This summer, my travels carried me from the emerald countryside of Ireland to the cobblestone, castle-lined streets of Edinburgh and finally to Amsterdam’s shimmering canals and bustling bike paths. Each stop offered an experience that defined the character of the city surrounding it.
Ireland: Kilkea Castle, Kildare
My journey began an hour outside of Dublin, where Kilkea Castle rises out of 180 acres of lush woodland and rose-filled gardens. Dating back to 1180, the castle feels every bit its age in history yet gleams with modern restoration. I stayed in the castle itself, where medieval stone walls meet contemporary luxury. My window overlooked the rolling estate, and evenings were spent by the fire in the Castle Lounge, sipping Irish whiskey after long days outdoors.
Mornings started with a walk through the gardens, followed by hearty breakfasts in the bistro. The falconry was right outside the castle doors, with the thrill of holding majestic birds of prey like Harry Potter’s owls, matched only by the stunning castle backdrop. A quick rest later, we made our way to The Keep for drinks, the cozy pub’s roaring fireplace adding a warm glow to the early evening. Dinner that night at Restaurant 1180 offered sweeping views of the rose gardens and the 18th hole of the castle’s golf course, rounding out our day with elegance and charm.
The following day began with a hearty breakfast in the castle. We challenged ourselves in the castle’s escape rooms before an afternoon of archery, history talks and ghost stories, and a leisurely lunch in the Bistro. The afternoon was devoted to pampering in the castle’s award-winning spa, where thermal suites, hydrotherapy pools, and indulgent treatments left us feeling revitalized. Dinner in Hermione’s was a culinary delight, and we wrapped up the evening with drinks in The Keep Bar, the castle’s historic walls echoing with laughter and conversation.
Kilkea Castle felt like stepping into a fairy tale, but one where you can still order room service.
Boann Distillery Ireland
While exploring Ireland, I couldn’t miss the chance to experience one of the country’s most exciting new distilleries: Boann, in County Meath. Family-owned and deeply rooted in the traditions of the Boyne Valley, Boann has quickly become known for bringing Single Pot Still Irish whiskey back into the spotlight.
During my visit, I learned that Boann had just released its first-ever Single Pot Still whiskeys in the U.S. (January 2025) — three distinct cask-finished expressions: Marsala, Madeira, and Pedro Ximénez. Each comes in a bespoke bottle etched with textures that evoke Irish barley, oak bark, and flame-charred casks, beautifully capturing the essence of the land and craft behind them.
Each whiskey felt like a story in a glass, honoring the 160-year tradition of Single Pot Still distillation while pushing forward with modern innovation. What struck me most was the Cooney family’s vision: to revive Ireland’s lost distilleries and put Irish whiskey back at the forefront of the global stage.
It made me appreciate Ireland not just for its castles and landscapes, but also for its craftsmanship and passion for flavor. Knowing that these bottles are now reaching shelves in the U.S. made it feel even more special — like I was sipping a piece of Ireland’s future before it takes the world by storm.
Scotland: Righ Residences, Edinburgh
From Ireland, I flew to Edinburgh and checked into Righ Residences on George Street. My apartment looked out toward Edinburgh Castle, framed perfectly against the sky. Unlike a traditional hotel stay, here I had the freedom of a private apartment with the polish of a five-star property. I cooked simple breakfasts in my kitchenette, lounged in soft robes, and felt both at home and utterly spoiled.
The in-room tablet became my best friend—one tap and I had recommendations for hidden whisky bars, local restaurants, and galleries. It was the perfect balance of independence and attentive care. After long days of wandering the Royal Mile or climbing Arthur’s Seat, it was a luxury to come back, slip into the oversized bed, and watch the city lights glitter outside.
House of Gods, Edinburgh
If Righ Residences felt like a home away from home, House of Gods was the ultimate escape. Tucked in the Old Town, it is unlike anywhere I’ve stayed. The moment I walked in, I was surrounded by velvet, marble, and low-lit glamour—like stepping onto the Orient Express frozen in time. My room had a “press for prosecco” button, and yes, I pressed it more than once.
I stayed in a Four Poster Classic Room, and it felt like stepping into a Versailles-inspired hideaway. The oak-paneled walls adorned with opulent fabrics made the room feel luxurious and intimate. There was a hidden TV mirror, a marble-clad en-suite wet room, and even a fully stocked hand-built cocktail bar. At 150 sq. ft., the room was cozy but indulgent in the best way possible.
The “Treat Me Like I’m Famous” package included Prosecco on arrival, a bedtime delivery of milk and cookies from my personal butler, and a lavish breakfast hamper in bed. It really made me feel pampered, with hand deliveries of vanilla latte with yogurt in the AM plus hand-shaken cocktails at my doorstep.
The hotel’s boutique cocktail bar is an experience in itself. Each drink is inspired by legends from music, film, and fashion. I tried several from the Rock N’ Roll collection, including an Espresso Martini and the sparkling Champagne Supernova. I loved learning the stories behind each cocktail—like Kate Moss’ espresso indulgence and Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant parties.
The nights here blurred into laughter and cocktails downstairs, where Gucci wallpaper framed a bar that felt designed for Instagram. House of Gods didn’t whisper luxury, it shouted it with a wink. Every detail was dramatic, decadent, and deliberately fun whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a fan of opulent design, or just looking for a memorable escape in Edinburgh.
Amsterdam: Ruby Emma Hotel & Bar
Finally, my trip ended in Amsterdam, where Ruby Emma, part of Ruby Hotels, a fast-growing boutique brand with properties across Europe’s cultural capitals, welcomed me with its soaring sails and sustainable edge. The hotel is sleek and modern, with a design that nods to the city’s maritime history while embracing the future.
The philosophy here is all about Lean Luxury: like quick self check-in with no wait, central locations, soulful design, and real comfort, while skipping the unnecessary extras. My room was beautifully thought out — a cosy bed with a fluffy duvet, a rainfall shower that felt like a spa, and Ruby’s own aromatherapy care products. Everything felt both efficient and indulgent, like it was designed with travelers in mind. What struck me most about Ruby Emma was its balance between energy and calm. In the mornings, I worked from Ruby Luuk, the hotel’s co-working space filled with natural light and barista coffee. By evening, I was back downstairs, sipping a drink at the twelve-meter bar, sails suspended above me as the buzz of travelers and locals filled the air.
Outside, the Amstel River was just steps away. I rented a bicycle and explored De Pijp’s lively restaurants, then hopped on a quick train into the center of the city. Ruby Emma felt deeply connected to Amsterdam’s identity—progressive, stylish, and endlessly alive.
The Ruby brand was recently backed by IHG Hotels & Resorts (Feb 2025), with major plans for further expansion. Additionally, with so many travelers from the US increasingly planning European trips, it’s easy to see why Ruby is on the rise.
From the romance of a centuries-old Irish castle to the velvet drama of Edinburgh’s House of Gods, the quiet independence of Righ Residences, and the eco-chic pulse of Ruby Emma in Amsterdam, this summer became a journey not just across countries but through time and atmosphere.
