If it is good food, entertainment and relaxation that you are after, then Iwan Davies recommends a visit to the Scottish border country

TUCKED away in the scenic Scottish Borders is the grand Peebles Hotel Hydro, offering the perfect opportunity for a relaxing break.

The only downside of your stay is that you will be loathed to leave, so enjoyable and comfortable is the experience.

A large four-star AA rated hotel, just 22 miles south of Edinburgh, it combines the perfect place to 'chill' for adults with a commitment to being family friendly.

There is an array of supervised facilities and activities for children aged three to 12, including everything from tackling assault courses to water polo.

The Hydro boasts excellent sports and leisure facilities with heated swimming pool, a separate toddlers' pool, gymnasium, spa, sauna and steam rooms.

It also has a first rate health and beauty salon for those who fancy a spot of pampering. We sampled the fantastic Elemis absolute spa ritual, a Japanese silk booster facial and well-being massage lasting almost two hours.

Set in 30 acres of grounds, the hotel has tennis courts, pitch 'n' putt, a croquet green and even riding stables.

Scotland is golf's spiritual home and there are several nearby courses to choose from, including Peebles' 18-hole course.

The food at the hotel is superb, from its traditional full Scottish breakfast (complete with haggis) and Continental breakfasts, to the award-winning Lazells restaurant and the excellent dinner menu.

On our first evening at dinner, my companion and I chose the salmon and crab fishcakes and chicken liver parfait to start.

For the main course we both chose the grilled Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak and washed down with a good Chianti from the extensive wine list.

Entertainment is laid on on both nights and we enjoyed a band who played Johnny Cash and Ray Orbinson numbers late into the night.

For those who enjoy sightseeing, the area is rich in history.

We visited Scotland's oldest inhabited house, the splendid Traquair dating from the 13th century and just a few miles from Peebles.

It is a fascinating place with items on display which once belonged to the tragic Mary Queen of Scots.

Edinburgh is just a short car journey from the Hydro and is a wonderful place to visit with its dark, foreboding buildings and castle towering over a vibrant city with a unique feel and sense of history.

Shopaholics can enjoy the delights of its department stores like Harvey Nichols and culture vultures will love the fabulous National Gallery of Scotland.