Apex Hotels - The Perfect Romantic Getaway

Lazy, loved up liaisons are the order of the day with the Apex Amour Package. Choose from our four star contemporary hotels in Edinburgh or Apex Dundee, reach for the ‘do not disturb’ sign and enjoy a wonderful romantic retreat.
Romantic Weekend Breaks in Edinburgh - From £120 pp
Spoil someone special with a romantic city break in Edinburgh. This dramatic city provides the perfect backdrop for a getaway à deux. Choose from the Apex International and Apex City Hotels on the historic Grassmarket area with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle or the Apex European Hotel in the city’s Haymarket area well placed for the West End.
Package includes:
Two nights accommodation
Full Scottish breakfast each day
Champagne and bouquet of fresh flowers in your room, Dinner on one night.

Romantic Weekend Breaks in Dundee - From £130 pp
For a romantic escape where pure pampering is in mind, the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is the obvious choice. The hotel’s Japanese-inspired spa includes sunken hot tubs, sauna, tropicarium, ozone pool and Elemis treatment rooms to relax the body and mind.
Package includes:
Two nights accommodation
Full Scottish breakfast each day
Champagne and bouquet of fresh flowers in your room,
Dinner on one night.

Arran Outdoor Festival this Weekend

The Isle of Arran Outdoor and Walking Festival is coordinated by a voluntary group of outdoor enthusiasts and the Arran Adventure Company is pleased to provide operational support and a booking service to the festival.
The 2009 Festival will have a fantastic series of outdoor activities and events with something for people of all abilities and interests.
Experience the '7 Wonders of Arran' in a weekend ...

• Majestic Mountains
• Stunning Coastline
• Adventure Activities
• Local Food & Drink
• Live Folk Music
• Well Being & Relaxation
• Diverse Wildlife

For more information download the Outdoor fest programme

Dornoch Castle Autumn Breaks

Dornoch Castle Hotel in Sutherland are offering a range of 2, 3, 4 or 5 night breaks in their latest e-newsletter - rates are subject to availability and are valid from October 2009 - March 2010 (excluding the festive season)

5 Night Breaks; From only £199 per person - based on 2 persons sharing a Garden Double or Twin room.
The rates include full breakfast and dinner each day.
2, 3, or 4 Night Breaks; From only £65 per person per night - based on 2 persons sharing a Garden Double or Twin room.
The rates include full breakfast and dinner

Or how about their Two Night Luxury Champagne Break:

• 2 Nights in a Superior Double room from only £169 per person!!
• 2 Nights in The Old Courtroom or Cathedral View from only £219 per person!!
• Prices are per person for the 2 night break and include full breakfast and dinner each day, with a bottle of chilled champagne on arrival

Valid from October 2009 - March 2010 (excluding the festive season)

Special Deals at Norton House Edinburgh

Through their Hand Picked Hotels consortium, The Norton House Hotel are offering special rates until the end of September.
The "Summer Offer 2009" offer in the email offers the best rates available this summer:

• SAVE UP TO 20% WHEN YOU TRAVEL SUNDAY - THURSDAY
• a three course dinner from our table d'hote menu on each night
• bed and full traditional breakfast
• a complimentary pre-dinner glass of Bruno Paillard Rosé Champagne and canapés on each night

You can book online using promotion code PSUME and stay until 30th September 2009.
They do have the following terms and conditions listed:

• Offer subject to availability between 1/7/2009 and 30/9/2009.
• Saturday nights must form part of a two night stay unless the hotel chooses to accept one night.
• Pre-payment required.
• No cancellations or amendments are allowed and no refunds will be made.
• Dinner inclusive of the Table d’Hôte menu only; a la carte available at a £15 supplement per person.
• Table d'Hôte dinners may be served in the brasserie of some hotels and not in the main restaurant where a fine dining upgrade will be available.
• Booking terms and conditions apply.
• Upgrades are applied subject to availability at time of booking and are valid both weekdays and weekends.
• Upgrades are awarded from Classic room bookings to Executive rooms only.
• Offer is available to new bookings only.
• Three days advance purchase is required.

Bob Charles Wish List of Scottish Courses

We reported some time ago that the famous golfer Bob Charles was planning a wee tour of Scotland to play his wish list of unplayed gems. Thought is may be worth sharing his thoughts with those planning a trip next year. In an article in The Herald he said the following

"I played eight courses I had never played any before in 12 days starting at North Berwick then Montrose, Cruden Bay, Lossiemouth, Nairn, Brora, Tain and Machrie.

"I had a tee time at Machrihanish but because of its isolation I couldn't get there but I'll be at Prestwick next year for a dinner to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Open and while I'm in the area I'll try to get there.

"I've also had a look at the course at Castle Stuart and I'd love to play there too. It's probably the best new course of the year.

"These are courses I had heard about from friends who have played them, particularly my caddie Russell Steib. He is an American and he spends a lot of time over here, he's played most of them and he is also trying to get me to play the Darley course. Next to Royal Troon he says that's the best course in the area.

"I don't want to rate one against the other but each one has its unique character and Cruden Bay sticks in my mind. I can remember more of the holes there than I can on any of the other courses.

"The Machrie is another that was memorable for sheer fun golf but it's not everybody's cup of tea because there are so many blind greens.

"I played with club captains, club pros and juniors at the local courses. It was altogether a great experience. I hope my playing partners enjoyed playing with me as much as I enjoyed playing with them."

That's the way to do it. See you in 2010 Bob!