LUXE Serendipity magazine

As World Whisky Day approaches on 16 May, there is no better excuse to plan a getaway inspired by Scotland’s most celebrated spirit. Whether you prefer a polished tasting in the heart of London, an intimate fireside dram in Edinburgh, or a castle retreat on the Ayrshire coast, these exceptional hotels offer immersive whisky experiences in some of the UK’s most atmospheric settings.

]From historic townhouses and opulent country estates to grand coastal castles, each destination tells its own story—one best enjoyed with a glass of something extraordinary in hand

London: A Sophisticated Whisky Journey at Roseate House London

Tucked away in three beautifully restored Victorian townhouses near Hyde Park, Roseate House London feels like a hidden sanctuary in the capital. Behind its elegant façade, The Hyde Bar offers one of London’s most refined whisky experiences.

To celebrate World Whisky Day, guests can settle into the intimate, design-led bar for a guided tasting featuring distinguished expressions such as The Balvenie 17-Year-Old and The Balvenie 14-Year-Old. Expert hosts bring each whisky to life, exploring the nuances of distillation, maturation and flavour before the experience concludes with a whisky cocktail paired with canapés and a cheese platter.

It is a sophisticated introduction to the world of whisky, right in the centre of London.

Rooms from £400 per night.
https://www.roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse/

Edinburgh: Discover Scotland’s Spirit at The Roseate Edinburgh

For those who want to celebrate World Whisky Day closer to whisky’s spiritual home, The Roseate Edinburgh offers an elegant base in the Scottish capital.

Set within two restored Victorian townhouses in the leafy West Coates neighbourhood, the hotel blends classic Scottish character with contemporary luxury. In the hotel bar, guests can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of Scottish single malts, blended whiskies and international labels, accompanied by seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

Its location, just minutes from Edinburgh’s historic centre and renowned whisky attractions, makes it ideal for a city break centred around Scotland’s national drink.

Rooms from £450 per night.
https://www.roseatehotels.com/edinburgh/theroseate/

Edinburgh: Fireside Drams at Prestonfield House

If ever there were a hotel designed for whisky lovers, it is Prestonfield House.

At the foot of Arthur’s Seat, this lavish 17th-century mansion offers a dramatic blend of velvet, candlelight and antique grandeur. Its newly refreshed Whisky Room is one of the most atmospheric places in Edinburgh to enjoy a rare dram.

Here, shelves are lined with exceptional whiskies from the Highlands, Speyside, Islay and the Lowlands, as well as notable international bottles. One of the most intriguing pours is the Prestonfield Arctic Single Malt Whisky, created exclusively for the hotel.

Deep armchairs, sculptural antler furniture and a roaring fire set the scene, while expert guidance from the hotel’s Whisky Sommelier, Oskar, transforms every tasting into a memorable experience.

Even if you only intended to stop for one dram, this is the kind of room that invites you to linger long into the evening.

Rooms from £375 per night, including breakfast.
https://www.prestonfield.com/

Ayrshire: Castle Living and Rare Whiskies at Glenapp Castle

For a truly unforgettable World Whisky Day escape, head to Glenapp Castle on Scotland’s rugged south-west coast.

Surrounded by 110 acres of private estate and overlooking the sea, this grand Relais & Châteaux property offers the romance of a fairytale castle with the warmth of a country house.

Whisky tastings are a highlight of any stay. The Glenapp Whisky Tasting introduces guests to three outstanding single malts from nearby Bladnoch Distillery, while the Macallan Whisky Tasting showcases four exceptional expressions from one of Scotland’s most revered distilleries.

The hotel can also arrange visits to local distilleries, offering a deeper look into the craftsmanship and landscape that shape the distinctive Lowland style.

After a day of exploration, there are few greater pleasures than returning to the castle, finding a quiet corner by the fire and raising a glass to World Whisky Day.

Garden View Suites from £415 per night, including breakfast.
https://www.glenappcastle.com/

The Perfect Toast to World Whisky Day

World Whisky Day is more than an opportunity to enjoy a fine dram; it is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and the stories behind every bottle.

Whether you choose the urban elegance of London, the historic charm of Edinburgh or the wild beauty of Scotland’s west coast, these remarkable hotels offer far more than a tasting. They provide a journey into the culture, tradition and enduring allure of whisky itself.

So this 16 May, skip the ordinary and plan a spirited escape,