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HIGHLIGHTS:

Meet The ExpertsDiscover how bespoke Luxury Experiences are created.

Instagram MomentsLearn how to capture the most Instagrammable photos in the hotel!

Guerlain SecretsFind out all about our Guerlain Spa top 5.

EDINBURGH THE CALEDONIAN

A WA L D O R F W E LCO M E From Our General Manager

ello and welcome to the Mar/Apr/May edition of Live Unforgettable, our in-house hotel magazine. We will

be sharing some of the latest news from the hotel, as well as uncovering a few of the highlights in the capital over the coming months.

Whether this is your first time to the capital, or perhaps you are lucky enough to be returning, there is always something different for you to discover. Edinburgh is steeped in rich heritage and culture and continues to attract visitors from around the globe, all endeavouring to experience a piece of its history.

We live in an era where time is precious, and we strive to make every moment count. That’s why we have created a wide range of incredible luxury experiences which can help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Do you dream of visiting the Highlands in a day? Our private helicopter tours can make this wish come true with a guided tour from the air and an unforgettable lunch on the breath-taking Isle of Skye or even a road trip to a Highland Pony picnic. Or perhaps you would like to see the hidden gems of the city and have a professional photographer capture the magical moments for you. If you enjoy taking photos, be sure to check out our top tips on page 7 to help you find the perfect spot in the hotel for your Instagramable Waldorf moments.

Back at the hotel, we are delighted to offer treats for all your senses; from the creations of our talented chefs and bartenders to the expert massage techniques of our spa therapists. So, if you’re looking for a traditional whisky tasting, an indulgent afternoon tea or some pampering at the UK’s only Guerlain Spa, we have it all under one roof for you to relax and enjoy.

Wishing you a truly unforgettable stay.

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# WA L D O R F M O M E N T

CONTACT US

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian Princes Street, EH1 2AB, Edinburgh

T +44 (0) 131 222 8888 E caledonian.reservations@waldorfastoria.com www.thecaledonian.waldorfastoria.com

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Dale MacPhee General Manager

M A K E E V E RY M O M E N T CO U N TAt the UK’s only Waldorf Astoria

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2Start your day – with a light workout at the gym or a refreshing dip in the pool. Burn off a few calories and get your system started.

Open daily from 6am to 10pm.

4Lunch time – unwind with your friends, family and colleagues with our new Lunch Boxes at Grazing by Mark Greenaway. Enjoy a delicious 3-course menu for only £22!

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Indulge yourself – at Guerlain Spa, a haven of relaxation. The spa offers the perfect selection of treatments to take away the stresses of the day.

Open daily from 9am to 9pm.

Fuel your day with – a delicious breakfast including fresh smoothies, traditional Scottish Haggis and Waldorf Astoria’s signature Eggs Benedict.

Available daily at The Restaurant.

Evening drinks – there’s always time for a glass of something at The Caley Bar, to start of finish off your evening. With an extensive range of whiskies and cocktails, there is something to appeal to everyone’s tast buds.

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5Need a sugar fix – then there is no better place to be in the city than the stunning Peacock Alley for a decadent afternoon tea experience topped with a glass of bubbles.

Afternon Tea served daily between 12-5pm.

So as a young twenty-something when I found myself creating tailor-made safaris, I thought how special it would be to be able to offer visitors to Scotland, experiences that exceed all expectations, matching those of an exotic ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ destination perhaps reserved for a honeymoon. Today, I take real pride in producing industry-leading luxury Scotland itineraries for clients from around the globe, Sandgrouse Travel itineraries rival the most elaborate of journeys to be found anywhere in the world!

H OW H A S T H E I N D U ST RY C H A N G E D OV E R T H E Y E A R S?

We have seen global interests in Scotland continue to rise. We have had clients from every continent, except Antarctica of course! Scotland is proving to be far more than just another trending destination found in your in-flight magazine. Scotland is a destination that is here to stay, with a host of genuine, established offerings and cross-over industries (whisky & golf for example) that cater for a wide variety of travellers needs and interests. Unlike other countries, Scotland seems to have become its own recognisable brand, exported and known the world over. In 2020 we foresee the growth curve continuing. For me, luxury travel in Scotland remains as much about high-end accommodation and genuine services as it is about connecting visitors with locals, experts and guides whom they may otherwise never know.

W H AT I S T H E P RO C E SS O F C R E AT I N G LUXU RY E X P E R I E N C E S?

