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Sponsored: Time to getaway – take a relaxing and luxurious break this winter

Couple relaxing by a fire
Couple relaxing by a fire

Sometimes everyone just needs to get away, whether it’s for a night, a weekend or longer.

Christmas is just around the corner and the nights are drawing in earlier and earlier, making the need to escape for a few days even stronger. So why not pack a bag and head off?

At this time of year, Scotland has some of the most attractive places to visit, with lochs, mountains, forests, historical sites and towns to explore.

So if you are looking for somewhere to relax in luxury, a picturesque location and plenty to see and do, why not book into one of these fantastic places this winter.

Banish the winter blues with a cosy stay at the Atholl Palace

Beat the cold days by warming yourself at one of the Atholl Palace’s many log fires.

Stay for two nights and enjoy a sumptuous three course candlelit dinner each evening with a complimentary bottle of house wine on the first night.

Fill up with their famous Scottish breakfast, served each morning in the Verandah Restaurant boasting stunning views of the Tummel Valley, before exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.

There is so much to see and do. Enjoy a walk to the black spout waterfall or maybe the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. The small towns of Dunkeld, Kenmore, Aberfeldy and Blair Atholl are all worth a visit. The Atholl Palace Hotel is the ideal touring base and a warm welcome awaits – with a complimentary whisky liqueur!

Don’t forget you can also enjoy the leisure facilities such as the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna or simply relax in the inviting lounge areas with real log fires

This offer, available until March 30, 2018, is from just £139 per person based on two sharing, or single rooms for just £99 (Sunday to Thursday).

Take a festive trip with Xplore Dundee

It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping and this festive season Xplore Dundee has a great selection of shopping and theatre trips for you to enjoy which are all available to book online or at the Xplore Dundee Travel Centre in Commercial Street, where you can even choose to pay in instalments.

These include:

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet and Almondvale Shopping Centre, Livingston (Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, December 10) – A great shopping experience where you will find over 100 High Street and Designer stores to choose from.

Newcastle & Gretna Christmas Shopping Weekend staying at the Mercure George Washington Hotel (Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3) – Intu Metro Shopping Centre in Newcastle, finishing off the weekend at the Gateway Outlet Village at Gretna.

Theatre and show nights out are always great gift – book your seats for the spectacular Strictly Come Dancing on Friday, February 2, 2018, at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow or Wicked on Saturday, Maybe 19, 2018, at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Escape to Erigmore – the heart of Perthshire

By the banks of the River Tay near the pretty village of Birnam, Erigmore is perfectly situated for a relaxing break.

It’s an ideal base for days out exploring rural Perthshire or for a truly rural retreat you can stay put, take a dip in the indoor pool or enjoy a scenic walk by the river.

There are plenty of options for your holiday home within the grounds of Erigmore House with new and preowned lodges and caravans all set in a beautiful woodland location.

All holiday home owners have the added luxury of being able to make the most of Erigmore’s facilities including the indoor swimming pool and sauna and the Erigmore Bar & Lounge.

For those looking to explore further afield, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy are within easy reach of Erigmore and Aviemore is well within reach.

Self-catering accommodation is also available at Erigmore with the Boutique and Highland Spa lodges offering luxury and hot tubs. There is something for everyone with larger lodges for families, and apartments in Erigmore House with their traditional Victorian charm, for the larger party for family gathering.

Enjoy a stellar stay at the Star Hotel in Kingussie

This 3-star hotel located in the heart of the village of Kingussie is an ideal base for families looking to explore the Highlands.

And on Fridays in November, you can stay for two nights for just £69 per person! Or why not spend Christmas at the Star – you get a four night break, starting on December 23 for just £199 per person.

And you can even see in the new year with the Star – four nights, starting on December 30 is just £275 per person. (All dates include dinner, bed and breakfast and live entertainment.)

Located within the Cairngorm National Park and close to the Monadhliath Mountains in the upper Spey Valley, visitors to the Star can enjoy a contrast of holiday experiences ranging from peace and tranquility with riverside walks, fishing and bird watching, to the more energetic activities surrounding Aviemore – there is something to suit all ages.

Enjoy a break at Moness, one of Perthshire’s most picturesque resorts

Moness House hotel is a former shooting lodge dating back to 1758 and the oldest dwelling in Aberfeldy. It has been lovingly refurbished to retain the integrity of the original while introducing the of modern day comfort.

The accommodation in this unique house been individually styled and offers a range of Deluxe and Superior rooms, graded according to size and location. All are furnished to an exceptional standard that will leave guests feeling truly pampered.

Alternatively, guests can choose to stay in one of the 106 holiday cottages and lodges. They range from traditional to beautiful four star cottages that make the perfect gathering place for a family break in Scotland.

The swimming pool offers the perfect environment for a leisurely swim, laze in the poolside area or take the opportunity to sit and unwind in our hot tub, Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. Alternatively, a visit to one of the four Spa Therapy rooms where you can enjoy complete relaxation and indulgence with a wonderful range of beauty and complementary therapies.

The Head Chef and his team create menus that are traditional and quite simple, offering an excellent choice of fresh meat, fish and game locally sourced from around Perthshire and the knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to attend to all diners’ needs and assist in their wine and menu choices.