Publish date: 2023-12-03

Mountains, lochs, gourmet menus and single malts … these fabulous holidays offer a true Highland escape

Doune Knoydart, Inverness-shire

Part of the Scottish mainland, but with access only by ferry from Mallaig or an 18-mile walking track, the Knoydart peninsula is properly remote. Doune is a low-slung hotel built from the ruins of ancient cottages and has large-scale views over to the islands of Rum, Skye and Eigg. Today, there are four bothies and cottages. The hotel’s restaurant is the hub, serving organic vegetables from the its garden, shellfish from the neighbouring water and many cheeses from local dairies.
Double rooms from £90, sawdays.co.uk

The Torridon, Wester Ross

The rugged epitome of a north-west Highland escape, this boutique resort on the wild shores of Loch Torridon really does have something for everyone. You can go upmarket in the hotel, or chill out in the more casual and family-friendly stable conversion. Whichever you choose, there’s 55 acres to play with for walking, coasteering, snorkeling and wild swimming. Take your pick with the food, too – 1887 Restaurant for gourmet dining, or Bo & Muc for casual meals. Both source their produce from the surrounding estate. And the bar has an incredible collection of malts to try.
Double rooms from £155 B&B, thetorridon.com

Scourie Hotel, Sutherland

North of Ullapool on the north-west coast, this hotel has been adored by fishing fans for generations. When the Campbell family bought it six years ago, they updated it with gentle, stylish furnishings. It still has a faithful fishing following, thanks to an abundance of brown trout and access to over 300 lochs and lochans. For everyone else, there’s a string of spectacular beaches to discover, including the largely deserted Scourie Bay with golden sand, as well as a delightful bar and restaurant.
Double rooms from £165 B&B, scouriehotel.com

The Pierhouse, Argyll

Port Appin is a pretty little fishing village and its former Piermaster’s house is now a delightful hotel where you can watch foot passengers and cyclists as they wait for the blue-and-white passenger ferry to Lismore Island. The whitewashed building has 12 charming bedrooms, plus a cafe and the whisky-filled Ferry Bar. But it’s the amazing restaurant that people come for – be sure to try the langoustines and mussels, which are fresh from the waters of Loch Linnhe lapping outside the window.
Double rooms from £125 B&B, pierhousehotel.co.uk

Saorsa 1875, Perthshire

Scotland’s first vegan hotel is, from the outside, all baronial splendour, yet there’s nothing old-school here – it’s a cruelty-free option for vegans, vegetarians and anyone “plant-curious”. Menus use produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden, while drinks are sourced from local breweries – with cocktails taken very seriously indeed.
Doubles rooms from £150 B&B, saorsahotel.com

Fortingall Hotel, Perthshire

One for architecture fans, Fortingall was built in 1891 by James MacLaren in a bid to revive Scottish vernacular architecture – Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an early visitor. MacLaren’s building remains at the heart of the village, along with the thatched cottages built as an Arts & Crafts community. The surrounding Glen Lyon is a draw for nature fans, while the Ewe bar brings locals to its wood and peat fire.
Double rooms from £190 B&B, fortingall.com

Foyers Lodge, Inverness-shire

On the south side of Loch Ness, owners Anna and Phil have transformed this 19th-century hunting lodge into a stylish place to stay with eight rooms. Walks and cycling nearby are excellent, with waterfalls and woodland for company. Breakfasts have porridge and Arbroath smokies on the menu, while dinners bring Scottish classics, such as Balmoral chicken and cranachan, to the table. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free choices, too.
Double rooms from £155 B&B, foyerslodge.co.uk

Grandtully Hotel, Perthshire

Perthshire calls itself the gateway to the Highlands and this hotel on the River Tay aims to do that beautifully. With just eight rooms, but a 30-cover restaurant, food is at its heart. Ingredients are supplied by the owner’s – Ballintaggart – farm and all the retro rooms are fitted with rolltop baths, chic design and muted colours. There’s a well-stocked whisky lounge, too.
Doubles from £155 B&B, ballintaggart.com

Fife Arms, Aberdeenshire

A dash of high Victoriana in Braemar with 46 bedrooms and suites. Owned by the Hauser & Wirth gallery, there is fabulous art on show wherever you look – there are hundreds of works throughout the hotel. The Clunie dining room has murals that reference the local river by renowned Argentine artist Guillermo Kuitca, and a delicious menu thanks to head chef Marcus Sherry, including salt-baked kohlrabi. The Flying Stag has a casual but hearty menu, plus a memorable collection of single malts from across Scotland.
Doubles from £240 B&B, thefifearms.com

Kilcamb Lodge Hotel, Argyll

This luxury boutique hotel is situated on the shores of Loch Sunart and sits in 22 acres of private meadow, mountain and woodland. Ardnamurchan has superb wildlife, including golden eagles, pine martens, red deer and squirrels, as well as otters that play at the bottom of the garden. The restaurant has venison and soft fruits from local estates and farms.
Doubles from £220, including breakfast, kilcamblodge.co.uk

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