Luxury is an overused, often misunderstood word. Luxury is very much a personal interpretation of an experience or product. At Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions we try to find out what makes our clients tick. To be able to offer a luxury experience we first find out our clients interests, personal preferences and even their previous travel experiences.

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From there we are able to build a unique Scottish travel itinerary that will truly wow even a seasoned travel veteran.

H OW D O YO U A DA PT YO U R E X P E R I E N C E S TO G U E STS ’ W I S H E S A N D TAST E S?

Firstly by talking to them. By chatting at length with Sandgrouse Travel clients we are able to build a detailed picture of the clients. Each itinerary we produce is totally unique and that is because each one of our clients is unique. We all have different interests, tastes and dreams but realising them is often only possible through conversation with a travel planner who is genuinely interested. Secondly that travel planner has to have the connections on the ground to make anything happen. That’s where we differ from our competition - with a rich tapestry of spurious and magnificent connections across the whole of Scotland, where an individual thread may be the defining feature of a lucky client’s Scottish holiday.

W H AT WO U L D B E YO U R D R E A M LUXU RY E X P E R I E N C E ?

For me, it has to be 48-hours exploring historic and vibrant Edinburgh complete with a host of interesting pre-arranged private experiences before flying via private helicopter direct to an “off-market” luxury Highland Castle or Victorian Lodge. Once in the remote Scottish Highlands, I would enjoy some special days seemingly far away from the rest of the world. Here it is possible to truly reconnect with nature exploring mountain, river, sea and loch with a host of experts, local characters and guides brought in especially by Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions.

Jonny Stage – Founder of Sandgrouse Travel & ExpeditionsAs part of our Luxury Experiences, we have teamed up with Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions to create industry-leading Scotland travel itineraries. Jonny founded his company in 2014 after nearly a decade working in the tailor-made travel industry, 3-years of which as an African safari guide deep in the South African bush. His passion for travel, wildlife, adventure and exploration eventually led him back to majestic Scotland to create unique, individual trips based on guests’ very personal Scottish dreams.

T E L L U S A B O U T H OW YO U G OT I N TO T H I S I N D U ST RY.

From a very young age I was conscious of how I appreciated just how much Scotland has to offer. This is in part due to numerous family holidays exploring the length and breadth of the country.

Highland Pony Picnic Experience

Private Falconry Display Experience

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

SAFARI

Discover the Scottish Highlands in a unique way with our new luxury experience.

Embark on a private mountain top safari by Land Rover Defender 110 complete with an expert local ranger. Look out for golden eagles, red deer, red grouse, as well as mountain hare and semi-wild native highland ponies during this exceptional Scottish adventure.

For more information or to book, please speak to our Personal Concierge team in the hotel lobby.

G U E R L A I N S P ATO P 5

M OT H E R A N D DAU G H T E R S PA DAY

Spend some quality time with your mother or daughter on a Mother and Daughter Spa Day. It’s always the perfect time to treat the most important people in your life so relax and enjoy an indulgent day for two in the luxurious surroundings of the Guerlain Spa.

Mother and Daughter Spa Day is priced at £190 per person.

M O N G U E R L A I N E AU D E PA R F U M

Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum Florale is the House’s new fragrance, a tribute to today’s femininity: a strong, free and sensual femininity, inspired by Angelina Jolie. The overdose of Sambac jasmine and the freshness of Carla lavender, fused with the delicacy of peony, create a radiant fragrance, like a bouquet of solar flowers. It is beautifully enhanced by a sensual vanilla note.

The 50ml bottle is priced at £68.

M A RGA R E T DA B B S S U P R E M E M A N I C U R E

Our signature manicure treatment. Giving outstanding results and with the indulgence of the full range of Margaret Dabbs products and finishing with a wonderful hand and lower arm massage. Simply the best manicure you can find.

Margaret Dabbs Supreme Manicure starts from £70.

R A D I A N C E FAC I A L

Achieve a fresh, clear and radiant complexion in one hour with this deep cleansing treatment with the exclusive 5-minute Guerlain facial massage and mask.

Radiance Facial starts from £120.

I N V I G O R AT E D B R E A K F O R M E N

Eager to relieve stress and boost your energy? This 1 hour Invigorating break for men-on-the-move includes an energising body massage, a complete facial exfoliation and an eye contour treatment to reduce visible fatigue, restoring and replenishing skin’s tone and elasticity.

Invigorated Break For Men starts from £130 per person.

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For more information or to book, please speak to our Personal Concierge team in the hotel lobby.

LUXU RY E X P E R I E N C E S

I N S P R I N Gpring is one the best seasons to visit Scotland, when the landscape is all bloom and the weather is milder.

