Destinations

5-Star Hotel Guide

Scotland

Scotland's Highlands and Islands will leave you breathless, as will our choice of 5-star hotels

Scotland
Scotland

5-star hotel guide to Scotland

Home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the British Isles, the land of lochs, bagpipes, tartan, whisky and haggis is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned traveller. Our tip is to head for the Highlands and Islands to experience the true Scotland.

Wild and alluring, the Scottish Highlands offers mountains, lochs, islands, sandy beaches, rugged coves and mesmerising vistas. Long a destination for trekking, climbing and country pusuits, this sparsely populated northern region of the UK is staggeringly beautiful, so has also appealed to creative souls, especially poets and writers from the Romanticists to today's authors.

Combine exploring with grand style at Inverlochy Castle, nestled beneath the UK's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, with dreamy views across its mirror-like lake, to meadows, forests and a valley of rolling hills. This noble Victorian edifice, built in 1863, also serves up traditional Scottish hospitality, 5-star comforts, and delectable seasonal fare, offering a mind-blowing combination of fine gastronomy, amazing local ingredients and Roux brothers flair.

Nature lovers will be in heaven at Alladale Wilderness Reserve, a luxurious escape in the heart of the Highlands, set in 23,000 acres of conserved wilderness. Alladale offeres three fully catered options and one self catering liodge. The charming Victorian manor offers exclusive use from 2-30 guests in an incredible setting, with two smaller cottages providing private accommodation for families or friends wanting to escape from the hurly-burly of city life. Deanich Lodge is one of the UK's most remote houses, offering a unique wilderness 'escape from it all' experience for up to 8 guests.

The Scottish Islands

Scotland has over 900 offshore islands and we have spotted some very interesting luxury hotel openings on several of them, which we will review once we are able to travel again. However, one deserves immediate attention - Ardfin (main picture) on the ravishing, untamed Isle of Jura.

Ardfin, like so many incredible hotels - think Ballyfin, Heckfield Place, Villa Feltrinelli - is the individual vision of someone with a passion, and the means to realise their dream. Greg Coffey is a hedge fund manager, once nicknamed 'The Wizard of Oz' and he and his wife have spent the best part of a decade bringing Ardfin to life on the southern shores of Jura.

Featuring what some experts are already calling the best golf course in Scotland, a masterpiece that is exquisitely sculpted into the shoreline, Ardfin is sure to become a bucketlist destination for those who can afford it. Accommodation choices are the exclusive use of 10-bedroom Jura Lodge, or 13 double rooms and two 2-bedroom suites in the 'Quad'. A Michelin-starred chef forages and fishes to serve you the finest cuisine, whilst every Highland Pursuit is available on this glorious 12,000 acre estate. Contact our concierge for more details about this incredible debutant on the luxury hotel world stage.

Also coming soon will be 2021 reviews of Gleneagles and The Fife Arms.