Top hotels in remote locations

Built in 1834 by famous Scottish architect William Burn – who was responsible for building most of what is now modern-day Edinburgh – Ardanaiseig lies on the calm waters of Loch Awe. This grade II listed building is a luxury haven set in a beautiful, still wilderness. Take a rowboat out on to the loch, go hiking, hunting or simply relax by the fire in the drawing room. The Cruachan and Kilchurn rooms both have spacious four poster beds and loch-side views.

Bring your appetite when you stay at Ardanaiseig as from breakfast right the way through to dinner you will be treated to culinary excellence. Breakfast is a full Scottish breakfast that can be tailored to any dietary requirements. There’s plenty of Scottish smoked fish, tattie scones and homemade preserves on offer. If you’re feeling peckish in the afternoon, then you can opt for a light lunch or perhaps the decadent afternoon tea served in the library.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay on your own private island then this is your chance. Spitbank Fort is a small fort built to protect Portsmouth Harbour from attack by Napoleon III. Just a half an hour’s journey from Gunwharf Quays could see you relaxing in the Jacuzzi looking out over the Solent. Alongside the Jacuzzi, the hotel also features a rooftop hot pool, sauna and fire pit.

The gunners who manned the fort had to sling hammocks from the hooks in the ceiling, however the accommodation nowadays is a little more luxury. With three suite styles available (one with a water bed), it’s the perfect location to get away from it all in style. The Admiral suites exude a rustic charm complimented by elegant luxury touches, such as exposed brick walls with scrumptious king size beds and large screen TVs. Whilst the Commodore suites all have beautiful dark wood furnishings and super king size beds.

Nestled in the Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle offers luxury at every turn. The extensive grounds across Dartmoor are perfect for winter walks. Horse riding and activities such as falconry, shooting, rock climbing and quad biking can also be easily arranged. There’s even a Championship Golf Course – ideal for golfing enthusiasts.

If none of these options appeal, then there’s always the newly-renovated spa or the exquisite cream tea by the fire, featuring fresh-baked hot scones and local Devonshire clotted cream. There is also a Gluten-Free option available. The main house has 64 rooms but there are also 22 three-storey lodges located in the grounds sleeping up to eight people, with en-suite bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens.

Surrounded by snow-topped mountains on the shores of Ullswater, Sharrow Bay opened in 1949 and was billed as, ‘the first Country House Hotel.’ The hotel has its own saying, ‘the Gentle Art of Sharrow,’ epitomising the relaxed philosophy of the Sharrow Bay way of life – it’s the kind of place ideal for sipping Afternoon Tea and taking morning walks. Alternatively you can enjoy the tranquility of being lake-side whilst soaking in one of their deep filled, free-standing, bath tubs. The Pinkie suite is decorated in salmon-pink florals and features a balcony opening out on to the lake, where you can enjoy breakfast with a view.

The fine dining restaurant is regarded as one of the best in the Lake District and is open to both residents and non-residents. To complement the award winning cuisine, the hotel also stocks in its cellars over 700 fine wines and vintages.

Alone in the Yorkshire Dales, the Tan Hill Inn stands high up at 1,732 feet about sea level. Surrounded by a Byronic landscape, the Inn is over 400 years old and features exposed beams and stone-flagged floors. For weary walkers and tourists, the Inn is a welcome respite beside a warm fire on an otherwise uninhabited plain. Rustic charm and a truly unique location make this hotel a special place to stay, enjoy the homely atmosphere and hear tales from the Dales locals.

Tan Hill Inn is world famous and you might just find yourself rubbing shoulders with a celeb or theatre star whilst you’re there. The Arctic Monkeys and Mark Ronson are among those to have played in the music events at the hotel, designed to cater to different tastes throughout the year it’s always a good idea to look at what’s on before you go.

Placed between the coast and the New Forest, Chewton Glen is a privately-owned country house that is the epitome of luxury. You will want for nothing at this hotel – just a 15-minute walk to the sea and in close proximity to the New Forest, there is virtually no sport or pass time that is not available from Chewton Glen. The hotel offers a plethora of suites, each with contrasting views of the grounds and should you find yourself drawn towards the spa, you won’t be disappointed. Voted as the consumer’s favourite spa, there’s an ozone treated swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor whirlpool, cold drench showers and top-quality treatments and spa products.

To really feel remote, guests can also opt to stay in one of the treehouses built on wooden stilts, lifting the luxurious rooms high up among the branches.

A lakeside location surrounded by mountains, this West Cork retreat is said to have magic in the valley. St. Finbarr founded a monastery on the small island in the centre of the lake in the 6th century. The tiny chapel is one of the smallest in the world and very romantic. The hotel is small and cosy and has been family owned for the past five generations. They offer rooms with twin, single and double beds alongside family sized rooms to suit family groups too.

Biking, fishing, boating on to the lake and walking in the neighbouring National Forest are all part of what’s on offer. The hotel restaurant has locally-sourced seasonal menus and is happy to cater to any dietary requirements. Top tip: Try their Short bread biscuits with West Cork raspberries, you won’t regret it!