This month has been one to remember. I was thrilled to join a press trip to Edinburgh to review the Virgin Hotel in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, while experiencing the stunning brand-new all-electric Lexus UX 300e.

We stayed at the brand-new five-star Virgin Hotel in the historic India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

I was thrilled about staying at this hotel; it sits right on the doorstep of one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets, Victoria Street. J.K. Rowling, famed for writing Harry Potter, drew much inspiration from this street for Diagon Alley. With rows of multicoloured shops and cobbled steps, it is one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh.

It was a real treat staying at the hotel; it boasts a modern design, is highly Instagrammable and photo-worthy in every corner. The rooms are functional, with sliding doors to separate the sleeping from the dressing area. They are spacious, practical and feel light and airy.

Super-fast Wi-Fi
Custom-designed hybrid bed
Minibars stocked at street prices
Pet-friendly (with dog beds as comfortable as human ones)

The hotel features a Commons Club bar and Commons Club Restaurant serving dishes such as fried chicken, smoked salmon and oysters. There is also an option to sit at the chef’s table for an unforgettable evening of Emma Hanley’s seasonal-inspired dishes.

Day One: Carlowrie Castle Adventure

We enjoyed an incredibly smooth drive in the Lexus UX 300e to the breathtaking Carlowrie Castle, one of Europe’s top three venues and voted among the world’s best wedding locations. With stunning views of the grounds, we fully experienced the car and its features.

Shortly after, we savoured a three-course dinner inside the castle, complete with whisky tasting. It was great fun trying to guess the notes in the whisky, described as common household ingredients—surprisingly tricky!

Day Two: Sculpture Gardens and Culinary Delights

We woke early for a gorgeous breakfast at the Virgin Hotel, fuelling us for another day driving the Lexus UX 300e. I cannot explain how smooth this car feels as a passenger; I suffer from chronic travel sickness, so I was initially worried about the winding Scottish countryside roads. The journey was so smooth I need not have worried!

At our next destination, we enjoyed a 1,200-year-old Sashiko stitching experience led by expert Ali Webster. This craft encourages mindfulness through focused stitching, creating a meditative state to help de-stress.

We visited Jupiter Artland, an award-winning contemporary sculpture garden featuring outdoor works by internationally renowned artists. The car looked stunning against this picturesque backdrop.

Lunch at Scott’s—a bucket-list spot—offered a beautiful setting for a three-course meal with iconic views of the Three Bridges and Firth of Forth. The food was excellent and worth the wait. Their extensive menu includes traditional fish and chips, dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. We were lucky to join a miso workshop led by Scottish expert Robin Sheriff. Miso sauce is a favourite of mine; I always order it when I see it on a menu.

Lexus UX 300e: Luxury Electric SUV Highlights

The Lexus UX 300e, an all-electric compact luxury SUV, boasts a driving range extended by more than 40 per cent to up to 279 miles.

Steering and suspension have been fine-tuned, enhancing the Lexus Electrified driving experience. New multimedia systems—Lexus Link Pro and Lexus Link Connect—offer greater functionality and larger displays. More capabilities have been added to the Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance.

The most notable change is a new battery system, increasing the driving range by more than 40 per cent to up to 279 miles in the combined WLTP cycle.

Inside, the revised multimedia system provides better connectivity, faster operation, cloud-based navigation and larger 8- and 12.3-inch touchscreens. New upholstery choices are available.

Special underfloor covers suppress road noise for a serene cabin. Wing liner materials absorb tyre contact noise, including from stones, dirt and water; acoustic glass reduces high-frequency wind noise. These features let passengers fully enjoy the 915W 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium surround sound system.

For passenger well-being, the UX 300e features the latest nanoe™ X air purification technology, introducing nano-sized water molecules with hydroxyl radicals into the airflow. These deodorise, combat mould and inhibit viruses, bacteria, pollen and allergens. Lab tests show over 99 per cent inhibition of viruses and bacteria in one hour, with a 1.8-fold reduction in odour intensity.

Visit: Virgin Hotel Edinburgh

Written by Danielle Tobin for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International