Each experience has been carefully created to provide a unique perspective on our historical location, revealing much-loved traditions and the raw natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

Explore the Highlands from the air, on a back of a pony or in a Land Rover, we have something for everyone. Our bespoke collection of luxury experiences feature a marine safari, a Highland pony picnic, helicopter tours, a bespoke whisky tasting and much more.

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Discover the Scottish marine life in a unique way.

In the charming town of North Berwick, discover the Scottish marine life. An expert guide from The Scottish Seabird Centre will bring to life the experience in conjunction with your experienced skipper.

Discover a whole new perspective of our stunning capital city and beyond with an exclusive private helicopter tour.

Soar above Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthurs Seat, the Queen’s Royal Yacht Britannia and the historic Edinburgh Castle. Then travel up towards the Firth of Forth estuary where you can admire the spectacular three bridges that cross over the water to Fife; each bridge a feat of engineering. Finally, you will fly over St Andrews, famed as the home of golf, before returning to Edinburgh.

Spend unforgettable moments surrounded by nature and ponies with our Traditional Highland Pony Picnic.

This quintessentially Scottish experience will bring you to an exceptional estate in Perthshire, featuring a wonderful salmon river flowing through it, where you will start your walk up to the mountain with Highland ponies. Then savour a traditional picnic in the heather surrounded by nature.

INSTAGRAMMOMENTS

Are you looking for inspiration for the best Instagram photo to share with all your friends, family and followers? We’ve got you covered with our new Instagram Moments page!

Don’t forget to tag us and mention us so we can share your most beautiful pictures, @waedinburgh!

THE STAIRCASES

IN YOUR BATHROBES

HOTEL FACADE

Our iconic red sandstone facade, has stood proudly at the end of Princes Street since 1903, and is the perfect backdrop for any photos.

Cross the street for a full building photo, or take a detail shot of the statues!

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@wanderingdarlings

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To add some originality to your post, try different or unusual perspectives!

Our fluffy, embroidered bathrobes are great for any in-room photos!

Do you know the best part? We have children’s bathrobes too!

Whether you pose with your in-room breakfast while admiring the castle view, or capture your little ones jumping on the bed!

Our grand staircase is one of our most instagrammed places!

This spot offers a full range of photo possibilities: running down the staircase, using the chandelier as a background, looking up to the camera from the ground floor and much more!

The listed wooden staircase is also a stunning spot!

The beautiful and historic chandelier going through the floors makes for another breathtaking shot!

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EAT & DRINK

THE VIEW

SECRET INSTAGRAM SPOTS

IN EDINBURGH

Dean Village and The Water of Leith

Just a few minutes walk from the hotel, let yourself be transported into the Scottish countryside without leaving Edinburgh.

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The Vennel

You can find hundreds of tiny, narrow streets (known as closes) in Edinburgh, but this one

has one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle.

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Circus Lane

Situated in Stockbridge, this cobbled street features cute houses, and when spring is

coming it is draped with flowers.

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We have the most guestrooms with castle views of any hotel in Edinburgh! The best frame for your pictures, whether it is the sunrise or sunset, sunny or snowy, this always makes for an incredible shot!

Here are some of the best locations to capture Edinburgh Castle views from the hotel: the Boardroom on the entresol level, the grand staircase, The Castle Lounge and from the swimming pool or the gym in The Guerlain Spa!

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Our food is as tasty as it is beautiful!

Have tea in the stunning Peacock Alley, lunch and dinner in Grazing by Mark Greenaway, and an evening drink in The Caley Bar for some of the most mouth-watering shots!

@francinnocenti

MARK GREENAWAY’S STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING SOUFFLÉ

CHEF’S RECIPE

DID YOU KNOW?

You can savour this delightful soufflé at Grazing by Mark Greenaway during lunch and dinner!

Book your table now by calling 0131 222 8857.

THE BASE

INGREDIENTS(Makes 6 soufflés)

180ml water500g dates pitted100g treacle150g caster sugar60g cornflour

1. Place 100ml of water, the dates and treacle in a pan and bring to a boil.

2. Simmer until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.

3. Blend this mixture till smooth and pass through a fine sieve.

4. Meanwhile, put the caster sugar in a pan with 80ml of water.

5. Melt the sugar and water together and bring to a simmer you are looking to reach the softball stage (118°C).

6. Place the date mixture back in the pan and add the softball sugar.

7. Reduce for 2 minutes.8. Add the cornflour thinned down

with a little cold water.

