Why?

It's location in the charming Perthshire village of Comrie with its woodland and riverside walks, quirky shops and fine dining is reason enough. But that's not really why you should visit this place. Come here for big views, big tellies, big fires and, best of all, a big hot tub on the veranda. Basically, if you haven't booked a short break for this year, try this.

Postcard potential

The one-bedroom lodges have mezzanine bedrooms with two-storey picture windows. We arrived in darkness and had the joy of opening the blind (switch at the side o fthe bed) to reveal the magnificent view in the morning. Postcards are really too small to capture this.

Fabulousness

You won't be uncomfortable. These newly built lodges have Philippe Starck bathrooms, DVD players and dishwashers. And, in case you are in any doubt, sitting in a hot tub in the early morning sun, frost all around on the grass in the fields, is almost as magnificent as sitting in the hot tub at night illuminated by nothing but the moon, the stars . . . and the disco-effect underwater lighting.

Gut feelings

Well you are on your own in the kitchen but the Deil's Cauldron (27 Dundas Street, 01764 670352 ) up the road is one of those restaurants that could clean up in a big city. Fresh pheasant, beef, venison and mussels in a friendly atmosphere with a great pub/tapas bar attached.

Doorstep challenge

If you really want to leave the hot tub, head to the bright lights of Crieff. Guests can buy a discounted day's membership at the Hydro for swimming with the option of trying horse riding and golf. Or walk through the woods to the village and visit Earthquake House (free) to observe strange movements on this mini-shock hotspot on the Highland Boundary Fault.

The knowledge

Highland Heather Lodges, South Crieff Road, Comrie. (01764 670 440, www. highlandheatherlodges.co. uk) Lodges have adjoining doors and sleep two, four or six. Short breaks in low season from pounds-240.