Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has unveiled Spellbound, a new suite designed to capture the magic, mystery and spirit of discovery woven into the fabric of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Set within the hotel’s historic India Buildings, the Spellbound Suite occupies part of the original Category A listed 1864 structure, retaining many of its original architectural features.
At the heart of the Spellbound Suite is a hand-painted mural designed and created by Edinburgh-based artist Lynsey Jean Henderson, with assistance from fellow artists Innes Maxwell Maran and Grace Maran, who work together as a family artist collective, The Marangerie.
The installation forms part of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence programme, which champions local talent by providing artists with a platform to develop and showcase their work, while giving guests the opportunity to discover and engage with Edinburgh’s vibrant arts scene during their stay.
Created as part of the hotel’s summer residency, the murals bring together Edinburgh’s historic character with a contemporary local creative voice.
Inspired by the medieval history uncovered beneath India Buildings during its redevelopment, the hand-painted mural brings an enchanted world of woodland, mythical creatures and celestial skies to life. Drawing on medieval art, illuminated manuscripts and decorative motifs, the design takes guests on a journey from the forest floor, past its mythical guardian dragon and upwards towards the stars.
Lynsey Jean Henderson, artist and creator of the Spellbound Suite murals, said: “Edinburgh is such a rich source of inspiration because there is always another story, detail or hidden corner to discover.
“For the Spellbound Suite, I wanted the artwork to feel as though it belonged to the building and had evolved from the character of the city around it, while still creating a sense of escapism. It has been exciting to see the space transform into something that encourages guests to pause, explore and let their imagination take over.”
Rather than recreating a fictional world, Spellbound takes its cues from the raw magic of Edinburgh itself – a city of winding closes, hidden corners, centuries-old stories and unexpected discoveries. From its historic staircase and original banister to its views over the bustling streets of the Old Town, the suite invites guests to rediscover the city through a more imaginative lens – appealing to families, couples, friends and anyone looking to embrace a little escapism.
The Spellbound Suite’s sense of magic is not entirely fictional. From the twin-bed window and the main bedroom downstairs, guests can look down onto the winding, colourful Victoria Street – a famously atmospheric Edinburgh landmark that has long been said to have provided inspiration for one of literature’s most recognisable magical streets.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “The Spellbound Suite is a reflection of what makes Edinburgh such a special destination – its history, architecture, creativity and the sense that there is always something new to discover. We wanted to create a suite that felt playful and immersive without being limited to one type of guest, whether travelling with children, escaping with friends or simply looking for somewhere that feels a little different.
“Our Artist in Residence programme has been such an important part of connecting the hotel with the local creative community, and Lynsey’s work has brought that vision to life beautifully.”
At the heart of the suite is a starlit attic retreat, featuring twin beds and a cosy daybed which can be transformed into a third single bed, accommodating up to two adults and three children, or four adults. A movie wall creates the perfect setting for a cosy film night, while a window seat and reading nook offer a quiet spot to settle in with a book from the stocked bookshelves and watch life unfold below.
Thoughtful touches make the suite equally suited to family stays, with a safety gate, monitors and Director of Mischief robes for younger guests, sweetie jars and butterscotch beer from Edinburgh favourite The Elephant House, alongside a dedicated selection of children’s treats in the minibar.
For adults, a luxurious king-size bed, dedicated dressing area and makeup vanity sit alongside a walk-in rainfall shower, premium ARRAN Sense of Scotland toiletries and a complimentary stocked SMEG fridge. The suite is also pet-friendly, while standard suite amenities include ghd styling tools, a Nespresso machine, yoga mats, Wi-Fi and in-room device controls.
The rise of playful, immersive travel
The Spellbound Suite arrives as travellers increasingly seek experiences that offer more than simply a place to stay. Skift research found that 72% of travellers said entertainment, sports and cultural experiences had become more important to them over the previous five years, highlighting demand for experiences that authentically connect visitors with local culture, people and place.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, within the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel places guests moments from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the historic streets that have shaped the city’s character. With the Spellbound Suite, the magic of Edinburgh doesn’t stop at the front door – it becomes part of the stay.
The Spellbound Suite is now available to book at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and more information can be found here: https://virginhotels.com/
