Hilton Craigendarroch Hotel, Ballater

In the Cairngorms National Park, this luxurious country house is 8 miles from Balmoral Castle and has a swimming pool, a beauty spa, gym and tennis court.

Hilton Craigendarroch also has a squash court, sauna and steam room.

The Oaks Restaurant offers fine dining, with fresh seafood and Highland beef. The more informal Club House Restaurant has views of the Dee Valley from the patio. The bar has a real log fire.

The Lecht ski area is 25 miles away, and there are local walks nearby.

Stylish and comfortable rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Some rooms at Hilton Craigendarroch Hotel have mountain views.