Take it to the extreme

The heights of indulgence

If you're accustomed to the finer things in life, Scotland offers a range of exclusive attractions guaranteed to revitalise even the most jaded palate. Book yourself into the world-renowned Westin Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire for superb accommodation, breathtaking sea views, an award-winning spa and golf academy. Or try The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa at St Andrews on the opposite coast. Recently awarded five stars by the AA, the Old Course Hotel can now count itself among the top 200 hotels in the UK and Ireland. Nearby Gleneagles, meanwhile, combines 5 star luxury with world-class leisure facilities – small wonder it's hotly tipped to be the venue for the next G8 summit. City slickers may prefer Edinburgh's Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, which boasts the most advanced spa in Europe. Here you can relax in a rooftop hydropool, let scented steam cleanse your senses, and then dine in the award-winning restaurant below. If money is no object, follow Madonna and Robbie Williams up to Dornoch. Described by Andrew Carnegie as his "heaven on earth", Skibo Castle in Sutherland is out of this world. Where else is the morning alarm call delivered by a kilted piper or do the signatures of King Edward VII, the Rockefellers and Rudyard Kipling grace the Guest Book.

Stretch back in time

If you want a real piece of history, of course, Scotland is the ideal destination. Here you can stay in literally dozens of authentic castles, all steeped in history. Among some of the very best and historically rewarding are Borthwick Castle in the Lothians; the haunted Castle of Park in Morayshire; and Kilravock Castle near Nairn which counts Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns amongst its visitors. Bonnie Prince Charlie was entertained here too, on the day before the fateful Battle of Culloden in 1746. Or head for Traquair House in the Borders. Originally owned by the Kings of Scotland, Traquair is still lived in by their descendants.

At the top of their game

It may not have the same heritage as Traquair House, but what The Glasshouse in Edinburgh lacks in history, it more than makes up for in contemporary chic. The £7m development, which incorporates the gothic façade of a 150-year-old church into its main entrance and boasts 'an extraordinary, two-acre rooftop garden,' recently featured in Condé Nast Traveller's 50 coolest new places to stay in the world. Other best in class establishments include the Craigellachie Hotel in Banffshire whose Quaich Bar was voted 'Best Whisky Bar in the World'; the Loch Torridon Country House Hotel in Ross-shire, which has just been named 'Scottish Hotel of the Year 2004'; Ballachulish House, near Glencoe, the latest Scottish restaurant to win a Michelin star; and The Bonaventure in the Western Isles which combines the ultimate hospitality accolade with the most extreme location. Standing at the top of a 600-foot high cliff at Uig, the western tip of Lewis, The Bonaventure regularly plays host to UK government ministers Alistair Darling and Brian Wilson, and pop singer Sade recently turned up for dinner.

To the other extreme

Scotland is known as a land of contrasts, so it should come as no surprise that the budget traveller is equally well catered for. And how! Guests at the magnificent Victorian hunting lodge at Rowardennan on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, for example, are invited to "laze on the beach (or to) relax and enjoy the magnificent views from the Hostel lounge." Rowardennan is one of over 70 Hostels run by the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing low-cost, high quality facilities, which despite the name are meant for all ages. Rowardennan's standard of accommodation is far from exceptional either. Among the SYHA's other properties are Loch Lomond Youth Hostel at Arden, an impressive country house complete with sweeping staircase and Ballroom; and Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland which houses the finest collection of Italian marble statues in Europe. . . with a twist. Flick a trigger, a statue swivels, and as it does so a panel opens in a nearby wall. The castle has its own ghost too – a lady in white who is regularly seen roaming its corridors.

From its busiest Hostel in Glasgow, overlooking Kelvingrove Park, to its most remote, at Loch Ossian high on Rannoch Moor which can only be reached on foot, the SYHA offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, but all with the same friendly welcome. It's this combination of warm hospitality and unbeatable value for money that has attracted over 30,000 members and an annual turnover of over £6 million, making the SYHA a major force in Scottish tourism. Like some of its more grandiose cousins, the SYHA is no stranger to winning awards either. Its 'Escape for a Fiver' campaign scooped first place in the Marketing initiative category at this year's VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards. And two of its Hostels – at Inverness and Lerwick – recently earned the distinction of becoming Scotland's only accredited five star Hostels.

At the ends of the earth

Talking of Lerwick, if the idea of exploring some of the most remote and unspoiled corners of Scotland appeals, then so will the guided walking holidays and tailor-made packages offered by Wilderness Scotland. Join one of its expeditions into the very heart of the Highlands to visit remote glens, lochs and mountain summits. For those who prefer four walls to canvas, there's traditional accommodation in lodges and cottages. Or why not start your trek from the shores of a hidden bay or secluded beach – combined sailing & walking packages make it possible. For a walking holiday with a difference, where you also step back in time, sign up for one of its Historical Journeys. Retrace the steps of Bonnie Prince Charlie as he fled through the mountains after Culloden in the company of an experienced historian and guide.

Discover your own limits

To others, extremes aren't so much a matter of geographical position as personal limits. For those who want to push themselves to the edge, Scotland offers plenty of challenges. Dunkeld-based Nae Limits, for example, guarantee to provide an experience that's not only safe and fun, but encourages you to explore the limits of your own personal boundaries. Among the extreme sports you can try are canyonning, cliff jumping, freefall abseiling and rap running (where you descend the rock face forwards), a Tyrolean drop and white water rafting. Another company, Absolutely Scotland, adds 4x4 action, archery, falconry and paintballing to the mix.

You don't have to go on an organised event, of course. If you feel confident enough to make your own way and set your own limits, there's a world of high-octane opportunities out there. Try the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, the British Mountaineering Council, the RYA or British Surfing Association, the British Canoe Union, or www.wannabethere.com, the soon to be launched site for all adventure sports in Scotland. Go on – stretch yourself!