Norton House Hotel & Spa ★★★★

Edinburgh is a flurry of grand urban delight, composed of a collection of building blocks from a multitude of eras, from twirling cobbled backstreets laden with cosy pubs and restaurants, to an endless supply of designer shops and low-lit concert venues around every twist and turn. Edinburgh is a bastion of hedonism mixed with a healthy dose of historic culture, giving rise to a city that is both unexpected and exactly as it should be. Set amongst wild, weathered countryside and craggy cliff faces, it is the perfect place to get away from it all.

And, just twenty-minutes from the centre of it all, the Norton House Hotel & Spa connects up all the facets of life in Edinburgh, one-step removed from the busy streets of the city itself. Originally built back in 1840, the hotel’s history only came to surface in 1883 when it was bought by John Usher, the head of a world-renowned Scottish brewing family. Up until it was sold and made into a hotel in 1951, the house served as a luxury retreat for the Usher clan, which boasted several Baronets amongst their clutches. For over a century and a half, Norton House has provided a cocoon of comfort to its residents, and it continues to ooze with boutique charm in the present day.

Surrounded by its 55 acres of lush greenery, I was ready to delve into its past and enjoy the warm welcome that it has become so well-known for. My first image of the Norton was its grand porch entrance, a hint that it was once the residence of Scotland’s finest. Inside, it boasts an eclectic mashup of styles, from the rich, regal décor of the lobby with gilt-framed paintings and wood-panelled staircases, to the low leather couches in the lounge, and the burst of contemporary colour in the rooms.

My room was a delightful show of white-washed walls, modern fixtures and fittings, and bright splashes of colour to bring it to life. A large bed sat in the middle and sliding glass doors led out onto a small balcony and also let natural light fill the room. The bathroom boasted elegance, too, with a collection of free, top-notch toiletries and thick, fluffy bathrobes.

However, I was most excited about trying out the in-house spa, considered to be one of the best in Edinburgh. With no less than eight relaxing treatment rooms, there is an expansive menu of services to try out, including a fully-equipped gym, modern indoor swimming pool, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool. The Norton is famed for its tranquil ambiance, enhanced ten-fold by the luxurious spa, and I had great fun trying out the treatments.

In the evenings I retreated to the Ushers Restaurant, a stylish fine-dining experience specialising in local wines. If you’re travelling with kids, you might want to try out the Brasserie, a more laidback affair with a huge, delicious menu. Then, under the cloak of darkness, I enjoyed a cocktail in the Glass Lounge – the perfect way to end a peaceful day. Back at my regal quarters, I couldn’t wait for the sun to rise on a new day, lighting up the endless countryside just minutes from one of Europe’s hottest cities.