Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa  

On the banks of Loch Faskally in Pitlochry, this pet-friendly boutique castle hotel sits next to a golf course and minutes from Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Blair Athol and Edradour distilleries. Cairngorms National Park is a short drive away.

A restored historic castle turned glamorous 5‑star hotel with suites and a penthouse, many rooms offer loch views or private balconies. Expect pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, designer toiletries, tea/coffee facilities and cozy robes and slippers.

The Woodland Spa is a standout — think Thermal Suite, Jacuzzi, treatment rooms, nail bar and a swimming pool, plus sauna and steam options. There’s a hot tub, indoor pool, hair salon, garden and picnic terrace, a tours desk and shuttle (surcharge). Pets are welcome on request and babysitting is available, making it family-friendly.

Complimentary wired and wireless internet, a business center and banquet/meeting rooms make work easy. Additional perks include complimentary newspapers, train station pick-up and free valet parking.

Dine lakeside at Fonab Brasserie or choose fine dining at Sandemans, both with loch vistas. A bar/lounge serves evening drinks, 24‑hour room service is available, and a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily.