Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

Built in the 1720s, this baronial manor is said to have hosted Mary, Queen of Scots, and these days the sympathetically restored country club extends its hospitality to the golfing fraternity, amongst others, who are seeking a bit of luxuriating comfort from which to explore Edinburgh and its environs. Indeed it might be seven miles away, but you can see Edinburgh Castle in the distance. Two golf courses and a gym, spa, indoor pool and tennis courts provide plenty to do before heading for the Pentland restaurant, named after the hills which provide the spectacular backdrop. Scottish ingredients rightly take centre stage in the likes of haggis spring roll with red cabbage and plum sauce dressing, followed by hot-smoked salmon with Mull cheddar potato cake, poached egg and grain mustard sauce. Drambuie crème brûlée and shortbread biscuit or a Scottish cheeseboard brings proceedings to a satisfying close.