FIVE Scottish locations have been named in a list of the best staycation spots in the UK.
Defender Destinations found the best remote and luxury escapes to explore in the country.
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Researchers compared the population of locations with the most highly rated five-star hotels, golf clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, wellness retreats, hiking trails and National Trust properties.
They named Argyll and Bute as Scotland’s top luxury staycation spot.
Defender Destinations said: “For a trip with plenty of options, consider the secluded coastal destination of Argyll and Bute in Scotland, which includes plenty of National Trust properties to adventure out to, including the mountain of Ben Lomond and small uninhabited islands around Loch Lomond.
“If you’re more interested in a tipple or two, Argyll and Bute is known for their whiskey industry, with over twenty different distilleries alongside five-star hotels and high-end restaurants.”
In second place, Perth and Kinross was hailed for its excellent hiking trails and potential for outdoor adventure.
Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire was named third for its luxury golf resorts and National Trust locations.
Defender Destinations added: “Take a trip to Aberdeenshire, with ten five-star golf courses to spend hours over, including the traditional Royal Aberdeen Golf Course founded in 1780.”
South Ayrshire also made the cut for its world-class golf, rugged coastline and rich heritage.
Coming in at fifth place on the list, Edinburgh was praised for its wellness offering.
The study said: “The capital city of Edinburgh has the most five-star hotels, Michelin-rated restaurants, and wellness retreats among our Scottish destinations.”
The full list of the top 10 best staycation locations in Scotland is as follows:
- Argyll and Bute
- Perth and Kinross
- Aberdeenshire
- South Ayrshire
- Edinburgh
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Scottish Borders
- Fife
- Orkney
- East Lothian
We recently told how an idyllic island village was crowned Scotland’s best staycation hotspot.