Fonab Castle

This lovingly restored and refurbished hotel within the Cairngorms National Park in Braemar has been designed to feel like a welcoming country house, while retaining the property’s sense of grandeur and history. Each of the 46 rooms and suites has been individually decorated and furnished. There are six room types to choose from, with each fitting a meticulously researched theme or dedicated to a local person, place or event.

The Royal Suites, with views out over the surrounding landscape, have been inspired by some of the noble visitors who visited Braemar in the past. Furnishings are rich, with carefully-chosen antiques, artworks and even some items that once belonged to some of the historic figures themselves. Reflecting the hotel’s history as a 19th-century coaching inn, the Victoriana Suites boast period wallpaper and have views over Braemar. In turn, the Scottish Culture Rooms have been inspired by some of Scotland’s leading figures in literature, astronomy, engineering and exploration. In the Nature and Poetry Rooms, natural materials like heather, wood and tweed feature in the decor along with beautiful headboards engraved with the words of poet Alec Finlay.

When it comes to dining, expect menus which make full use of the finest Scottish seasonal produce. From fresh seafood and game to local whiskies and spirits, many of the ingredients used in the kitchens and bars will be sourced from local suppliers, gamekeepers and farmers. Enjoy a selection of ales and whiskies at The Flying Stag, take a table in The Clunie Dining Room and allow executive chef Robert Cameron to impress with Scottish cuisine, and enjoy a nightcap at the beautiful art deco cocktail bar Elsa’s.

On Scotland’s north east Moray coast, the family run Boath House is a wonderfully restored Regency country house set in 22 acres of land that includes and ornamental lake, streams, parkland and formal walled gardens.

The warmth of the original family home has been retained throughout all eight rooms. Many original features have been retained save for the attached dressing rooms which have been converted into en suite bathrooms. Two rooms under old kitchen’s vaulted ceiling are more contemporary in design and there is also a private cottage in the woodland next to the main house well suited to families. With such a small number of bedrooms, service is personal, relaxed and friendly.

A highlight here is the cuisine. Adhering to the sustainable slow food movement, a seasonal and ever changing menu uses ingredients from local farmers, growers, fishermen and foragers. Much of the fruit, herbs, and vegetables come from the kitchen gardens and the honey from Boath House’s beehives.

You’re ideally located to explore the beautiful Highland scenery of the Cairngorms National Park to the south, visit local distilleries, spot dolphins on the Moray Firth, take a boat cruise on Loch Ness and discover the rich history of the area such as at Elgin Cathedral, Inverness and many attractive sea side towns that are close by.