Latest news with #Traveller'sChoiceAwards
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Stunning Scots country house hotel named among UK's best in TripAdvisor awards
It boasts a fine-dining restaurant in the historic 16th century tower and a vaulted bar BE OUR GUEST Stunning Scots country house hotel named among UK's best in TripAdvisor awards Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STUNNING Scots spa hotel set in 22 acres has been named one of the best in the UK. Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards are based on genuine feedback from guests who have visited and left a first-hand review over a 12-month period. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The hotel is set in 22 acres of woodland 5 There's a cosy vaulted bar 5 It has 73 rooms And Houstoun House, in West Lothian, has been recognised in the honours after gaining consistently high ratings from guests. The country, four star hotel has sweeping grounds which provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing trip. Just 40 minutes' drive from Edinburgh, the home-from-home was once visited by Mary Queen of Scots. Inside the hotel, there are 73 rooms which blend luxury and character, with antique-filled feature bedrooms at the top of the tower offering an atmospheric experience. Reviews praised Houstoun House - which is part of the Macdonald Hotels and Resorts portfolio - for its picturesque views, beautiful gardens, attentive service, fine food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. As well as beautiful bedrooms, it boasts a tranquil spa and fully equipped leisure club, a fine-dining restaurant located in the historic 16th century tower and a vaulted bar in the hotel's characterful cellars. Andrew Boe, general manager at Houstoun House, said: "As the world's largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. "As such, it's a privilege to be recognised by Tripadvisor in this manner, based on reviews and ratings collected throughout the year. 'This award is testament to the care and quality which we live by here at Houstoun House, and we look forward to welcoming more guests through our doors this summer to showcase the service which makes our hotel so special.' Other Macdonald hotels in Scotland include Crutherland House, in East Kilbride, Drumossie Hotel, in Inverness, and Spey Valley Resort, in Aviemore. Inside Scots hotel where you can stay in Outlander heart-throb's room and take an e-bike ride from your doorstep Houston House is not the first hotel to be recognised by TripAdvisor. A quirky Scots hotel was named the top one-of-a-kind places to stay in the UK. Meanwhile, B&Bs were celebrated in the Best of the Best Hotels awards. 5 The hotel boasts a tranquil spa
Metro
03-05-2025
- Metro
The 'Jaw-dropping' Greek beach that's just four hours from UK named world's best
The best beach in the world has been revealed for 2025, and you don't have to travel to a far-flung destination to find it. Tripadvisor's annual Traveller's Choice Awards has crowned Elafonissi Beach in Crete as the number one beach on the planet, thanks to its unique pink sands and crystal-clear waters. After a four-year absence from the rankings, it has soared past 23 other stretches of sand to claim the top spot. Located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island, Elafonissi is a small islet separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon. The European beach is famous for its soft, pastel pink shoreline, which gets its unique hue from microscopic organisms called Foraminifera. These tiny marine creatures produce red-pigmented shells, which, over time, break down and mix with the white grains of sand on the shore. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Tripadvisor's ranking of beaches is based on a comprehensive analysis of reviews and ratings from millions of travellers over the past 12 months. The winning beach currently holds a 4.5-star rating, based on 16,000 reviews. Its description reads: 'Elafonissi Beach is just one of those places you have to see to believe. 'The shallow lagoons are perfect for those with curious kids, while the deeper waters invite all sorts of adventure for adults: swimming, snorkelling, you name it. Just make sure to stick around until sunset – you won't regret it.' Those who visit are rarely disappointed, as made clear by the glowing reviews from thousands of travellers. Reviewers have declared it the 'Maldives of Crete' due to its 'jaw-dropping' scenery, and some have compared it to the Caribbean. One reviewer, Xhiria, said the beach is a 'must see'. They wrote: 'The water is clear. It's like a paradise before the people arrive.' Another added: 'The water is beautifully clear, the pink grains of sand dance around at the water's edge, and the water is shallow enough for you to walk around in the water.' While one reviewer said: 'This is the most stunning beach I have ever seen. It takes your breath away.' However, some pointed out that it can get particularly crowded in summer, and a few inconsiderate tourists have been known to take samples of the pink sand. Cerys1992 wrote: '[It's a] beautiful and clean beach. It's a shame that inconsiderate tourists have unfortunately been stealing the pink sand.' Those who want to see the beach for themselves can easily travel from Chania, the nearest major city with convenient transport links. The beach is an hours drive away from there. If you're flying from the UK, direct flights to Chania take roughly four hours. One-way flights from London Gatwick to Chania can be found for £40, departing in April. Those who want to soak up the sun without the crowds can visit Elafonissi Beach during the shoulder seasons, such as May and September, rather than the busy summer months of June, July, and August. More Trending Sunbeds are available to rent at the beach; however, there is no natural shade, so visitors should be well-equipped with umbrellas, hats, and suncream if they're planning to stay all day. Once they're done sunbathing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, visitors can explore the Elafonissi Nature Reserve, which surrounds the beach. This protected area is home to rare wildlife, including sea turtles and migratory birds. The Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, a historic 17th-century monastery perched on a cliff is also close by. It boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I trekked Earth's second-largest rainforest to meet one of our closest ancestors MORE: Woman killed in explosion when bomb she was carrying went off in her hands MORE: Amalfi Coast or Como? I put Italy's swankiest destinations to the test
The National
14-01-2025
- The National
Dubai named one of the world's top destinations for 2025 by Tripadvisor
Lifestyle Travel Marrakesh and Istanbul also make it onto annual list for the Traveller's Choice Awards
