Looking for a post-lockdown getaway? Let Andrea Pearsonbe your guide with this selection of hotels on some ofScotlands most remote and beautiful islands...
Contrast the romance of the Orkneys Islands ancient past with the taste of contemporary Scottish cuisine at The Foveran, the islands beloved restaurant with rooms overlooking the sparkling waters of Scapa Flow.
The family-run hotel is a foodie paradise having twice won the Orkney Food Festival Best Evening Meal Award. Chef and proprietor Paul Doull sources local livestock, fish, and a surprising array of fruit and vegetables grown in the long hours of summer daylight to create seasonal menus. Kirkwall Bay scallops, lobsters and langoustines are among the star attractions, along with grass-fed beef, Grimbister Farm cheese and North Ronaldsay mutton which gets its distinctive texture and flavour from feeding on seaweed along the rugged island shoreline.
Finish the day with a dram of famous Highland Park whisky from Kirkwall. The kitchen also keeps the tradition of baking bere bunno or bannock, using stone-ground beremeal flour from the Barony Mill.
All eight of the rooms have recently been renovated to create the perfect stop between visits to some of the islands Neolithic sites.
2. Jurassic lark
Perhaps Scotlands most romantic island, Skye offers rocky skylines, sandy beaches, castles, ancient monuments, and other-worldly geology if you are very lucky you might spot an actual dinosaur footprint. The four-star Marmalade hotel in Portree is a beautiful blend of historic manor house and contemporary architecture. Any time here is best spent sitting back to allow the dramatic landscapes envelop you like a huge tartan blanket.
The rooms and suites are contemporary and exquisitely stylish, but it is the views from the generously-sized windows that really make you realise that you are not in Kansas any more. Drink in the wonderful landscapes while enjoying complete comfort in your room with Nespresso coffee machines, Bose music systems, and beds draped in luxurious linens.
And new for this year is a stylish and Covid-safe outdoor seating area where the evening can be enjoyed around a roaring fire in the firepit.
By day, explore the lush gardens to enjoy the views over the harbour village and the Cuillins. Every stay in the hotel is completed by fine dining in the hotels excellent Chargrill restaurant.
perlehotels.com/marmalade
3.Remote control
Scarista House on Harris is quite simply one of the most beautiful and remote places to stay in Scotland, with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, heather-covered mountains, and a three-mile long sandy beach.
This comfortable, elegant hotel and restaurant is set within a 200-year-old manse with 3ft-thick walls, atmospherically creaky floorboards, and real fires.
Cooking is a serious business, and the menu is meticulously created using as much organic, wild and homegrown produce as is possible, while all bread, cakes, biscuits and ice cream are homemade.
Scarista House is the only Outer Hebrides restaurant to be featured in Alastair Sawdays Eat Slow Britain, and it is listed in the Michelin Guide. It is also the kind of place to bring the dog (by arrangement) for a good run on the beach and resident pooches Brodie and Maud are very welcoming.
scaristahouse.com
4.Private property
Ever dreamed about having your own island? A stay at the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island can make this a reality.
And you dont even need to negotiate yourself on and off the CalMac ferry this island is joined to the mainland, just north of Oban, via a small, private bridge. Relax in your private island hideaway as Highland cattle graze, badgers visit, and otters and grey seals swim in and out of the sparkling seaweed along the shorelines.
Or live the sporting life by joining in traditional activities such clay pigeon shooting, archery or Viking-inspired axe throwing. With a nine-hole golf course and the chance of croquet on the lawn, it is very much a lairds weekend.
eriska-hotel.co.uk
5. For peats sake
For a truly indulgent break away filled with luxuries and seven miles of bleached white sands, it might be hard to beat the wonder that is the Machrie Hotel & Golf Links. Islay is, of course, peated whisky heaven and a birdwatchers paradise, but The Machrie now adds a championship links golf course into the mix.
Originally an 18th-century farmhouse, The Machrie reopened in 2018 with 47 new rooms, suites and lodges enjoying stunning views across the links or to the sea. Find apres-golf (or even anti-golf) treats at the hotels gym and spa or book a trip with Islay Sea Adventure to see seals, white-tailed sea eagles, and occasionally a basking shark.
