An #amazingABDN Experience
16 July 2014
It was one of those truly spectacular days; the sort of day that imprints on your memory and wedges itself deep into the folds of your heart.
It was a day spent exploring the Aberdeenshire coastline, under glorious blue skies, and with a sparkling sea and atmospheric castle ruins as the picturesque backdrop. It was a day, like so many others, where I hardly put down my camera. And it is because of a photograph taken on this wonderful day that I came to spend my wedding anniversary wrapped in luxury at the MacLeod House and Lodge on the Trump International estate.
MacLeod House and Lodge.
When VisitAberdeenshire called for entries to their #amazingABDN photography competition, I chose photos of its coastline and castles; two trails that snake around the Aberdeen area that, for me, make it such a wonderful place to visit. And the most amazing thing about the competition? One of these photographs actually won.
My winning image of Slains Castle.
The timing of it couldn’t have been more ideal – we managed to book a room for two nights around our wedding anniversary. Packing our toddler off to his grandparents, we arrived at MacLeod House very much in need of some rest and relaxation. What better place to unwind than a baronial mansion in tranquil surroundings?
We stayed in MacLeod House itself, which has everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel – gorgeous dining and lounge areas, beautiful furnishings and lovely luxurious touches. We ate in the restaurant on both evenings and the meals were fabulous, with mouth-watering courses which we savoured as much as the time together (my favourite dessert was bitter chocolate with amaretto, pearl barley ice cream and popcorn).
Our room was wonderful; a haven in which I could truly unwind and just bask in the luxury (with a bed I would have given my right arm to have at home). As a mother of a toddler, time is a precious commodity that I never seem to have enough of and I did what any busy mother would do - I caught up on sleep.
Our room at MacLeod House and Lodge.
As well as cocooning myself in the oh-so-comfortable bed, I did of course venture outside of the room: we explored the impressive grounds, nearby, and incredibly scenic, Balmedie Beach and even went on a tour of the golf course (as well as treasured quiet time reading newspapers and books beneath glittering chandeliers).
We were delighted to have someone show us around the golf course by buggy (when my husband tried unsuccessfully to get a modelling job for a magazine who were shooting a feature on the course). I may not be a golfer, but I do appreciate magical scenery: with leftover sunlight spilling over the early evening, magnificent dunes and captivating sea views, the course was spell-binding. As we looked down over the 14th hole and out to sea, I could only imagine the delight of keen golfers who play this stunning course.
Trump International Golf Links.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. I'd like to thank VisitAberdeenshire and Trump Scotland for the truly amazing prize - and for setting the bar for my husband to organise next year’s anniversary.
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