Elite Traveler July-August 2017

THE SKIBO CASTLE ESSENTIALS Eat haggis. Or afternoon tea is served every day in the drawing room Drink a wee dram of whisky Ride Thunder the horse Shoot clay pigeons from all angles Drive the third hole par five at Carnegie Links Dance the ceilidh Relax with the ‘heaven on earth’ spa treatment Count 32 fireplaces — more than the number of bedrooms Hear the 8am bagpipe player who circles the grounds every morning Walk on water with the swimming pool’s zorbing balls

Following a day of activities in the fresh air of the Highlands, the spa is a divine place to unwind. Try one of the signature treatments — ‘namh air an talaimh’ meaning ‘heaven on earth’ provides exactly that. And the swimming pool is stunning. Set beneath a domed glass ceiling and looking out over a loch, it is incredibly peaceful and you’ll more than likely be the only person in there. Membership was closed for many years, having reached the restricted capacity, but is now re-opening for a limited period to replace the small number of members who have departed over the last decade. A true testament to members’ loyalty and the magical bubble that is Skibo Castle. Joining fee is $32,260 a year and membership fee is $10,968 per year then a daily all-inclusive rate while staying at the club. The club is currently offering applicants the opportunity of a ‘trial year’ before committing to long-term membership at $12,904. Contact Alison MacInnes, house manager, membership@carnegieclub.co.uk, +44 186 289 4600

On the Riviera

Have you been dreaming of lazy summer days spent wandering through tiny Italian villages, sampling the best balsamic vinegars, Parmigiano Reggiano, Barolo and Chianti wines straight from the source? Or perhaps you’d prefer the glamorous resort life, strolling through the streets of Monaco and sunning in Portofino? Either way, this summer you can enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination itself with a new offering, En Route to La Dolce Vita, a unique collaboration between Four Seasons Hotel Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. Pick your departure city, tell the concierge your greatest desires and they’ll create a bespoke itinerary for you to enjoy while tooling around the European countryside in a sublime vintage car from Joey Rent. Along with your custom itinerary and picnics from the hotels’ chefs, a second (modern) car trails you to offer roadside assistance and mechanical support, refueling and cleaning the car at each stop, and should you need it, your aide will drive the vintage car for you. And at the end of each leg of your journey, stay in a top suite at one of Four Seasons’ most magical properties. After shopping and touring in Milan and Florence, we suggest ending your road trip at Le Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat with an extended stay at Villa Rose-Pierre, a private four-bedroom villa with 2.5 acres of gardens, private pool and tennis court. While the journey itself is fit for two, the rest of the family can join you here for a classic European vacation. From $115,000 for 1958Mercedes-Benz 190 SL rental, one night in Royal Suite della Gherardesca in Florence, one night in Penthouse Suite inMilan and three nights in La Villa Rose-Pierre in Cap-Ferrat. Contact KseniaMuzykantova, director of sales at Four Seasons Florence, ksenia.muzykantova@fourseasons.com, fourseasons.com

Top: Travel in style in your vintage Mercedes-Benz Above: Beautiful suites and stunning views await at your journey’s end

Photos Gomes Photography, Chris Close, Chris Tubbs, Christian Horan