On fine evenings, dine on the outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and top the day off with some of Scotland very finest whiskies. Slainte.
campbellgrayhotels.com/machrie-islay-scotland
6. Coll of the wild
The little island of Coll, all 13 miles by three miles of it, offers the epitome of social distancing. And if the call of Coll gets you in summer 2021, The Coll Hotel as the only hotel and pub on the island is where you will probably find yourself.
The hotel is known for delicious, freshly-caught seafood expect lobster, crab and langoustine as well as delicious Hebridean grass-fed lamb. As is the case with many a small island kitchen, homemade just about everything is the order of the day.
A stunning array of chutneys, marmalade, jams, pickles, breads, ice cream, and pastas are all made at the hotel. By day, explore the could-be-the-Caribbean beaches or take the binoculars to spot birds in the remote but spectacular RSPB reserve.
collhotel.com
Originally posted here:
Staycation in Scotland: 6 remote and beautiful Scottish Island escapes - HeraldScotland
- Farallon Islands - Wikipedia - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- Private Islands - AWE - awetv.com - December 18th, 2016 [December 18th, 2016]
- Petra Island - New York, United States - Private Islands ... - December 25th, 2016 [December 25th, 2016]
- Grasshopper Island - Ontario, Canada - Private Islands for ... - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- Buck Island - BVI, Caribbean - Private Islands for Sale - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- ORRO Private Collection The Name That Changed Diamond ... - January 20th, 2017 [January 20th, 2017]
- Best Private Islands: Belize's Cayo Espanto - February 2nd, 2017 [February 2nd, 2017]
- President Obama Is Posted Up with His Hat Backwards on Richard Branson's Private Island - Esquire.com - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Obama now holidaying on Richard Branson's private island - SBS - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Photos: Obama at Richard Branson's private island - The Mercury News - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Obama spotted on holiday in Richard Branson's exclusive private island - International Business Times UK - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Frommer: Dumbing down the cruise experience - News Chief - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Vomo Island Fiji Luxury beach resort and spa - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- How 30000 pieces of bamboo came together to create the private island of Cempedak - Web In Travel - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Tavanipupu Private Island Resort, Solomon Islands: The South Pacific's best kept secret - Blue Mountains Gazette - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- 5 Reasons the Cruise Lines' Private Islands Are Travelers' Favorite Ports - Travel Agent - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Islands for Sale in United States - Private Islands Online - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- A Private Island in the Bahamas for $8.9 Million - Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- 8 Best Caribbean Cruise Line Private Destinations - Cruise Fever - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Song Saa, Cambodia: Private island comfort at a new level - Ballarat Courier - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Seven island houses where you can shut out the world - AOL Money UK - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- Your own private island for 7000: Seven of the most luxurious new ... - The Independent - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Nobody at the NFL Combine is winning the island for their 40 time, sorry - SB Nation - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean Signs Investment Agreement With Bahamas, Plans to Enhance Private Island CocoCay - Cruise Critic - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- A Cruise Line Commits To Developing Private Island in The Bahamas - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Private Islands - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel's Laucala Island honeymoon - Daily Times - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Fiji's astounding revival after Cyclone Winston - Gourmet Traveller Magazine Australia - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Dubai to Build $1.7B Man-Made Islands - Hospitality Net - Hospitality Net - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- This Destination Wedding Venue on a Private Island Is Actually AffordablePromise! - Brides.com - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Casual! Kim Kardashian Rented An Entire Island For Kanye West's 40th Birthday - ELLE - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Inside Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's $145 Million Empire: Private Islands, Record-Breaking Tours and More - E! Online - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Books to read on escape, or help you escape - San Francisco Chronicle - June 8th, 2017 [June 8th, 2017]
- Private islands of the rich and famous - AOL UK - June 8th, 2017 [June 8th, 2017]
