From Italy To Scotland: A Journey Of Discovery And Serendipity
While exploring the Hilton Grand Vacations website, I landed unexpectedly at Craigendarroch Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club just outside Aberdeen, Scotland, and that click turned into a wonderful adventure. I booked right away and started building a trip around it. My husband is an avid golfer, and St. Andrews and Carnoustie were calling to him.
A Side Trip To Grottammare, Italy, Makes The Journey Even Richer
Since we were crossing the Atlantic, I thought, why not visit Italy? I have family in Grottammare on the Adriatic coast. It is a small town with a newer set of expensive beachfront hotels and a spectacularly preserved old city perched on the hill above. From Rome, we traveled by local transport to Grottammare where family greeted, wined and dined us, then took us through remarkable hill towns filled with history, art and quiet beauty. It is a community proud of its past, its struggle and its zest for life.
I could say so much more about this place that connects to my heritage, but now back to how we eventually made it to Scotland.
What To Know Before Traveling From Southern Italy To Scotland
Not being an experienced international traveler, I underestimated the distance between Scotland and Italy’s southern Adriatic coast. Travel adventurers that we are, we boarded a train to Bologna with golf clubs in tow. We stayed at a beautifully appointed Hilton for one night, only to realize that we wouldn’t have time to explore the city with an early-morning departure to Heathrow Airport and onward to Aberdeen. After a moment to relax, we headed to the hotel restaurant for a fine-dining experience. The chef was Italian, and the food was spectacular.
Getting To Craigendarroch Suites From Aberdeen
The next day, we flew to Heathrow Airport and connected to Aberdeen. Bologna Airport was manageable and Heathrow, though complex, is always a shopping paradise for me. Arriving in Aberdeen and renting a vehicle to reach Craigendarroch Suites was seamless. The resort is about 42 miles from Aberdeen, and the best way to explore the area is by car. You will want a car anyway to see castles, highlands, eateries and distilleries in the most economical way.
Craigendarroch Suites Is A Highlands Base In Cairngorms National Park
We arrived later that day. Nestled in Cairngorms National Park, the accommodations feel like an exquisite grand lodge, or as the Scots prefer, a country house. Located eight miles from Balmoral Castle, surrounded by golf courses and hiking trails and about 25 miles from The Lecht ski area, this resort is also equipped to keep you happily on-site.
Resort Amenities That Make Staying In Easy
We enjoyed an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room. There was also a fitness center, tennis court, beauty spa and squash court. The Keiller Brasserie & Lounge served everything from hearty breakfasts to delightful dinners and light snacks, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Our room was carefully appointed with a 40-inch flat-screen TV, a small kitchenette, coffee- and tea-making equipment and a lovely mountain view.
What To Do In Ballater, Scotland, Within Walking Distance
An especially memorable bonus is Ballater, which is within walking distance of the resort. Quaint shops, including a general store, bookshop, butcher shop, bakery and park, made for days of wandering pleasure. A Chinese restaurant made an appearance in our rotation. High tea at the renovated train station restaurant and bar became one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
How To Visit Carnoustie And St. Andrews On A Highlands Itinerary
From Ballater, we ventured by car to Carnoustie and by train to St. Andrews. Suffice it to say, the Scots love their golf, love their tradition and genuinely enjoy sharing their historic courses with visitors.
What To See In Edinburgh In Two Days
Our trip ended with a stay at a Hilton hotel in Edinburgh. With only two days left, we turned our visit into a hop-on, hop-off bus tour narrated by local seniors who were truly passionate about sharing their city. We visited major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and hidden gems like The Real Mary King’s Close, an eerie underground labyrinth. We also visited Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where you can explore five floors of optical illusions.
Overall, Edinburgh is a city worth returning to again and again. There is always something new to discover, and it is easy to understand how the city earned its status as a UNESCO City of Literature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will return, and I encourage anyone who loves history, culture, beautiful architecture, hidden treasures and a lively food-and-drink scene to do the same.
Key Takeaways
Craigendarroch Sparked a Full Itinerary: One unexpected stay inspired a two-country adventure built around Scotland’s Highlands.
Golf in Scotland Feels Like a Privilege: St. Andrews and Carnoustie are legendary and access often requires flexibility and luck.
Grottammare Added Meaning and Culture: Family time on the Adriatic coast brought history, art and unforgettable hospitality.
A Car Unlocks the Highlands: Driving from Aberdeen made it easier to explore castles, distilleries and scenic towns.
Resort Amenities Supports a Slower Pace: The pool, spa and on-site dining made relaxing between day trips simple.
Ballater Delivers Small-Town Charm: Walkable shops and high tea created standout moments close to the resort.
Edinburgh Is Ideal for a Short Visit: A guided bus route helped cover iconic sights and hidden gems in a limited time.
FAQs
Q: What is Craigendarroch Suites, and where is it located?
A: Craigendarroch Suites is a Hilton Grand Vacations Club set in Cairngorms National Park near Ballater and within driving distance of Aberdeen.
Q: What is the easiest way to reach Craigendarroch Suites from Aberdeen?
A: Renting a car is the most practical option since the resort is about 42 miles away; a vehicle helps with nearby sightseeing.
Q: What amenities are available at Craigendarroch Suites?
A: The resort offers an indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, fitness center, tennis court, beauty spa, squash court and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Q: Is Ballater close enough to visit without driving?
A: Yes, Ballater is within walking distance and offers shops, cafés and a memorable high tea experience.
