Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Scottish Highlands

Just at the point where the lowlands become the highlands, Gleneagles is only an hour's drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow but feels a world away. Surrounded by the Ochil Hills, it's a country estate set in 850 acres of hills and heather-clad moors that just happens to have three championship golf courses. Stirling, the Trossachs National Park and any number of castles, mountains and lochs are no more than 30 minutes drive away, but how likely are you to leave?

By car: around 1 hour 20 mins from Edinburgh, 4 hours 30 mins from York and 7 hours 30 mins from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: trains run direct to Gleneagles station from Glasgow Queen Street (50 mins), Edinburgh Waverly (1 hour) and London Kings Cross (8 hours). The hotel is a 6-minute drive from the station. Book trains to Gleneagles.

The look is stately home with a touch of 1930s Hollywood-Myrna Loy and William Powell would look right at home. Whether you're buying diamonds in the glittering arcade or having a quiet cup of tea in the Glendevon Room, you'll find there is something for everyone here - whether it's a romantic weekend or a week of sporting pursuits; a relaxing spa break or a single night dedicated to gastronomic pleasure.

There's the golf. Three famous courses, professional coaching and lessons for beginners. Or try fly-fishing, shooting, gun dog training or off-road driving. Stay inside and fondle the cashmere in the arcade of luxury shops, hit the gym or have your hair done. Had a tiff? Order flowers. Feel like celebrating? Ask for champagne and caviar. There's always a member of staff ready and willing to help.

• Four bars
• Restaurants
• Spa & gym
• Golf courses
• Swimming pools
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Indisputably five-star, the rooms are all sumptuously comfortable, well-appointed and immaculately kept as you would expect with every amenity provided, from pillow menus to Asprey toiletries in the bright, warm bathrooms. The look is both classy and cosy whether you are in the main hotel or the newer Braid House wing.

Room types: Country, Manor and Estate rooms, Suites, Family Rooms

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Asprey toiletries, robes, hair dryer, TV with complimentary films, free Wi-Fi

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Scotland, but eating in the delicately pretty Strathearn Restaurant feels like a celebration, too. Start with poached lobster tail, move on to wild venison, then consider something flambéed at your table for pudding. Or go more informal at the Birnam Brasserie.

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie: two Michelin stars. Modern Scotitish fine dining.

The Strathearn: glamourous, classical Franco-Scottish fine dining. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Three-courses £79.