- The Great Caribbean Private Destination Race - TravelPulse - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- London family who built a Greek island getaway: unspoilt Meganissi ... - Homes and Property - June 10th, 2017 [June 10th, 2017]
- Blackfire RED Aims to Save Consumers From 'Entertainment Islands' - StreamingMedia.com - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel's Honeymoon Needed No Filter - Observer - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- 5 idyllic private island retreats - CNN International - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Luxury travel: The most remote resorts in the Philippines - CNN - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- World's Most Private Island Resort Opening September 1, 2017 ... - Benzinga - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- 5 Hotels With Private Islands - Successful Meetings - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Development Beyond Learning: Breaking Rules and Igniting Leadership at Light-Speed on Sir Richard Branson's ... - Business Wire (press release) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Peek at the private island for cruisers that just got a major makeover - USA TODAY - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Turneffe Island Resort Private Diving & Fishing Resort ... - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- National Harbor Is a Private Urban Island Designed for FunIf You Can Get There - Washington City Paper - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Four Caribbean Properties Named Among Five Idyllic Private Island Retreats - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Think a private island is just for Bond villains and billionaires? This Gwynedd estate is up for rent and you won't ... - Daily Post North Wales - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Four Resorts for a Private Island Vacation - New York Times - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Private Ocean Islands - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Are Private Island Cabanas Worth It? - TravelPulse - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- The surprising places where tourism is growing fastest - Telegraph.co.uk - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Four resorts for a private island vacation - MyAJC.com - MyAJC - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- 10 private islands you can rent from $400 a night - 9Honey - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- Four resorts for a private island vacation - The Seattle Times - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- Now you can buy your very own private ISLAND in the middle of the Pacific but it'll set you back a cool 5000000 - The Sun - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- 10 Private Islands Starting at $5 Million You Could Call Home Today - TheStreet.com - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- Bamboo Private Islands - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- From elite retreat to public treasure, Jekyll remains the same - The Brunswick News (subscription) - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- Historic Scottish castle with two private islands yours for 3.75m - Deadline News - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- This Private Island Off the Coast of Maine Could Be Yours for $8 Million - TownandCountrymag.com (blog) - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- $1.9M Private Lake Tapps Island Up For Sale: Wow! House - Patch.com - July 22nd, 2017 [July 22nd, 2017]
- Avoid the food, and other jet-set tips - Independent Online - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Dream Cabins: Four-level log home on private island listed for $1.99 million (slideshow) - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Celebrate Eid at Niyama Private Islands - Trade Arabia - August 6th, 2017 [August 6th, 2017]
- Forget a Hotel RoomYou Can Rent These Private Islands for Just $300 a Night - Reader's Digest - August 6th, 2017 [August 6th, 2017]
- You can now rent an entire Caribbean private island on Airbnb - Metro - August 12th, 2017 [August 12th, 2017]
- Recruiting clients for an advisory board - Travel Weekly - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Locals try to win second largest Powerball jackpot of $700M - KXII-TV - August 24th, 2017 [August 24th, 2017]
- Australian Islands | Private Islands Online Australia - May 12th, 2018 [May 12th, 2018]
- Private Island Holidays & Resorts | Oxford Private Travel - June 18th, 2018 [June 18th, 2018]
- UPDATED: 12 private islands for sale in Florida - June 18th, 2018 [June 18th, 2018]
- Private Islands - AWE - July 28th, 2018 [July 28th, 2018]
- The Legal 500 Caribbean 2019 > British Virgin Islands ... - January 27th, 2019 [January 27th, 2019]
- Pumpkin Key - Florida, United States - Private Islands for ... - January 27th, 2019 [January 27th, 2019]
- Eagle Lodge Private Islands of Georgia Private Island ... - January 28th, 2019 [January 28th, 2019]
- Private Islands - Official Site - March 2nd, 2019 [March 2nd, 2019]
- Islands for sale - Private island homes - Bankrate.com - March 24th, 2019 [March 24th, 2019]
- Eight Private Islands for Sale Perfect for Long-Term Getaways - May 14th, 2019 [May 14th, 2019]
- Private Islands AWE - awetv.com - May 14th, 2019 [May 14th, 2019]