Praised highly since its restoration and reopening in 2000 as a luxury hotel, Ballantrae's Glenapp Hotel is a fairytale of regal opulence realized on a spectacular stretch of Scottish coast.

Before welcoming you, Glenapp Hotel shows off its majesty. The castle's imposing towers and battlements, built in 1870 to impress and intimidate, now conceal one of Scotland's top destinations. When the property reopened in April 2000, acclaim in the international press was immediate. Gardens, nearby golf, and 17 rooms looking across the Irish Sea to the isle of Arran only helped.

As you settle into your suite, the fire snaps and flickers. Each high-ceilinged room in the baronial castle contains a unique collection of antiques and art. From your gigantic Victorian windows the lush gardens and frothy beachfront demand exploration.

Boasting one Michelin star, the Glenapp restaurant serves up fresh cuisine inspired by centuries of local heritage. Lunching regally in the castle dining room, look out as the sun dances over the rocky expanse of Ailsa Craig, and you'll suddenly understand what lies at the heart of all Scots.