Inside Kim Murray's Approach To Calm At Cromlix Hotel
Just north of Stirling, Scotland, surrounded by open greenery, sits Cromlix, an estate that Kim and Andy Murray have transformed into a five-star hotel. Full of Victorian charm, it was once a private home and still carries that warmth, something Kim, the creative force behind the project, was determined to preserve.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane cromlix
Cromlix also holds personal significance and memories for the couple; they may have acquired it in 2013 and took over the full running of it in 2023, but their connection goes back much further — Andy grew up nearby, his grandparents celebrated their silver wedding anniversary there in 1982, and its where Kim and Andy tied the knot in 2015 — so the estate has been a constant backdrop to celebratory times for the family.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane Cromlix
Now, it its iteration as a luxury hotel, Kim oversees every detail of the guest experience, from the fabrics and florals to the artwork and menus. At the heart of her vision is a commitment to local artisans and makers, championing the best of Scottish craft and character.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane Cromlix
The hotel brings in local experts too, who host workshops, from floral design and watercolor painting, to wellbeing days, and this all comes together to offer a special escape that balances elegance with ease — a place to settle in, slow down, and feel at home.
Kim Murray at Cromlix cromlix
To celebrate its upcoming wellbeing days, Kim shares her guide to personal calm at Cromlix. Spend Time In Nature
I'm a big believer in the restorative power of nature. It's something I've appreciated more and more as I've got older, and had a family. I see how important it is for all of us to just get outdoors in whatever form that takes – going for a walk, chasing a ball, spotting wildlife. At Cromlix we are lucky to have 34 acres of private grounds and woodland so there is lots of space to explore, reap the benefits of the beautiful Scottish countryside and just breathe.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane cromlix Take Time To Enjoy Simple Pleasures
There is something luxurious about running your own bath, shutting the bathroom door and relaxing for an hour or so. Cromlix has recently introduced a whole bath time ritual which includes having your bath drawn for you, laden with heavenly essential oils, a relaxing playlist pumped into the expansive bathrooms and LED candles softly lighting the room.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane Cromlix
I'll definitely be trying that out when I next visit as I rarely get the chance to have a bath at home, and when I do, I'm usually sharing it with a child or three. Other simple pleasures I enjoy at Cromlix are sitting down for a cup of loose leaf tea, listening to the birds, appreciating the art on the walls and if I'm really lucky, reading a book.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane Cromlix Bring Your Dog
We have recently got a new puppy; a flatcoated retriever who is into everything and full of energy. At 10 weeks old, I'm not finding her very calming at the moment.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane Cromlix
However, there is lots of research to say that holidaying with your dog is beneficial, and can help reduce stress. We have not taken her with us yet to Cromlix, but she's already excited about the doggie hamper and sleeping in our room.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane Cromlix Flower Arranging
When we took over the running of the hotel ourselves, in 2023, I wanted there to be fresh flowers in every room. We are lucky to have a fantastic Kitchen Garden at the hotel and our Head Gardener, Kathy, is doing an amazing job at keeping it stocked throughout the seasons. I started flower arranging myself a few years ago and love the mindfulness it provides. I always visit the Kitchen Garden when I go to Cromlix (Kathy is very generous with her time and happy to give guests a guided tour) and if I have time will pick some blooms for the house too.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane cromlix Go Phone Free
During term time with four children I become a bit of a slave to my phone, to stay on top of all of the Whatsapp groups and school updates. But when I go away on holiday I try to go screen-free. Andy and I are trying to keep our children off devices for as long as possible, so it's important they learn that behaviour from us. It's quite hard at the beginning to switch off but by day two, the absence of messages pinging into your inbox is pure bliss. Do Nothing
One of our most popular packages at Cromlix is the Do-Nothing Cation, which does exactly what it says on the tin: encourages our guests to just be. For me there is huge appeal in not booking up every minute of our holiday and rushing from one activity to the next. It will allow us to be a bit more spontaneous and enjoy just spending time together.
Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane cromlix
Address: Cromlix, Kinbuck, Stirling FK15 9JT.
Book into the Embracing Change - Yoga and Wellbeing Day on Monday 22nd of September, 2025.
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