CHECK-IN The stately Gairnshiel Lodge was once a welcome resting place for hunters and travelers. Until a Belgian family took their eye on the Victorian hunting chalet from 1746 and converted it into a bed and breakfast with design allure. By the way, you are in royal company here: the nearest castle is 'Balmoral', the official holiday residence of the British royals.

GET A ROOM boasts king-size beds in all nine bedrooms, ensuring that every guest can sleep like royalty. The interior blends seamlessly into the rugged atmosphere of nature and River Gairn, which you can watch from under your wool blanket when you're not in the sauna or games room. The timeless interior design was conceived by Nathalie Van Reeth, the wife of media entrepreneur Christian Van Thillo.

ON THE WAY In this case, it's not just a platitude that the journey is just as important as the destination. Even before you can venture out to explore the walks, castle visits, or golf games in the surrounding Cairngorms National Park, the winding route towards the chalet will take your breath away. Along the way, you'll find the whisky distilleries of Glenlivet, Macallan, and Glenfiddich waiting for you to stop by and indulge in a taste of Scotland.