Things to do before you die: Christmas at Ardanaiseig

Set in the midst of snow-capped Scottish mountains, Ardanaiseig, a 19th century baronial manor, offers the ultimate warm welcome on the dark winter nights. From afternoon tea in front of the roaring log fire to a gourmet five-course meal using locally foraged mushrooms and the highest quality Scottish food, Ardanaiseig offers a four-day Christmas experience like no other.

At Christmas, Ardanaiseig sparkles even more than ever. Set in the midst of snow-capped Scottish mountains, the 19th century baronial manor offers the ultimate warm welcome on the dark winter nights.

Lit with antique chandeliers and full of aromas from the award winning kitchen, this really is the place to make Christmas something special. From afternoon tea in front of the roaring log fire to a gourmet five-course meal using locally foraged mushrooms and the highest quality Scottish food, Ardanaiseig offers a four-day Christmas experience like no other.

The experience begins on the 23 December when guests are welcomed with a champagne and canapé reception and sumptuous dinner. Christmas Eve is celebrated with candlelight Carol Service at hideaway Kilchrenan Kirk, a quaint church at the foot of the hills, before a warming glass of mulled wine and a special Christmas Eve Dinner. Guests can attend church again on Christmas morning or just unwrap their presents in front of the fire with a glass of champagne, before a traditional Christmas lunch.

A relaxed affair, this lavish six course meal from hotel chef de cuisine, Gary Goldie, features a combination of dishes that include: confit of Duck and Fois Gras Terrine with red onion Confit and Toasted Brioche and Grilled Halibut with wilted spinach and seared scallops, as well as a traditional roast turkey, served with chestnut stuffing and all the trimmings. Gary Goldie and the restaurant have both won a number of awards and Ardanaiseig is renowned as one of the best restaurants in the Highlands. A lazy old-fashioned Scottish tea follows in the late afternoon, and the special day ends with a seafood Buffet for dinner.

Boxing Day is traditionally the time to get into the outdoors and work off the Christmas dinner, and Ardanaiseig offers a great range of ways to do just that, with fresh mountain air thrown into the package for free. With a treasure hunt through the beautiful grounds, the chance to walk through the tree-lined Victorian gardens and organised clay pigeon shooting, there is something for everyone.

For those who want to stay inside, the games room is perfect for a snooker game or family board games and the unique and beautiful bedrooms, each designed by a Glasgow-based Broadway set designer, with bold colour schemes, offer a spacious and private space to relax. To keep the Boxing Day mood, there is a light lunch in the drawing room, offering breathtaking views across the loch, before another superb black tie dinner in the dining room. And if the time is right, the evening may close with music from the antique piano.

Owned by antique impresario, Bennie Gray, the man who created the first undercover antique markets in London, Grays Antiques, the hotel is filled with an eclectic mix of old and new artworks, furnishings and drapery.

Christmas Packages range from £886 - £1,041 per person. For further information see ardanaiseig.com.