Cameron House is a gorgeous mansion stay with much to savour

Relaxation and luxury at Cameron House.

Hanging over the edge of the warm rooftop infinity pool, looking out at the stunning scenery, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in some exotic location.

But then a gust of icy cold wind hits you hard in the face and you remember you’re still in Scotland!

I’m so relaxed, I feel a million miles away from home, but we’re only a 45 minute drive down the road.

That’s the beauty of Cameron House the magical setting on the banks of Loch Lomond and the five-star facilities and service make it one of the most amazing and relaxing staycations you’ll ever experience.

Situated at the southernmost tip of Loch Lomond, just outside the small town of Balloch, Cameron House sits at the point where the Scottish Lowlands meet the raw grandeur of the Highlands, hence the splendour of the stately hotel’s surroundings.

It’s where the stars choose to stay when they visit Scotland and it’s favoured by footballers like Kenny Miller and golf greats like Colin Montgomery, who both tied the knot here.

The baronial mansion has been no stranger to celebrities over the years, with former Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden as well as Princess Margaret and Empress Eugenie of France, all gracing its doors.

And as we enter our room, it’s easy to see why. We’re in a classic room (the lowest spec), but it’s simply stunning.

The dcor is totally tartan from the checked carpet and cushions to the plaid wallpaper. The pillows suitably plumped, there’s a bath big enough for three, a flat-screen telly with all the channels and even fluffy dressing gowns and slippers hanging in the cupboard the epitome of VIP treatment.

But the best bit is that it’s a room with a view right over the calm waters. It’s the same view shared by the Great Scots Bar, across to Ben Lomond an impressive scene if you have time to catch a cocktail before it gets dark.

The walls are adorned with black and white photos of great Scots from past and present, and the wall behind the bar is dedicated to the other great Scot whisky!

After a few tipples, we dined at the Cameron Grill one of the hotel’s four restaurants.

With a huge wood burning stove in the middle, tartan throne-like leather chairs and a massive mural which looks like a contemporary version of The Last Supper adorning one of the walls, it oozes a homely yet luxurious feel.

Food is cooked in full view of the guests in a massive theatre-like kitchen. And what a performance because the end result is absolutely sensational.

From the fresh scallops and Scottish smoked salmon starter to succulent steaks smoked over hot coals complete with tasty triple cooked fat chips, we were suitably impressed and stuffed after just two courses.

But it would be rude not to sample the dessert even if you have to share one!

We plumped for the Valrhola Chocolate Selection, a series of miniature cakes and mousses made with the luxury French chocolate which comes in at a whopping £42 per kilo.

Each and every one was to die for if death by chocolate were possible, this dessert could be the one to finish you off!

After a glorious night’s sleep, we work off the delectable delights with a swim, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room at the Cameron leisure club, which, with its ceiling-to-floor windows looking out over the loch, makes exercise a somewhat pleasurable experience.

The complex even has its own flume and mini-golf course perfect for kids big and small!

Then it’s a full English breakfast before a relaxing day at the Carrick Spa and Golf Course. Just a short drive from Cameron House and owned by the hotel, it’s one of the most exclusive in the country.

I imagined the ladies would be having manicures and massages while the men hit a few shots on the green, but the male/female ratio in the spa was surprising. In fact, there were possibly twice as many men as women.

We trialled the couples suite, where we each enjoyed a glorious aromatherapy massage, followed by a Rasul Mud Experience where you literally smear each other in moisturising mud, then steam it into your skin before jumping into a warm, bubbly bath.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a well-earned snooze in the relaxation room, which is fitted with serene lighting and comfy double beds.

Then we spent a couple of hours in the thermal experience, which boasts saunas, steam rooms, a hydro pool and, of course, the rooftop infinity pool with soothing jacuzzi bubbles.

We could have stayed there forever. We were literally (well, almost!) on top of the world.