Fordoun Hotel & Spa

This is a charming place, both indoors and out. Skye Bistro, with its attractive French country decor, crystal chandeliers and elegant menu, serves out-of-this-world dishes of locally sourced beef and lamb, artisanal cheeses and fresh garden greens. The "farm-style" breakfasts are generous (you'll need just a snack for lunch). The indoor swimming pool recalls a Grecian bath, and the newly built spa has hydrotherapy baths and showers, and beautiful treatment rooms. The views are free...

Fordoun's luxurious suites range from large to larger, but all rooms have king-sized beds, generous en-suite bathrooms with baths and showers, underfloor heating, tea/coffee stations and a mini-bar. Dam-facing rooms have a private veranda to enjoy the views. Superior Mountain View rooms deliver what they promise, and also have a separate lounge. Also new is the Fordoun Farm Village, built around a "village green", with eight self-catering cottages sleeping 32 guests – perfect for a weekend wedding party.

Classic country recreations here range from fly-fishing and clay-pigeon shooting to walks through the estate. For wilder experiences, head into the Drakensberg on foot, or on mountain bikes – some routes are steep, the views always stunning. Calm the inner you with a yoga instructor (retreats are held year-round). And ask about the lodge's social and environmental work, which includes a crane sanctuary, and a village and school for staff. Of course, the Midlands Meander is always worth exploring slowly.