail, which combines fresh raspberries and lime with Disaronno Amaretto, Crème de Cassis and spiced wine (yum!), there is also an array of teas and coffees on offer. Whether looking for an indulging offer for one or a glamorous day out for a group, it is fast-becoming our favourite way to spend an afternoon this summer at The Scotsman. Available until the end of July.