Kinloch Lodge, Skye, Scottish Highlands

Head north to visit the Cuillins, the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. The nearby abandoned township of Leitir Fura has amazing views, or walk along the Aird of Sleat to the lighthouse for views of Rum and Eigg. Also nearby is Armadale Castle and the Torabhaig whisky distillery, where you can take a tour. Browse handmade knits at Ragamuffin on Armadale Pier.

Kinloch Lodge is on the leafy Sleat peninsula at the south end of Skye.

By car: the hotel is 4 hours 40 mins from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is just under 8 hours' drive from Manchester. There is free parking.

By train: trains run from Glasgow to Mallaig for the ferry to Skye, and from Inverness to Kyle, where you can take a bus onto the island. Book trains to Mallaig.

By plane: fly to Glasgow Airport (186 miles) or Inverness (98 miles).

The vibe is gently-lived in - think overstuffed sofas, family memoties and portraits in oils. This is a look that many hotels spend a lot of money trying to recreate. Granted there are some ubiquitous stag heads, but the place doesn't feel too 'done' or stuffy.

The team here is efficient and friendly - nothing is too much trouble. Ask them to organise a foraging or fishing trip for you; afterwards you can relax with a massage or reflexology treatment.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Library
• Garden
• Beauty treatments
• Room service
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking

Rooms are either in the north, main house - smaller and more traditional - or the south house - bigger and more contemporary with great views of Loch na Dal.

Room types: Cosy Double with Sea View, Luxury, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite with shower or bath and L'Occitane toiletries, fluffy towels, desk, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Dinner is delicious, made with local and seasonal ingredients and wonderfully unfussy despite the silver candlesticks and ancestors on the walls. Sample Skye venison with bramble jus or try the lobster from nearby Loch Brittle.

The restaurant: modern Scottish dishes, fine dining, Sunday roasts, all-day menu, organic wines, 122 different whiskies. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Set dinner menu £75 per person.