TV presenter and property expert Amanda Lamb has partnered with PoB Hotels, the collection of the finest independent hotels across the British Isles, as the brand’s latest celebrity ambassador. Passionate about captivating interiors and intriguing design, Amanda recently journeyed up to Scotland on her own PoB break to experience some of the country’s most opulent hotels that showcase remarkable and resplendent spaces.
We sat down with Amanda to find out a little more about her luxury trip north of the border.
Why did you choose to look at the interior design of PoB’s Scottish hotels?
I have always been fascinated by interiors and how they can make you feel. For most people, staying in a hotel is a special occasion and initial impressions count – you want to walk in and think “WOW”. Throughout my PoB Break which focused on Inspiring Interiors within Scotland, I felt that each of PoB’s properties really nailed it every time, they are all so different and eclectic.
Can you share more about your PoB break – how long it was, and which places you visited?
Throughout my PoB break, I stayed at five of PoB Hotels’ incredible properties; Glenapp Castle, Cromlix, The Torridon, The Fife Arms and Ness Walk. As my trip was focused on interiors and design within PoB’s Hotels in Scotland, I visited some of the collection’s most beautiful hotels that certainly left an impression on me and my guest! My trip lasted a total of five days which wasn’t long enough! It was wonderful to see the different properties, and really look into their design and architecture, as well as discover Scotland through our journeys to and from each hotel.
Given your emphasis on interior design, were there specific elements or details in the hotels that left a lasting impression on you?
So many, how long have you got?! I adored the design element of the recently refurbished Cromlix. Kim Murray has an amazing eye for detail – full of traditional Scottish charm and homely touches whilst being a luxury hotel. The staff were amazing, and I also tried my hand at pickleball there which was amazing! The art collection at The Fife Arms was superb, it’s not often I have a coffee looking at a Picasso and I loved exploring the different themed rooms which have been individually designed – not only the bedrooms but The Flying Stag pub, Bertie’s Bar and Elsa’s. The Torridon was exactly what I wanted from a five-star hotel in the northwest of Scotland. The use of tartan and colours that blended in with the landscape really made me feel like I could only be in the Scottish Highlands! And the views from every window were breathtaking.
What did you enjoy most about your PoB break?
I loved how different each hotel was, my PoB break worked so well because I travelled from place to place and was truly blown away by each one but for very different reasons. I felt I got to see parts of Scotland I’d never been to before and I really have taken away so much inspiration for my own home.
What was your favourite thing about each hotel that you visited during your PoB break?
I felt that Glenapp Castle was like something from a fairy-tale, just magical as you drove up the drive towards the hotel – so elegant and beautiful. This was certainly mirrored throughout the interior design. For Cromlix, which has obviously just been recently completely refurbished, my highlight was the beautiful interior design – the hotel’s style is very similar to mine so I felt right at home. The Fife Arms was unlike anywhere I’ve ever stayed before, steeped in history and full of eclectic art pieces – I felt that everywhere you looked, there was something to love and gasp at.
My visit to Ness Walk was beautifully luxurious and the staff were amazingly kind and hospitable. Not only am I a design fan, but I am also a Martini lover, and I had an amazing Martini there! Finally, I’ve already mentioned but I loved the elegance of the rooms at The Torridon – the views and surrounding landscape were breathtaking, and the Scottish charm continued throughout the design. I was also blown away by the delicious food and impressive whisky selection!
Where’s next on your list? Is there anywhere else in the UK that you’d love to explore?
I adore being by the sea and so I am looking forward to exploring the Southwest coast of the UK next year, and also planning on taking my eldest daughter to London for lots of shopping, shows and exploring!
What do you think makes immersive slow travel particularly appealing to travellers?
The ability to be able to take your time and slow down, holidaying in this country means you can meander and explore all that the UK has to offer – it’s about taking time to enjoy either re- visiting places that you may have been to before or exploring new cities and the great outdoors! I really enjoyed my recent PoB break because it showed me just how wonderful it was to explore this breathtaking island without rushing, taking time to drive from hotel to hotel to visit and see as much as possible of the beautiful Scottish landscape, villages and cities.
Most of us spend far too much time running around, I loved how immersed and relaxed I felt in Scotland.
What have you got coming up for the rest of this year/2024?
Lots more travel! I’m aiming to visit more of the UK – and maybe another PoB break or two.
What is your favourite thing about travelling?
I love experiencing different destinations, designs, cuisines and cultures, as well as spending time with loved ones or family whilst travelling. Up until recently, I used to organise my trips to head off somewhere in Europe, but working with PoB Hotels as an ambassador and curating my own PoB break has really helped me appreciate what’s on my own doorstep. I’m excited to delve deeper into the British Isles and experience all that it has to offer – bring on 2024!
What is the one item you take with you when you go away?
I have a new suitcase from a small independent British company called Hey Chesto which I love! I’ve got packing down to a fine art now to travel very lightly and this case is perfect for that.
For more information on Amanda Lamb’s PoB break, visit PoB Hotels’ website: pobhotels.com/break/amanda-lambs-inspiring-interiors-break/.
All imagery supplied by PoB Hotels
