ISLE BE BACK SOON...
Richard Elias enjoys culinary and scenic delights of a Highland island
When your wife asks the waiter about the source of the butter on your table, it is safe to assume you are eating at a very special restaurant. More about that later.
Put t ing asi d e th e culinary delights on offer, the setting for the Isle of Eriska Hotel is simply sublime.
Style, effortless grace and wonderful ambience combine here to offer an excellence which many may think has long been lost.
Thankfully, it is to be found in bundles at this five-star property situated on its own 300- acre private island near Oban.
A leisurely two-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow, passing through some of the most glorious scenery imaginable, brings you to Eriska.
A narrow, single track leads from the main road before finally arriving in front of the beautifully refurbished property which is cushioned between Loch Linnhe and the Morvern mountains.
The hotel offers a wide variety of accommodation choices, many of which are located within the main building.
My wife Lynn and I were, however, lucky enough to be staying ( prelockdown) in one of the six Hilltop Reserves – perfect self- catering accommodation, which, as well as boasting astonishing views across to the island of Lismore, offers a huge decking area outside, complete with hot tub. Our stunning cottage had a large bedroom, ultramodern kitchen and luxuriously equipped living area with full satellite TV package, music system and CD player.
Getting up to the cottages is slightly daunting as they are reached via a track which cou ld be described as “testing” by motorsports enthusiasts.
But have no fear, you are not alone. One of the very welcoming members of staff will escort you up there, leading the way in the hotel’s very own 4x4.
After helping us unload our car, we were delighted to be asked what
‘‘ Find yourself a comfy chair in front of a roaring fire with a single malt in hand
time we wanted to be picked up for dinner.
A trek down to the hotel on foot might have been too much to deal with, but tonight we were being chauffeured there... and, more importantly, back.
The Isle of Eriska boasts a superb leisure centre with 17m indoor pool, sauna and gym, as well as tennis, squash and badminton courts.
For those who would prefer to explore the island, there are several marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty, which will take you through the forests.
Seals, badgers, Highland cattle, golden eagles and deer all call this place home and none seem too fussed by the presence of their two-legged observers.
Golfers are also catered for here with a six-hole, par-22 course on offer, although it is hoped that this will eventually become a ninehole, par-35 course.
Falconry courses, sea kayaking and boat trips are all available through the hotel, while lovers of fly, salmon or trout fishing are also well catered for.
Part of the joy, however, of staying at the Isle of Eriska is the opportunity to simply wind down, switch off and relax.
Find yourself a comfy armchair in front of a roaring fire with a single malt in your hand, and soak up the history and magnificence of this building. Beautifully and tastefully furnished, the hotel lends itself to times of yesteryear, but with a very subtle modern twist.
Not surprisingly, the perfect vistas make it a very popular venue for wedding receptions and it is even licensed for civil ceremonies.
But let us not forget where we began – dinner. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant does
a wonderful three-course a la carte dinner (£75 per person), which is served in beautiful surroundings by staff who not only care, but are clearly highly trained in all things culinary.
There is no need to feel intimidated by the waiters, all of whom will spend time giving you advice on each dish, as well as their very impressive wine list. Never before have we had such a comprehensive explanation of what is on offer from a cheese board than we did that night. Eye-opening and fascinating at the same time.
The butter mentioned at the beginning is made on the island, but its precise recipe is something of a well-kept secret. That is not surprising, considering it tastes so incredibly good.
After a glass of port to complement the cheese, we retired to the hotel bar for a nightcap, and to look out from the conservatory at the clear, star-filled sky which had enveloped us.
And with that, our driver was on hand to whisk us back up the hill to our cottage and a blissful night’s sleep in our very own home from home.
A perfect end to a perfect stay. I’ll be back...