Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island, Scottish Highlands

Well-placed for exploring the coastline of West Argyll - a glorious tangle of land, loch and sea - this islet lies 12 miles north of Oban and six miles from Connel Ferry, the nearest rail station. There are distilleries, gardens and castles nearby while the hotel runs tours to Mull, taking in Duart Castle and Iona Abbey and a photography tour of Glencoe. The Creagan Inn is a good place for lunch - carry on after to the fishing village of Port Appin.

By car: around 3 hours from Edinburgh, 6 hours from Manchester and 9 hours from London. There is free parking on site.

By train: trains run to Connel Ferry from Glasgow and take around 3 hours. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from Connel Ferry station. Book trains to Connel Ferry.

It feels odd to arrive at a chess board Baronial mansion and find furnishings that are decidedly contemporary. But you'll be greeted by the sweet smell of woodsmoke in the hall, deep leather armchairs in the library, sofas you may want to never get up from and a hospitable welcome that makes you feel warm all over.

Five-star accommodation aside, it's all about the leisure facilities here, with a 17-metre heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and indoor courts clamouring for attention. Outside you'll find fishing, clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing and pony trekking, falconry, kayaking and a six-hole golf course. After all that activity you might need that barman who remembers your order, or even the 24-hour room service.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Spa
• Gym
• Grounds
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Expect cool, calming colours, with accents of quiet tweed with the occasional shock of deep heather purple in rooms where beds are king-sized (and so are baths and walk-in showers) and every cushion and pillow plumped. The Hilltop Reserve suites won't win any architectural awards but with outdoor hot tubs and gorgeous views, who's going to notice?

Room types: Main house Standard and Deluxe Rooms, Hilltop Reserve Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, king-size bed, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Have a light meal in the spa's Deck Bistro, but don't miss dinner in the main restaurant. Stay Scottish with duck liver with black pudding before halibut with pearl barley and mussels (and if Tarte Tatin is on the menu, it's definitely worth the wait). Breakfast is a spin on traditional dishes: scrambled eggs and smoked salmon come with herring caviar.

The Restaurant at Isle of Eriska: formal fine dining, modern British cuisine. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Three-course menu £75pp.

The Deck Bistro: seasonal restaurant with views. Open during the summer months, 6pm onwards. Mains from £18.