Belmond Royal Scotsman

Standing proudly at No 1 Princes Street, this grand building, which started out as a railway hotel, blends the best of Scottish tradition and design with five-star contemporary luxury.

The 167 charming rooms feature warm, welcoming hues and modern decor, while the 20 suites are spacious and stylish. Settle into a cosy turret alcove in one of the Grand Suites and gaze out at the historic city, or lose yourself in the lavishly furnished Scone and Crombie signature suite.

When it comes to light lunches and dinner, book a table at Brasserie Prince for sublime French cooking made with the finest Scottish produce. Or treat yourself to an extravagant gourmet adventure at the Michelin-starred Number One. This is modern Scottish cuisine at its finest.

Find inner-city harmony at the award-winning Balmoral Spa. With five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, steam room and fully-equipped gym, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate body and soul.

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.

Set on 850 acres, this Scottish countryside estate boasts three championship golf courses, fine-dining restaurants and a variety of outdoor activities.

With a choice between traditional opulence and contemporary luxury, many of the 232 rooms offer views over the grounds. Soft fabrics and modern touches make even the more compact rooms into intimate and comfortable havens.

Take a table at the Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant, or dine at The Strathearn, The Dormy Clubhouse or enjoy lighter meals and drinks at one of the hotel’s bars.

Gleneagles is perfectly suited to guests of all ages, and there are outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. From it’s world famous golf to off-road driving, mountain biking, falconry, fishing, archery and horse-riding, you will be able to make the most of Scotland’s fresh air and beautiful scenery. You can also indulge in a selection of traditional therapies and alternative treatments at The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA.

Immerse yourself in history in this renovated 17th-century castle. The hotel’s period features have been carefully restored using traditional methods and materials. From detailed cornices finished with gold leaf to a romantic turret room, this opulent hotel offers guests not only luxury, but also old-world grandeur.

Each of the nine rooms is individually designed and crafted, and named after the castle’s historical custodians. Oversized beds and antique furniture add to the indulgent atmosphere. For a charming, fairy-tale experience head up a spiral stone staircase to the four-storey bridal tower which dates back to the 16th century.

Savour creative Scottish fare by French chef Albert Roux and son Michael Roux Jr surrounded by antiques in the opulent Baillie Room. The menus change according to which ingredients are in season and locally available.

The surrounding woodlands are ideal for long nature walks and hikes. Explore the river’s edge, admiring waterfalls, or spend time fishing.