Glenapp Castle expands luxury portfolio with new wellness-focused suite ‘The Nest’ | News
Glenapp Castle, the 21-bedroom Relais & Châteaux hotel on the south-west coast of Scotland, is launching The Nest, a new self-contained suite, on 1 July 2026. The development reinforces the castle’s growth strategy by targeting rising demand for private, wellness-focused accommodation and luxury extended-stay travel.
The Nest, also known as the Garden Cottage Suite, is located in the 1830s walled garden and introduces self-contained accommodation with high efficiency. The suite will enable Glenapp Castle to diversify its room mix, generate additional revenue and strengthen its positioning in high-value international and domestic markets including North America, Europe and Australia. Over the past decade, Glenapp Castle, under owners Paul and Poppy Szkiler, has now generated seven times more turnover than it did ten 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 expected to achieve an occupancy rate of 65%, with overall average length of stay expected to increase from 2.2 nights to 2.7 nights, strengthening Glenapp Castle’s competitive position in the luxury hospitality market, while supporting incremental revenue growth through high-quality, experience-based stays.
Paul Szkiler, owner of Glenapp Castle, commented: “With The Nest, we are responding directly to the luxury travel sector’s continued demand for private, self-contained accommodation that supports extended stays and wellness journeys. This suite is a strategic enhancement to both our accommodation and experience mix, allowing us to meet increasing demand from key international markets while further strengthening rate integrity. The Nest not only expands our offering, but also increases the overall guest offering, helping us remain competitive and meet expectations. evolving expectations of a demanding, experience-driven customer base.”
The project is supported 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 is part of a wider, 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 type of accommodation within the grounds of Glenapp Castle, expanding our portfolio to meet the changing demands of the luxury market. It represents our continued commitment to improving 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 to key guest segments. While the new suite continues to attract its established clientele, it is expected to broaden its reach among couples and small groups looking for private, self-contained accommodation with strong wellness and nature-related elements. The addition also supports a shift toward a more lifestyle-driven audience, appealing to younger, experience-oriented travelers with a preference for extended stays in exclusive, remote settings.
The project timeline spans approximately five months, from March to July 2026, with construction commencing in early March and an anticipated opening scheduled for July 1, 2026. Guests will have access to a range of services including on-site dining, in-room treatments and various outdoor activities such as foraging, forest bathing and wild swimming. The pet-friendly The Nest also offers direct access to the estate’s walking routes along the Ayrshire coast, making it more attractive for guests traveling with pets.
The Nest was designed by Helen Smith, who has worked on previous projects with the castle. It is a 60 m² suite created through the renovation of a former tea room in the historic grounds of Glenapp Castle. The redevelopment will preserve the property’s heritage and introduce modern wellness facilities, including a Cube 250 sauna and a cold plunge pool in a natural barrel. The suite features a private outdoor terrace and flexible accommodation with a super king-size bed, separate seating area and sofa bed for additional guests, suitable for both couples and small groups.
In keeping with The Nest’s emphasis on tranquility and environmental sensitivity, the suite is powered by an ultra-quiet, premium, energy-efficient heating system from NIBE, with Quiet Mark accreditation. As Glenapp Castle becomes the first hotel to showcase this technology, it sets a new benchmark for low-impact luxury, where comfort, performance and tranquility work in complete harmony with the environment.
The launch of The Nest marks the latest stage in Glenapp Castle’s ongoing evolution, further expanding its appeal within the British luxury hospitality landscape. The addition is expected to increase occupancy rates and extend length of stay, while strengthening the estate’s positioning in high-end, experience-based travel. Glenapp Castle continues to tailor its offering to the changing market dynamics, ensuring it remains competitive and prominent within the luxury segment.
HOW: The Nest opens on July 1, 2026 and bookings are available now. B&B rates start from £667.25 in low season and £1055 in high season. To book, visit the Glenapp Castle website here glenappcastle.com or call 01465 831212.
