Travel Itinerary: Luxury Scotland Staycation - Five Star Short Break Trio
Despite managing some amazing trips during 2020 - Palm Springs & Las Vegas just before the first UK lockdown, Croatia between the first and second lockdown, then the incredible Seychelles in between the second and third lockdown; there has been a lot of rebooking and rescheduling of other trips like to Italy and South Africa. We also managed to fit it another Scottish trip in 2020, a two-centre trip to both the Gleneagles Hotel and The Fife Arms in Braemar, not actually in Fife. You can read my hotel reviews here - Gleneagles & The Fife Arms.
In addition to planning future trips to Bali and Chile, I also planned what I thought would be the safest trip of all, a UK staycation. Even that trip has had to be changed and amended already, with Scotland having different lockdown rules to England and domestic travel and hotel stays being released at a different time. With this only now being a few weeks away, the likelihood of this happening (albeit still with Covid restrictions affecting restaurant opening times and indoor/outdoor alcohol sales) is increasing, to the point at which I have a degree of confidence in publishing an itinerary that might not change. Haven’t had one of those in quite some time!
When looking to book a Scottish trip, one of the first locations that came into my head was The Torridon, By Achnasheen in Wester Ross.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby
I first noticed the Torridon in Series 3 of this BBC Two TV programme - Chef Monica Galetti and restaurant critic Giles Coren work alongside staff in various extraordinary hotels across the world. My favourite series was the first, where I’d already visited two of the properties featured (Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Royal Mansour in Marrakech) and a third which we booked because of the program and have since visited Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador, with another two of particular interest to visit, Giraffe Manor in Kenya and Fogo Island Inn in Canada. You can see the episode featuring the Torridon here.
In the second series the hotels of particular interest to me were The Brando in French Polynesia, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, Ashford Castle in Ireland and The Silo in Cape Town in South Africa. The Silo program was also twinned with a visit to the Royal Portfolio’s sister property near Cape Town in Franschhoek, La Residence. We’ve already visited La Residence (and also Royal Malewane) but plan to visit the remaining two properties within the collection later this year as part of this South African itinerary.
The Torridon
Hotel website: https://www.thetorridon.com
Photo Credit: The Torridon
The Torridon Resort is set in 58 acres of parkland, right at the end of an amazing sea loch. There are only 18 individually designed bedrooms and suites in this 5* boutique hotel, blending Scottish heritage with features from the Victorian era and, as the website says, with splashes of flamboyance. In addition to the luxury hotel accommodation (with Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Master, Grand Master and the Torridon & 1887 Suites, and a separate Chestnut Deluxe suite which is dog-friendly) there is also The Stables which has a further 12 bedrooms (more simple and cosy) and also the the self-catering option of The Boathouse, bookable on a weekly basis.
There are two restaurants, casual dining at Bo & Muc and a more intimate fine-dining experience at the 1887 Restaurant; along with two bars - the grand Whisky (and Gin I’m so pleased to hear) Bar and the more casual Beinn Bar I believe situated adjacent to Bo & Muc. In addition to this the hotel serves afternoon tea daily in the 1887 Restaurant, with views across the loch to the mountains behind.
Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa
Hotel website: https://eriska-hotel.co.uk
Photo Credit: Isle of Eriska
Part of the ICMI Scottish Luxury Collection (which also includes Cromlix in Perthshire, Crossbasket Castle near Glasgow, Greywalls near Edinburgh, Rocpool Inverness and, where we will finish our Scottish trilogy, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William) is the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and private island located near Oban. The Isle of Eriska is situated at the mouth of Loch Creran in the heart of West Argyle, approximately 12 miles north of Oban and 40 miles south of Fort William.
The hotel has bedrooms in the main house itself, 16 in total and split between standard and deluxe which are slightly larger and tend to have views towards the front of the house. In addition there is also self-catering accommodation which offers more privacy, some with private gardens and hot tubs, but you can of course still use the hotel facilities and restaurant etc. There is only one main (fine) dining restaurant, albeit created from four different styled rooms. Afternoon tea, champagne afternoon tea or a simpler cream tea option are available too.
Inverlochy Castle
Hotel website: https://inverlochycastlehotel.com/
Photo Credit: Inverlochy Castle
Our last stop, and part of the same collection as the Isle of Eriska, is Inverlochy Castle near Fort William (only 3 miles away). This 19th Century Scottish castle, situated amongst mountains and glens, is the smallest (accommodation wise) property we will visit, with only 17 bedrooms, each with spectacular views over the grounds and the private loch. There is a choice of small/large Double rooms, Superior, Junior Suite, the separate Gate Lodge, and Suites.
The restaurant, by Albert and Michael Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle, is a fine-dining option featuring modern British cuisine with a French influence, is internationally recognised by all major restaurant guides. In addition afternoon tea and light lunches are served in the Lounge daily. I’m particularly keen here as they have a dedicated set vegetarian menu here too.
Actual Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 Drive from Edinburgh Airport to Isle of Eriska
Not wanting too long a drive for the first day, which it would have been had we driven straight to The Torridon, we chose instead to drive to Isle of Eriska - located about 110 miles from Edinburgh Airport, and only 12 from Oban (Glasgow airport as an alternative was slightly nearer than Edinburgh at 90 miles).
Overnight Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa
Day 2-3 Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa, near Oban
Three nights in total here should be enough to relax, enjoy the excellent food and take in some of the local scenery. It’s only a short drive to Oban, and lots of options for scenic drives around and about, as well as just enjoying the luxurious hotel facilities and local walks.
Day 4 Drive 144 miles to The Torridon, Wester Ross
The drive from the Isle of Eriska should take around 3.5 hours
Overnight The Torridon
Day 5-6 The Torridon
Relax, enjoy the stunning remote scenery in what will undoubtedly by luxurious surroundings with excellent food and service
Day 7 Drive to Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
The drive to our third stop should take around just under 2.5 hours (about 103 miles)
Overnight Inverlochy Castle
Day 8 Inverlochy Castle
Another night here to enjoy walks around the estate, or explore nearby Fort William
Day 9 Drive back to Edinburgh Airport
The drive should only take less than 3 hours and is about 140 miles.
Useful website links:
Hotels:
Isle of Eriska Luxury Hotel, Restaurant, Spa and Island https://eriska-hotel.co.uk
The Torridon - Luxury Hotel Scotland https://www.thetorridon.com
Inverlochy Castle - Luxury Castle Hotel and Restaurant https://inverlochycastlehotel.com
The Private Traveller previous hotel reviews (Scotland):
The Gleneagles Hotel | Welcome to the Glorious Playground
The Fife Arms, Braemar
The Gleneagles Hotel website
The Fife Arms website
ICMI Scottish Luxury Collection
Cromlix in Perthshire
Crossbasket Castle near Glasgow
Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux near Edinburgh
Rocpool Inverness
Other:
Visit Scotland | Scotland’s National Tourist Organisation
BBC Two Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby - The Torridon episode
Mere Restaurant - Monica Galetti
