Marine Hotel & Spa, North Berwick

The Marine has enjoyed a privileged spot in North Berwick since it first opened its doors back in 1888 and it is easy to see why it is so popular. Many rooms boast views out over the golf course and on to the Firth of Forth and the islands of Craigleith, Fidra (of ‘Treasure Island’ fame) and the mighty hulk of Bass Rock, meaning everything you do comes draped in epic scenery.

The Marine may once have attracted passengers from London on the trains that used to run direct to the ‘Biarritz of the North’, but it was looking a bit tired before Macdonald Hotels took it over. They have thrown a lot of money at the property bringing it back to its best with plush public areas and revamped rooms, as well as the new award winning spa.

Firth of Forth Views

There are 83 bedrooms with many offering great vistas. We stayed in one of their turret suites with gorgeous views – from the expansive old-fashioned windows in the living room we could take in a panorama that swept from North Berwick Law right around the Forth Islands and back towards the Forth Bridges. The style of the rooms is traditional without being twee (though they also have LCD TVs) and a big plus are the oversized beds.

Exceptional Restaurant

The award winning ‘John Paul at the Marine’ is the place to eat with a frequently changing seasonal menu. I enjoyed a mushroom ravioli that just oozed the pungent wild fungi. My main was a perfectly cooked 28-day aged fillet steak, served rare with a lip smacking peppercorn sauce and proper twice cooked chunky chips. For dessert tarte tartin finished things off in indulgent fashion, before a cheeseboard that offered both Scottish and Irish delights.

Vital Leisure Club and Spa

The Vital Leisure Club and Spa meanwhile cost a fortune to build, but it was money well spent. It features an 18m swimming pool and a ‘Thermal Suite’. The latter has a number of different chambers such as standard saunas and steam rooms, but also a rock sauna and even an ice fountain. To recover from the ice fountain you can slip into the hot tub, which has a door that leads to a small outdoor pool. Here you can gaze up at the stars as you relax in the warm water. I also tried out an hour long full body massage, which was divine and a perfect way to ease my tired limbs after taking on the local walks.

North Berwick Attractions

There is plenty to see and do in and around North Berwick. If you want to take it easy the town has a number of cafes, tea rooms and pubs. Then there are coastal walks and golf, including the chance to play on what claims to be the oldest still played golf course in the world. A longer walk takes you through the town and then up to the top of North Berwick Law, a striking volcanic plug that survived the last ice age. The views are lovely and you can easily see why the original owners chose to build the Marine in such a remarkable part of the country.

Marine Hotel & Spa, Cromwell Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4LZ. Tel: 0844-879 9130. Website: marineandlawn.com/marinenorthberwick

InsiderScotland Rating 

For Families 8/10

For a Romantic Break 7/10

For Food 8/10

For Business People 8/10

InsiderScotland Rating 8/10.