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Glenapp Castle, the 21-bedroom Relais & Châteaux hotel located on Scotland’s southwest coast, will launch The Nest – a new standalone suite on 1 July 2026. The development strengthens the castle’s growth strategy by targeting the rising demand for private, wellness-led accommodation and longer-stay luxury travel.
Positioned within the 1830s Walled Garden, The Nest – referred to as the Garden Cottage Suite – introduces a self-contained, high-yield accommodation category. The suite allows Glenapp Castle to diversify its room mix, capture incremental revenue, and reinforce its positioning among high-value international and domestic markets, including North America, Europe, and Australia. Over the past decade, under owners Paul and Poppy Szkiler, Glenapp Castle has delivered revenue now seven times higher than it was 10 years ago, with average daily rates (ADR) almost doubling over the same period, supported by the introduction of the Castle Penthouse Suite. The Nest is projected to achieve 65% occupancy, with the overall average length of stay expected to increase from 2.2 nights to 2.7 nights, reinforcing Glenapp Castle’s competitive edge in the luxury hospitality market, while supporting incremental revenue growth through higher-value, experience-led stays.
Paul Szkiler, Owner of Glenapp Castle, commented: “With The Nest, we are responding directly to sustained demand within the luxury travel sector for high-privacy, self-contained accommodation that supports longer stays and wellness-led travel. This suite is a strategic enhancement of both our accommodation and experiential mix, enabling us to capture incremental demand from key international markets while further strengthening rate integrity. The Nest not only expands our inventory but elevates the overall guest proposition, ensuring we remain competitive and continue to meet the evolving expectations of a discerning, experience-driven clientele.”
The project has been backed by bank financing, with the development of The Nest adding to a growing portfolio of luxury experiences at Glenapp Castle.
Jill Chalmers, Managing Director of Glenapp Castle, added: “The launch forms part of a broader, long-term strategic approach to the estate’s ongoing development. It builds on the success of key investments such as the Hebridean Sea Safari (2019), Castle Penthouse Suite (2021), and Azalea (2025).
The Nest offers a completely new accommodation type within the grounds of Glenapp Castle, expanding our portfolio to meet the changing demands of the luxury market. It represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience and supporting our growth trajectory through thoughtful, well-positioned investments.”
In line with Glenapp Castle’s commitment to delivering differentiated, high-quality experiences, The Nest broadens the estate’s appeal across key guest segments. While continuing to attract its established clientele, the new suite is expected to extend reach among couples and small groups seeking private, self-contained accommodation with strong wellness and nature-led elements. The addition also supports a shift towards a more lifestyle-driven audience, appealing to younger, experience-focused travellers with a preference for longer stays in exclusive, secluded settings.
The project timeline spans approximately five months from March to July 2026, with construction beginning in early March and an anticipated opening scheduled for 1 July 2026. Guests will have access to a range of services, including dining in the hotel, in-room treatments, and various outdoor activities such as foraging, forest bathing, and wild swimming. Pet-friendly, The Nest also offers direct access to the estate’s walking routes along the Ayrshire coast, enhancing its appeal to guests traveling with pets.
Designed by Helen Smith, who has worked on previous projects with the castle, The Nest is a 60sqm suite created through the renovation of a former tearoom within Glenapp Castle’s historic grounds. The redevelopment preserves the property’s heritage while introducing modern wellbeing features, including a Cube 250 sauna and natural barrel cold plunge tub. The suite offers a private outdoor terrace and flexible accommodation with a super king-size bed, separate sitting area, and a sofa bed for additional guests, catering to both couples and small groups.
In keeping with The Nest’s emphasis on tranquillity and environmental sensitivity, the suite is powered by an ultra-quiet, premium, energy-efficient heating system by NIBE, Quiet Mark accredited. As Glenapp Castle becomes the first hotel to showcase this technology, it sets a new benchmark for low-impact luxury, where comfort, performance and peace work in complete harmony with the surrounding environment.
The launch of The Nest marks the latest phase in the continued evolution of Glenapp Castle, further enhancing its appeal within the UK’s luxury hospitality landscape. The addition is expected to drive incremental occupancy and extend length of stay, while reinforcing the estate’s positioning among high-value, experience-led travel. Glenapp Castle continues to align its offering with shifting market dynamics, ensuring it remains competitive and prominent within the luxury segment.
