The Whispering Pine Lodge, Spean Bridge, Scotland

If you want to have the quintessential Highland experience, amongst breathtaking scenery, you'll find it here. Set right on beautiful Loch Lochy, with mountains beyond, it's an ideal base for exploring the Great Glen, and also the Nevis range to the south. Fort William is the nearest town. Restaurants and bars are sparse in this remote location, but watersports are exemplary. Local company Active Highs offers kayaking, canoeing and white water rafting. Mountain biking's a great option at the Nevis range.

By train: trains run to Spean Bridge station from Glasgow Queen Street (3 hours 30 minutes) and London Euston (12 hours 30 minutes). It's a 10-minute drive to the hotel. Book trains to Spean Bridge.

By plane: direct flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham to Inverness. It's one hour and 30 minutes' drive to the hotel. Free parking on-site. Book flights to Inverness.

This hotel has the feel of tradition with a subtle modern twist. There's a real feel of a traditional country house, and although portraits of Great Scots at the entrance labour the Scottish angle slightly, on the whole, the balance is just right.

The staff here are all very friendly and helpful, and the service is very efficient - almost too efficient! The spa offers an impressive range of treatments, including Abhyanga Indian, Balinese, Swedish, hot stone and deep tissue massages.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Spa
• Dog-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The hotel was quite recently renovated to a high standard by its new Indian owners and rooms are inspired by the surroundings with accents of tartan and plaid, oak floors and sometimes wall panelling. They boast views of the pine forest or the loch and have high-quality vintage-style furniture and smart wallpapers and fabrics.

Room types: Country Lodge, Deluxe Country Lodge, Luxury Loch View, Family, Luxury Spa, Robert Burns suite, Mary Queen of Scots suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The hotel's bright Lochside Brasserie has big windows overlooking the loch. There's also a terrace for sunny days. It serves a mixture of Scottish, international and Indian dishes, all of a high standard. There's also the dark and inviting wood-panelled Burns Bar, a homage to the national poet.

The Lochside Brasserie: waterfront restaurant and terrace. All-day dining, open daily.

Burns Bar: cosy bar and lounge, crackling fire. Wide selection of whiskies and other beverages. Open daily, 11am-10pm.