From Edinburgh with love

After planning a wedding and celebrating the big day there's nothing two newlyweds need more than quality time together on their honeymoon. The hotel you choose should be exceptional, somewhere special, exceeding expectations making you feel you're extending your celebrations just by staying there; romantic, luxurious, stylish, sophisticated, exemplary service the Radisson Collection Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh, part of Radisson's new brand of luxury design hotels, certainly didn't disappoint.

My hubby and I were celebrating our first-year anniversary the day we arrived at the only five-star hotel on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. We were already encapsulated by the romantic setting, historic buildings in abundance, a place of hidden treasures down every turn. Greeted by appropriately kilted concierge ready to park our car and take our luggage, the sound of bagpipes in a nearby street, shortbread and fudge on-hand in reception we were truly receiving a warm Scottish welcome. 

The lobby is a feast for the eyes, modern, luxurious, exuding artistic flair, a theme throughout the hotel. Each bedroom suite is designed by one of six of Scotland’s best upcoming artists and designers including fashion designer Judy R Clark, artists and textile designer Hatti Pattisson, design duo Timorous Beasties and furniture designer Holster. 

Our Superior Room reflected the rest of the hotel's chic, design-led look, with the addition of a truly breathtaking skyline view, stretching across glorious historic rooftops to Arthur's Seat in the background. Tempted by the city-centre, we dumped our bags after cutting the top tier of our wedding cake and headed out to explore. Within only a few steps from the front of the hotel, we immediately fell in love with Old Town reminiscent of a bygone era; history-lovers will be in heaven although everyone will be swept up in the buzz and romance of Old Town. Just steps from Edinburgh Castle, Grass Market, The Museum of Scotland and The Scottish National Gallery, the hotel is ideal for those looking for culture; while more adventurous mini-mooners can climb Arthur's Seat for skyline views, Calton Hill, or head to New Town, Princes Street, the ultimate-shopping and dinning destination.

After a fascinating and dreamy stroll of the city, we headed back to change for our evening meal in the hotel's award-winning Andrew McQueen's Cucina. The décor is, quite literally, mood-enhancing, awash with colour and pattern, it's bold, beautiful and uplifting, the perfect setting in which to experience the gourmet cuisine. The menu is a showcase of signature dishes, combining Italian fare with a Scottish twist. It was hard to select a favourite dish, although my hubby was constantly drawn to all-things Scottish and was having Haggis with every meal so opted for the Haggis Scotch Egg, Celeriac Slaw, Chilli Jam, followed by Slow Cooked Chicken Leg, Roasted Breast, Shallots, Thyme Jus, with room for a cheeseboard still! I opted for the delicious Seared Dived Scallops, followed by the typically Italian Leek Cannelloni and I too, of course, had room for dessert, which I'm so glad I did as it was utterly divine!

In high spirits and a celebratory mood, due to the exceptional dining experience, atmosphere and ever-attentive staff, we headed to the new Epicurean bar a renowned got-to haunt for locals and visitors from afar. With its modern-vibe, nightlife atmosphere due to a resident DJ it was a stylish setting. The team are very inventive, in addition to adding 180,000 honey bees to their roof, they also installed as EvoGrow hydroponic usually only seen in Michelin starred kitchens to grow herbs for Epicurean's playful cocktails and Cucina's culinary creations. A local cider for the Mr and beautiful cocktail for the Mrs, we toasted our anniversary and weekend at Radisson Collection Royal Mile Edinburgh Old Town... we'll be back!

Check out: www.radissoncollection.com