9. Cook the cornflour out.

THE SOUFFLÉ

INGREDIENTS200g egg whites370g caster sugarSoftened butter and extra caster sugar for coating the ramekins

4 ramekins

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C.2. Brush the ramekins with softened

butter then dredge with caster sugar tipping out any excess.

3. Shake the sugar around the

ramekins so that it is evenly coated, then tip out any excess.

4. Place 250g of the base mixture in a large bowl (the rest can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later).

5. Whisk the egg whites and as soon as they start to turn white and increase in volume gradually add the 80g of caster sugar and continue whisking until you have a stiff meringue that holds its peaks.

6. Gently fold this into the base.7. Fill ramekins and level the tops

with a palette knife. Bake the soufflés for 12 minutes at 200°C or until risen and golden brown.

8. Serve immediately.

SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

INGREDIENTS200g caster sugar 6g sea salt 200g butter 400ml double cream

1. Make a dry caramel in a non-stick pan with the sugar

2. Once a golden caramel is achieved add the butter and salt

3. Add the cream 4. Simmer for 3 minutes and pass

through a chinois or fine sieve. 5. Pour into jugs for your guests to

pour into the soufflé themselves

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Discover our chef’s twist on this traditional recipe.

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AFTERNOON TE A PE ACOCK A LLE YSample a traditional afternoon tea of savoury sandwiches, homemade selection of scones and delicate pastries.

From £35 per person.Traditional afternoon tea served from 12pm to 5pm Savoury afternoon tea served from 3pm to 6pm

SABR AGE PE ACOCK A LLE YLearn the unique Art of Sabrage with our inducted team members and become masters of enjoying Champagne.

From £90 per bottle.

WHIS KY F LIGH TS TH E CA LE Y BA RSpend an unforgettable evening at The Caley Bar exploring the finest Scottish whiskies with our selection of whisky flights.

From £21 per person.

SHARING M E NU GR A ZING BY M A RK GRE E NAWAYDiscover ‘Grazing For The Table’, a 5-course sharing menu, perfect to experience the best of Grazing with your friends and family.

5-course sharing menu for £45.

B A R & R E S TAU R A N T S H I G H L I G H T S

SPECIAL DATES

GRAZING BY MARK GREENAWAY

Mother’s Day Father’s Day

Find out more at www.markgreenaway.com/grazing-restaurant

PEACOCK ALLEY

Spring Afternoon Tea From 20th March to 18th June

MARCHC I RQ U E B E R S E R K10th – 15th March

Britain’s biggest theatre circus spectacular is back, featuring jugglers, acrobats, dancers and drummers plus a legendary circus act with a motorcycle.

R S N O AT T H E M OV I E S : J O H N W I L L I A M S AT T H E OSCA R S

20th March

John Williams composed some of the most famous music, such as Star Wars, Superman, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is bringing all those favourites to life and many more.

A N TO N A N D E R I N : DA N C E T H O S E M AG I CA L M OV I E S

21st March

Anton & Erin, the nation’s favourite ballroom couple are back with a brand new show, featuring exquisite choreography set to music that made it big on the silver screen.

W H A T ’ S O N I NE D I N B U R G H

For more information or to book any of these events, please speak to our Concierge team.

APRILE D I N B U RG H I N T E R N AT I O N A L H A R P F E ST I VA L

3rd – 8th April

EIHF annually welcomes a mix of world-class harpists and up-and-coming talents playing a range of styles from folk to jazz for concerts, courses and workshops.

E AST E R E G G H U N T W I T H L I A M ’ S S M I L E S C H A R I T Y

12th April

In the theatrical Peacock Alley, your little ones will go on an adventure to discover hidden Easter eggs. All proceeds will go to Liam’s Smiles, a children’s meningitis charity close to our hear.

SCOT T I S H N AT I O N A L JA Z Z O RC H E ST R A : P O P ! RO C K ! SO U L !

24th April

Relax and enjoy an entrancing evening of the most romantic music imaginable. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will play Tchaikovsky’s achingly passionate Fantasy Overture and Ravel’s seductive Boléro.

MAYR S N O : H E RO E S & S U P E R H E RO E S15th May

From the thrilling quests of Indiana Jones and the highflying adventures of Superman, to the escapades of James Bond and The Incredibles, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is bringing heroes and superheroes to life.

E D I N B U RG H M A R AT H O N F E ST I VA L

23rd May

Scotland’s largest running festival of its kind with seven races to choose from over two days including the marathon, team relay and junior races.

