Our Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Scotland for Outdoor Lovers

Beautifully located at the foot of Kinloch Hill and overlooking Loch na Dal, Kinloch Lodge offers classical luxury amidst the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye. Kinloch has been run by the local Macdonald family for generations. This feeling of familial hospitality runs through the Kinloch experience. The fine dining here is world-renowned thanks mainly to Michelin-starred chef, Marcelo Tully. He hails Skye as a “chef’s paradise” and a real taste of the island shines through each meal, with an emphasis on local seafood. Kinloch Lodge was named as one of the top twenty five small hotels in the world and one of the Top 7 restaurants in Scotland by Conde Nast magazine.

Kinloch at dusk

Outdoor adventures:

• Road cycling: Skye offers some epic road cycling. Clients can meet their cycle guide (and high spec road bikes!) to roll along winding coastlines as jagged peaks soar overhead.
• Hiking: One of Scotland’s most popular walking destinations, Skye offers a range of hiking, scrambling and climbing adventures. With their own private hiking guide your clients can get off the tourist trails and access some of the less well-known glens and hills.
• Sailing: Skye’s intricate coastline makes it a fantastic sailing destination. For something a little different, have clients enjoy a 3 night private charter with their own guide, sailing crew and chef to discover some natural hidden gems such as Loch Coruisk beneath the Black Cuillin mountain range.

This cosy boutique hotel in the heart of Argyll is a shining example of Scottish hospitality at its best. Country-house charm gives a relaxed, homely feel to Airds, but the food and service is world class. The views from the hotel are mesmeric. Loch Linnhe stretching out ahead with the craggy mountains of Ardnamurchan and Skye towering beyond. A range of comfy lounges, log fires and expansive windows make the most of this idyllic location.  The best in local shellfish are often the highlight of a varied wonderfully Scottish menu. The Airds restaurant is now a firm feature in the Michelin Guide.

The view at Airds from the garden terrace

Outdoor adventures:

• Sea Kayaking: Why not combine some time on the water exploring the Oban coast with some decadent luxury at Airds? Clients can meet their private sea kayak guide and launch directly from the hotel to discover this breathtaking coastline which is home to resident porpoise, seals, otters and sea eagles.  Our guides will tailor the experience according to your clients ability and experience.
• Hiking: Oban makes an excellent launchpad to the Hebrides.  Local highlights here include a days privately guided hiking on the Isle of Kerrera or discovering pre historic burial grounds with a hike in Kilmartin Glen.

Recently restored Fonab Castle is nestled in the heart of Highland Perhshire. Built in the 19th Century in Scots Baronial style, the castle was completely refurbished in 2013. Overlooking the picturesque small Loch Faskally, Fonab is within walking distance of the quaint highland village of Pitlochry. Accommodation options vary from the sprawling Penthouse suite to more cosy rooms, each unique. The award winning restaurant offers fine-dining while the Brasserie and Lounge Bar are an informal oasis for light lunches, afternoon tea and lip-smacking cocktails!

Fonab Castle in Highland Perthshire

Outdoor adventures:

• Road Cycling: The quiet roads and rolling hills of Highland Perthshire make for some dreamy road-biking.  With their adventure guide clients can ride out direct from the hotel and within minutes be on quiet back-country roads passing historic castles, highland cows and of course single malt whisky distilleries!
• Hiking: Highland Perthshire is also a mecca for hiking. Some of our favourites include  leading clients on a guided hike to enjoy the panoramic views from Ben Vrackie, (Pitlochry’s classic Corbett); or a visit to Blair Castle (home to Europes last remaining private army!) for a private tour and to enjoy a gentle guided hike through the ancient Caledonian pine forests here.
• Open Canoeing: Gliding across Loch Tay or Loch Faskally make for a wonderful outdoor experience in this area. Our expert canoe guides have intimate knowledge of the region and can meet clients directly at their hotel.  Why not throw in a gourmet picnic lunch on one of Loch Tays many deserted islands too to complete an unforgettable afternoon exploring the natural beauty of Highland Perthshire!?

Located on a private island on the west coast, the Isle of Eriska hotel is a haven of luxury. The island sits between Loch Creran and Loch Linnhe. Wild and beautiful views stretch out over the Morvern hills. Otter and seals lounge along the shoreline while golden eagles can be spotted overhead. Within the hotel, huge fireplaces, ornate wooden styling and classic design make for an elegant and spoiling experience. Fresh ingredients are sourced from the gardens, greenhouse and foraged from the island. The beehives and smokehouse also complement the abundant local larder. Award-winning chef, Connor Toomey, describes the island as ‘an outstanding resource’. Local ingredients and nutrients of the sea are also incorporated in the extensive Spa, to nourish mind, body and soul.

The Isle of Eriska Hotel on Scotlands wild Atlantic coast

Outdoor adventures:

• Sea Kayaking: As with Airds above, Eriska’s location on the west coast makes it an ideal accompaniment to enjoy a morning or afternoons guided sea kayaking adventure. Launch direct from the hotels private jetty a venture along the coast to discover a 14th century castle with ties to the Jacobite rebellion and both the Stewart and Campbell clans.
• Marine wildlife adventure: For a real insiders experience of Scotland’s wild Atlantic coast we charter a private zodiac and collect clients directly from the hotel jetty to enjoy a days exploration of the Island of Mull and Fingals Cave on Staffa followed by a traditional pub lunch in the colourful village of Tobermory.

The towering craggy peaks of the North West Highland make for an invigorating place to visit for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. The Torridon Hotel overlooks Loch Torridon itself as Beinn Alligin and Liathach (perhaps Scotland’s most admired mountain) dominate the skyline. This must be one of the most spectacular hotel locations in Scotland. Built in 1887 originally as a hunting lodge, the hotel’s castle-like turrets and fortified appearance give a regal and exclusive feel.

The Torridon Hotel overlooking Loch Torridon in the North West Highlands

You can expect that feeling to carry through to the food on offer here at the Torridon. Award-winning fine dining is taken care of by chef Ross Stovold. The farm-to-fork philosophy is backed up here by their own Highland beef, fish caught almost on the doorstep and fruit, veg and herbs grown within the kitchen garden. Enjoy a glass of something before or after dinner in their well-stocked, cosy whisky and gin bar.

Outdoor adventures:

• Sea Kayaking: Loch Torridon is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most idyllic and accessible sea kayak destinations.  With our guiding team clients can enjoy a morning or afternoons sea kayak adventure before returning to first class Highland hospitality.
• Road Cycling: The mighty Bealach na Ba (one of the UK’s toughest road climbs ) is a nearby highlight for some incredible road cycling.  There are also a number of breathtaking gentler coastal rides with some foodie gems en route for the perfect cafe lunch stop.
• Hiking: Mountains in the North West Highlands and Torridon specifically must be some of Scotland’s most photographed. Steep craggy peaks jut out of the deep valleys all along a winding coastline. Accompanied by our outdoor guides clients can access the very best this magnificent area has to offer.