8 lovely hotels for a special romantic getaway in Scotland

There are few overnight experiences that feel as indulgent as sleeping in a castle. Within easy reach of Glasgow, you have your chance at Crossbasket Castle, a beautifully renovated 17th-century castle that is today one of Scotland’s top hotels.

For a fully private and luxe experience, snag the honeymoon suite, named the Lindsay Tower. Spread across four-storeys, the tower seems designed for romance with its four-poster bed and rich fabrics and furnishings. When you can tear yourselves away, take a stroll through the castle’s wooded grounds then enjoy a candlelit dinner in the opulent surroundings of the hotel’s Michel Roux Jr Restaurant.

Whisky-sipping couples will love Cardhu Country House, a cosy bed and breakfast that enjoys a rural setting in the heart of Speyside’s Whisky Trail. With just six spacious rooms, some with large roll top baths and views over the rolling Moray hills, you can be sure of a tranquil experience. There’s also a large, secluded walled garden on the grounds that is ideal for spending time alone.

As well as visiting the nearby distilleries and sampling the region’s best single malts, you can take a walk through the woodland and moorland of the peaceful Moray countryside and visit some of the many romantic castles that dot northeast Scotland.

In the heart of the Scottish highlands, Glencoe has romance and drama in equal measure. Brooding mountains, teeming waterfalls and sparkling waterfalls surround the glen, providing the perfect settings for romantic adventures in dramatic scenery.

Set on 10 acres of private gardens in an historic mansion, the grand former residence of Lord Strathcona, Glencoe House offers guests luxury suites that are made for romance. Order room service and enjoy dinner from the privacy of your suite, or soak up the views of Loch Leven from your private terraced hot tub with a fine single malt in hand.

Earthy Glasgow may not be your first choice for a romantic getaway, but step into the elegant surroundings of Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and you’ll quickly forget that you’re in Scotland’s biggest city.

Occupying a series of 19th century Georgian townhouses, the landmark hotel overlooks its own private garden square. Rooms retain original architectural features, such as marble fireplaces, rich wood panelling and tall ceilings, while the Penthouse suite boasts a steam room and sunken bath that’s perfect for two, as well as romantic skyline views from a rooftop garden.

After exploring the sights of Glasgow that lie on your doorstep, you and your partner can indulge in a spa day before dinner at the hotel’s farm-to-table brasserie, Bo & Birdy.

Immortalised in song and literature, the “bonnie banks of Loch Lomond” are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Stroll hand-in-hand through a spectacular landscape studded with towering mountains and lush forest; take a boat ride on the shimmering loch, and explore the area’s charming villages.

Then, return to the intimate Lodge on Loch Lomond, set on the beachfront at Luss with its own jetty. Choose a room with a view of the water and watch the sun setting over Loch Lomond from your private balcony before enjoying a cosy dinner for two at the waterfront restaurant.

Permanently docked in the Port of Leith, a couple of miles north of Edinburgh’s city centre, the MV Fingal has been transformed into a 23-room, Art Deco-themed floating hotel by its owner, the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is anchored nearby.

Hotel Fingal is one of Scotland’s most intriguing accommodation options, and it transports guests back to the romance and glamour of the golden age of luxury liners. Cabins feature honey-coloured, curved wood panelling, warm lighting and locally woven blankets, while the top deck, which has been transformed into a 1930s-era restaurant and bar, is the ideal setting for an intimate cocktail.

Sometimes a romantic getaway demands the utmost privacy. Close to the train station, making it handy for adventures further afield, Inverness City Suites offers one- and two-bedroom polished apartments where you can hide yourselves away.

When it’s time to emerge, you can have a stroll along the River Ness, visit Inverness Castle or enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the city centre’s restaurants, all within a short walking distance.

Surrounded by steep mountains, deep valleys and lush forests, the pretty village of Braemar is a gateway to Cairngorms National Park. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy couple, it’s well worth the trip for The Fife Arms alone.

This Highland hunting lodge turned boutique hotel is owned by the Swiss gallerist couple behind Hauser & Wirth, who have filled it with more than 16,000 pieces of carefully curated art and antiques. It’s an exceptional one-of-a-kind place so complement your stay with a tailor-made experience through the Ghillie team, whether it’s a private helicopter tour over the Cairngorms or a romantic Highland picnic for two in a secluded spot.