An isle full of style
GETTING to our holiday cottage at the Isle of Eriska Hotel was a slightly daunting prospect.
The track from the main building might well be described as “testing” by motorsport fans.
But fear not, we were not alone. One of the very welcoming members of staff was on hand to lead the way in the hotel’s very own 4x4 then help us to unload our car.
We were then delighted to be asked what 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 we were being chauffeured there... and, more importantly, back.
But that was typical of our whole experience at this five-star hotel on its own 300acre private island. Style, effortless grace and wonderful ambience combine to offer the kind of excellence which many may think has long been lost.
The tidal island of Eriska – not to be confused with Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides – is not far from Oban on the west coast of Scotland. The leisurely twoand-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow takes you through some of the most glorious scenery in the world.
A narrow single-track lane leads from the main road before you finally arrive at the beautifully refurbished house and grounds nestling between Loch Linnhe and the Morvern mountains.
The hotel offers a variety of accommodation, many in the main building. My wife Lynn and I were, however, lucky enough to be staying (pre-lockdown) in one of the six Hilltop Reserves – simply perfect self- catering accommodation.
Our stunning cottage had a large bedroom, ultra-modern kitchen and l uxuriously equipped living area with full satellite TV package, music system and CD player.
A huge decking area outside, complete with hot tub, provides astonishing views across to the island of Lismore.
Eriska itself has a superb leisure centre with 17- metre indoor pool, sauna and gym, as well as tennis, squash and badminton courts.
For guests who want to explore the island, there are
SWEEPING: Superb views
STYLISH: Big indoor pool tri wh ar
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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.
The waiters will spend d time giving you advice about each and nd every dish on the menu, as well ell as the very impressive wine list. ist.
Never before have we had such a comprehen- sive explanation of what’s a cheese board than we did that night.
It was eye- opening and fascinating at the same time. Even the delicious butter is spe- cially made on the island nd to a recipe that is still a wellellkept secret. After a glass ass of port to complement the cheese, we retired to the he hotel bar for a nightcap, and to look out from the he conservatory at the clear, star-filled sky which ch seemed to envelop us.
And with that, our driver was on hand to whisk us back u up the hill to our cottage and nd a blissful n night’s sleep in our very own home fr from home.
Ap A perfect end to a perfect stay. I’ll b be back...
C Coronavirus safety and distan tancing measures are in place.
TASTY: Sample from the menu
H an £30 erisk m vi
ON COURSE: Golfers are well catered for