GA R D E N I N G SCOT L A N D

29th - 31st May

Scotland’s national celebration of gardening and outdoor living is back in 2020 at the Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh. The show will include the Plant Village, Afternoon Teas, Gin Garden and Prosecco Tent, and much more.

TALES & STORIES

COTT MONUMENT

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world. The work of this world-renowned Scottish novelist dates back to the early 1800s and remain classics to this day. Famous works includes the novels “Waverley”, “Ivanhoe”, and “Rob Roy”, as well as his poems “Lady of the Lake” and “The Lay of the Last Minstrel”.

On the death of Sir Walter Scott in 1832, the great and good of the city came together to agree on a fitting monument to this outstanding Scottish literary figure. In 1836, an architectural competition was launched, inviting designs for an appropriate memorial. Two years later, the trustees approved the design submitted by George Meikle Kemp, and construction began in 1840.

S Sitting proudly at the base of the monument is Sir Walter himself, carved in Carrara marble by Sir John Steell. This monumental statue, fashioned from a single piece of marble weighing 30 tonnes, took the sculptor six years to complete. It features Scott and his beloved hound Maida.

In commemoration to this great writer, our hotel named a suite after Sir Walter Scott. It is the best place in town to read one of the author’s novels surrounded by pieces inspired by the writer. Furthermore, every guests staying in this suite have complimentary access to the Scott Monument. Please ask our Concierge team to book your visit.

You can find out more about the monument and the writer by visiting the monument’s Museum Room on the first floor. The room is also the best place to view four magnificent stained-glass windows and provides a welcome pause before embarking on the climb to 3rd viewing platform.

Open daily from 10 am to 3.30pm. Find out more at www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/scott-monument

T H R E ES T O R I E S

ORDON MACKENZIE

STO R E M A N AG E RSince September 1986

RAVIS WHITEHEAD I N T E R N C H E FSince August 2019

G T C

Gordon is one of our longest-serving employees, and his expertise and knowledge of the hotel is an excellent asset for the team. Joining as a casual bartender in 1986 at Platform 1, he made his way up to Store Manager in 1997. During his time at The Caley, Gordon has seen many transformions and have been lucky enough to meet numerous famous people, but the best memory of his career will always be meeting the great Clint Eastwood at the hotel reception. Watching his son play football and travelling are Gordon’s favourite hobbies. Taking advantage of the Hilton Go program, he has spent 66 nights in Hilton hotels around Europe in 2019!

Originally from the south of Malta, Cassandra has studied and worked in hospitality since she was 16. At 19 years old, she moved to Scotland for an internship near Stirling and fell in love with the country. Enthusiastic and energetic, Cassandra joined our team over a year ago as a Guest Services team member and made her way up to Front Office Supervisor. Her favourite part of her role is training new team members and transferring her knowledge. She developed her team spirit playing handball for 11 years at a competitive level back in Malta, as well as volleyball and basketball. Her career in hospitality allows her to combine her two passions, traveling and learning.

ASSANDRA PETRELLA

F RO N T O F F I C E S U P E RV I SO RSince June 2018

Passionate about cooking and ambitious, Travis joined our team in August as an intern Chef. Originally from South Africa, he decided to move to Scotland for his internship to learn different techniques and experience hospitality in another country. Since the beginning of his internship, Travis has already been in a few teams and has learnt a lot while working in the hotel’s canteen, banqueting and The Pompadour kitchen, and he will soon join the pastry team. His favourite parts of being a chef? Experimenting, working with fresh produce and making ‘art on a plate’. Outside of the hotel, Travis is working on his dissertation on the topical subject of waste management.

FIND YOUR WAY TO DIAGON ALLEY

Swim five lengths of our very own Black Lake at the spa.

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Discover the hidden staircase between the fourth and fifth floor.

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Tell the time on the old station clock.

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Complete Potions class at The Caley Bar.

Wander around Diagon Alley (Victoria Street), home

to the Harry Potter shops.

Go to Greyfriars Graveyard and look for Tom Riddle’s grave.

THINGS I ’VE DONE IN

EDINBURGH

VICTORIA STREET

MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

EDINBURGH CASTLE

DYNAMIC EARTH

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

WATER OF LEITH

EDINBURGH ZOO

Once you have completed all of your classes and challenges, go back to our Great Hall where a special prize will be waiting for you!

COMPLETE ALL OF YOUR CLASSES AND CHALLENGES TO BE PART OF THE CALEDONIAN SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY.

NEMO ME IMPUNE LECESSIT