Wind down and wake up in one of Scotland's best and most loved hotels, The Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews. Located in the 'Home of Golf', guests from all over the world come to stay here to practice their swing on a Championship course, pamper themselves in the award winning Spa, walk along the Fife Coastal Path breathing in the fresh sea air or dine in some of the tastiest restaurants on the East Coast. As you can probably imagine, I was absolutely delighted to receive an invite from The Fairmont team to come and spend 24 hours at the hotel with my partner Carl.
The sun was shining when we arrived in St Andrews on Sunday afternoon (a cool 21°C). We were feeling peckish so parked up in town and headed to Forgans for a delicious soup & haggis neeps and tatties (a Scottish staple) before wandering around the sandy beaches and cobbled streets. Think olde worlde bookshops, quaint little pubs, boutique shops and amazing ice cream!
After about an hour we jumped back in the car and in exactly 9 minutes we rolled up to the very grand entrance of the Fairmont. The driveway meanders through the golf course and with a beautiful view of the sea on your left you know you're in for a very special treat.
Instantly greeted by the very friendly doorman, we were shown through the beautiful foyer to the check in desk and quickly handed our keys. Our room was beautiful, with the perfect balance of Scottish heritage and luxury. An unmistakable Scottish staycation with its touch of tartan, views overlooking the golf course and of course the North Sea on your doorstep. The hotel team made us feel right at home with some goodies on arrival including an assortment of golf themed chocolates and some ESPA treats. With a Nespresso machine, Le Labo shampoo, huge bed, fluffy robes and a large bathtub to soak in, we could have stayed in the room all day!
Instead we went on a wander around the grounds. A quick stop by the greenhouse, kept by head gardener Johnny, who grows the most impressive onions I have ever seen (see pic below)! The tomatoes, chilli's, basil and variations of mint (Strawberry, apple, pineapple & lemon) are all used within the hotel menus, not to mention their very own honey from the beehives.
After soaking in the breath-taking views and walking around the 520 acre estate we headed in to get ready for pre-dinner drinks on the summer terrace. Neuk is a new addition to the Fairmont located in a sun trap with views across the front of the hotel and the perfect place for sunset sips. Our lovely waiter recommended his favourite drink to me, 'The Moonshine' and Carl had a delicious Negroni.
After our drinks we took a short 5 minute walk (with shuttles available if the weather isn't so kind) to the St Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill. Featuring a seafood bar and Josper Grill, the menu showcases some of the freshest local ingredients and I couldn't wait to tuck in. We started with some delicious sourdough bread, then I had garlic butter and lemon prawns with a side of honey glazed carrotes and parmesan and chive potatoes, while Carl had the Braised Rosshire Lamb Neck with potato fondant, roasted carrot, buttered tender stem and mint jus, accompanied by a beautiful bottle of wine.
We sat looking out to the sea and watched the sun set with a clear view - it was dreamy and the atmosphere was so relaxed.
We finished with a cheese board and chocolate mousse dessert (not that we needed it), but we could have chosen anything from the menu as it all looked so good. We walked off our gorgeous meal and called it a night - I think I fell asleep in exactly 3 seconds when my head hit the plumpest pillow I could have asked for.
We woke up the next day and beelined for the Squire where breakfast is served each day. A full Scottish breakfast complete with a chef to make you any kind of egg you liked. There was a brilliant selection of bacon, sausages, black pudding (you name it) and fresh fruits, cold meats, waffles, pancakes, pastries etc. Enough to keep you fuelled for the rest of the day and probably the next! We went a little easy (keeping it to one plate per person) as I knew I had a massage awaiting me.
Before the Spa we took a quick walk around the grounds, as it was another beautiful sunny Scottish day (got to take every opportunity we can), and admired the immaculate courses which the team were busy pruning in preparation for the St Andrews Bay Championship, welcoming some of the world's best golf players including Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey this weekend!
Rounding off our trip with the highlight of my entire stay, a 90 minute 'Sound of the Hebrides' treatment using Ishga products. Find more of their incredible treatment list here. The attention to detail throughout the treatment was incredible with sounds of the waves playing in the background, the fresh scents of the marine based products and expert knowledge of my therapist Karolina - it was perfect!
I eked out my time in the spa and leisure facilities as long as I possibly could before heading back to the room to check out and say my final goodbyes to the friendly, professional and very welcoming team.
I couldn't recommend a stay here enough, whether you are travelling with young children, your significant other, escaping the city with your best girlfriends or need some time to yourself. If you book into any one of the 212 beautiful rooms at The Fairmont you'll be in for a very special staycation.
To find out more about Fairmont, click here. egg members receive three nights for the price of two. Your stay includes a full Scottish breakfast and use of the Spa facilities. Find out more here. Not an egg member? Sign up to gain access to hundreds of offers across Scotland.
