The drawbridge adds to romantic fantasies, but the Dungeon Restaurant should appeal to the sinister medieval in you. A modern adjoining spa proves that living in a castle isn't the draughty experience it used to be. Reservations can be made through Scott's Castle Holidays on 0131 229 7111 or www.scottscastles . Madonna's favourite is The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle (01862 894 600, www.carnegieclub.co.uk) in Sutherland where she and Guy Ritchie tied the knot. The estate provides pursuits such as hunting, shooting and fishing, or you can just relax in the magnificent swimming pavilion There is a choice of individually decorated rooms or lodges. Double rooms start at £650 a night and there's a minimum two-night stay.However, if you can't bear to miss out on the cosmopolitan delights of Scotland, there is a choice of individual hotels in the cities. The height of privacy is Nairns Hotel (0141 353 0707) in Glasgow's Woodside Crescent.
It is owned by the chef Nick Nairn and has only four bedrooms. Nairns is famous for its restaurant that only uses the finest Scottish ingredients.In Edinburgh, the latest designer lifestyle offering is the Scotsman Hotel (0131 556 5565, www.thescotsmanhotelgroup.co.uk) located in the old home of The Scotsman. The bar downstairs has a non-smoking policy (although there is a lounge area for smokers) and for those who fancy a dram in the evening the bar houses 399 varieties of malt whisky. There are various rates starting at £149 for a double to £800 for a Penthouse suite.If a slightly more intimate hotel appeals, The Bonham (0131 226 6050) is probably what you're after.
This boutique hotel has 49 stylish rooms within a row of converted townhouses. It is particularly famous for its restaurant which has gained great attention since the arrival of chef Michael Bouyer. The hotel also houses an interesting permanent art collection of emerging Scottish talent. Both these hotels are ideally located for exploring both the Old Town and the New Town.Of course you can't think of luxurious getaways in Scotland without contemplating golf.
