The Best Hotels in the United Kingdom: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

"Rusacks was Scotland’s most exciting re-opening in 2021 after a dizzyingly ambitious facelift. The new six-floor wing has 44 rooms, a rooftop restaurant and bar—literally ten paces from the 18th fairway at the Old Course. American owners Marine & Lawn went all out on the refurb with acres of expensive oak panelling, intricate cornicing, and plush fireside sofas in the double-height reception—and that’s just the entrance. There’s Victorian landscapes on the walls, plenty of antlers, Georgian-style dark green bathroom tiles and tartan carpets alongside the odd beaten silver sink, tasselled cushions, and cool jazz on the speakers. There’s a gallery lounge area with full-size snooker table, the very exclusive One Under Bar (originally only for guests), but the real star of Rusacks is the view. From about a third of the 70 original rooms—classic period features, huge luxury beds, lots of space—and those in the new wing you can gaze at the hallowed links, West Sands Beach and the majestic North Sea sky for hours. Dine at either the ground-floor Bridge restaurant or the top-floor Restaurant 18—wall-to-wall glass, spilling onto a terrace with even more stunning views of the golf course and beyond—for seasonal fare from Masterchef: The Professionals winner chef Derek Johnstone. Then retreat to blissful sleep and do it all again in the morning." - Ramsay Short