The end of January is rapidly approaching, and on the 25th comes Burns Night, a celebration of the great Scottish poet. With the focus on whisky, haggis and revelry, we thought we'd round up some of our favourite places to stay in Scotland, including grand castle hotels, chic B&Bs, luxe glamping spots and cosy holiday cottages - and for our take on the nation's best places to eat and drink, sights to to see and things to do, see our Scotland Guide, which has literally hundreds of recommendations.
A contemporary B&B with exquisite views across Loch Linnhe, it's perfectly poised for anyone wanting to explore the western Highlands. With a no under 16s policy this adult-only escape is the ideal place to simply relax and unwind.
An off-grid cottage in a remote environment, access is by boat and a visit here has to be well planned. But it's not primitive by any means: it has heating, and there is a fridge, cooker, hot water – generated by a very efficient wood-burning stove – and a radio for listening to the shipping forecast. There are also two comfortable bedrooms plus a box room that together can sleep five people. Sister property Lower Polnish is also worth checking out.
Well-appointed timber lodges nestle in a spectacular location on the shores of Loch Awe; choose between a woodland or waterside position. They all come complete with open-plan living area with kitchen, two to three bedrooms, family bathroom, wood-burning stove and large verandah – plus they're pet-friendly.
Two large properties sit on an impressive estate right by Loch Fyne and the Mull of Kintyre – only a couple of hours' drive from Glasgow, yet the setting is stunning. Sail, walk, cycle, kayak, swim or just discover the place on foot.
Way up on Scotland's northernmost tip, sitting proudly above its own beach on the windswept coast near Wick, this is as magical a building, in as faraway a location as anyone could wish for. There are 35 ultra-luxurious rooms and on clear nights the darkest of dark skies await, making for some glorious star-gazing from this one-of-a-kind spot.
Long before the word glamping had ever come into the camping lexicon, this Isle of Mull-based operation were offering nights under canvas for those not keen on pitching their own tents. Their 16 starched white shielings are supremely flexible and designed for a maximum of six inhabitants.
This stylish B&B in Oban with breathtaking views welcomes guests warmly. Run with panache, the former cottage hospital is about as comfy as could be, with a great placement right in the centre of town and just a short walk from the waterfront.
Homely cabins deep in the woods of Aberdeenshire provide a real get-away-from-it-all break, with no wifi, no reception or additional facilities. Each has two bedrooms, a sitting room/kitchen and bathroom, outside decking with barbecue, and is heated by a wood-burning stove, lit with low-energy lighting, and logs are laid on in generous supply.
They don't open new hotels very often in Kirkwall – this is the first one for eighty years – but when they do, they seem to be right on the money. This restaurant with room housed in a characterful old building is just the ticket for Orkney's historic main town.
A fabulously comfortable and cost-effective base for activities and exploration in the Cairngorms, this dog-friendly retreat sleeping eight is kitted out with all mod cons and home comforts.
A romantic city bolthole for two tucked away by Edinburgh's green and leafy Holyrood Park, the small mid-19th-century one-level structure is a bit of a hidden gem – an easy-to-miss tranquil oasis. Less than a ten-minute walk from the sights of the city, it's furnished in a crisp, contemporary style, yet is as cosy as you like.
As good as glamping gets, not only does this site have tent and campervan pitches but a bunkhouse too. Situated on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, it's is a fab introduction to the natural glories of Scotland.
A fabulous castle in Stirolingshire, steeped in history and excellent for large groups and celebrations, this place oozes character. It’s divided into two parts, the Tower and the Manor, that can be rented separately, or you can combine the two and sleep up to 18 people.
Seriously glam glamping in funky treehouses by a sweeping beach, these palatial hideaways recline in a blissfully rural corner of East Lothian (Edinburgh still lies within easy reach) and boast a massive elevated wooden decking area, two bedrooms and a proper toilet and shower.
An organic smallholding in Orkney with yurts, pods, bell tents and a homey cottage, the six-hectare smallholding has a simple and fitting ethos – keep things small, simple and eco-friendly, but most of all share the beauty of the ethereal setting, which is a five-minute walk from the sea.
What do you do if you're looking for somewhere to have a party? Well, Scotts isn't a bad place to start. The company's forte is large and unique rentals, with over 400 large-scale houses on the books all over the UK, Scotland being their specialty.
Situated at Ardgartan, where the pine-clad mountains sweep down to meet the shore of Loch Long at the edge of the Argyll Forest Park, a more perfect spot is hard to imagine. From the comfort of your cabin (or the luxury of your hot tub), enjoy magnificent scenery; or why not get active and hire a bike, or go gorge-walking? There's an equally special premises in Strathyre.
After quirky, cool glamping in a beautiful National Park? This is the place for you. Just a short drive from Aviemore, with a variety of accommodation options, hulking pines soar all around while the Cairngorms provide an epic backdrop.
The Scottish Islands' most unusual bed and breakfast is set on a handsome wooden tall ship in the peaceful waters of Tobermory Bay, on the isle of Mull. It offers perhaps the best way to see the inlets of this glorious region. Go on a sea adventure and explore.
These four ingeniously-designed pods in the heart of things in Aviemore comfortably sleep a couple on the fold-out double bed. There's an immaculately maintained shower/wet room, and, most importantly, the snug units stay nice and toasty on teeth-chatteringly cold Highland evenings.
