Loch Ness Lodge Hotel

Brachla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness

Perched on a hill, tucked into the rich greenery overlooking the blue expanse of Loch Ness, the Loch Ness Lodge may be only a few years old, but already owner Scott Sutherland seems to have gotten things just right. With seven plush rooms – almost all with picture-perfect views of the Loch – a spa, treatment rooms, and an intimate fine-dining restaurant, it feels as homely as it does exclusive. Curl up with a glass of wine by a crackling fire in the lounge and play a game of chess or scrabble or flip through a book from the hotel’s collection while taking in the sun on the small patio – there’s so much relaxing to be done here even The Highlands’ magnificent outdoors might have trouble tempting you out. A classical menu makes the most of local produce; intricate desserts, such as the decadent Louis XV, are formidable. Doubles from £170.