Fonab Castle

Rachel McConachie indulges in five-star luxury at this hotel and spa on the banks of Loch Faskally

- Rachel McConachie

PASSING through the entrance into Fonab Castle feels like stepping into a Highland fairytale, where a kilted porter appears as if conjured, relieves you of your bags and ushers you into a world of grandeur.

Built as a hunting lodge for the Sandeman family, renowned Perthshire wine merchants, the castle sits by the silver sweep of Loch Faskally, framed by ancient woodland and soft, tumbling hills.

After a warm welcome, we found our Deluxe Double room waiting with thoughtful finery.

There were glossy chocolates, fresh fruit and macarons on the dresser, with the most magnificent panorama across the loch from our window.

The bathroom was generous — both tub and shower — and the bed promised a comfortable sleep. But first, the spa was calling!

We changed and slipped downstairs and over to the adjacent spa.

The pool room, intimate and calm, made for a gentle beginning, followed by some cosy bubbling in the jacuzzi.

From there we drifted to the sauna, a warm cedar cocoon — clean, spacious and perfectly heated. The steam room was a little too hot and we missed the lack of a cold plunge pool or bucket shower, but we were excited for the new outdoor spa space.

After cooling off, we padded outside, where hot bubbles mixed with crisp Highland air and swaying treetops. I prefer to have a spa experience outdoors so I can enjoy the heat and still breathe the fresh air, so this was ideal.

Sitting in the hot tub, open to sky and woodland, felt gloriously indulgent. You can order drinks to be brought out from the bar, but we decided to hold off until dinner.