When it comes to travelling, I’ve been lucky enough to go to some pretty fabulous places. I don’t need any sort of persuasion to hop in a car or on a plane and go explore somewhere new, it’s resulted in some fun adventures, but it’s also meant I’ve slightly neglected Scotland as a destination.
So, last month, in the middle of a rather busy few weeks, I left my laptop at home (and with it, my work emails) and in the hopes of relaxing for a few hours, headed out west to stunning loch side village of Port Appin. The drive itself was glorious – three hours of nothing but scenery to enjoy, and before too long we happened upon our destination for the evening – the lauded Airds Hotel.
Part of the Relais & Châteaux group, the hotel is a historic inn, boasting 11 luxury guest rooms as well as a fabulous 3 AA Rosette restaurant which has been given a nod for Fine Dining in the 2020 Michelin Guide.
Check-in was a glorious affair – we were ushered into the cosy lounge, and offered glasses of champagne in front of a crackling fire whilst our bags were swept up to the room.
The attention to detail at the Airds Hotel is evident in the details throughout the hotel – as you enter the hotel, the hallway is filled with dozens of fresh lilies which smell absolute divine, and the sitting room has the most beautiful arrangement of fresh orchids.
After we’d finished our champers, we were shown upstairs to our room for the night – the fabulous Loch View Suite.
Situated at the front of the hotel, the room isn’t overlooked by anything other than the loch, so on the advice of the fabulous Carolyn, we slept with the curtains and windows open, so we were woken up with the most glorious views of the sun rising over the water.
The bedroom was a study in comfort – kitted out with the most heavenly beds courtesy of ViSpring, and linens from my forever-favourite Frette. As we were lucky enough to be in a suite for the night, there was a snug extra sitting room, as well a roomy ensuite which had a soaking tub, and shower too.
I was thrilled to see toiletries by Bulgari in the bathroom – and it was such a treat to enjoy a post-dinner soak with them.
As if the rooms weren’t comfy enough – they come with a bottle of Whisky Mac – a local delicacy dreamt up by the fishermen of yore. Made up of whisky and ginger wine – it’s a tipple which warms you up in a drop, and was the perfect accompaniment to the delicious Oban Chocolate Company truffles.
Before too long, we headed downstairs for the most delicious of suppers (a blog post to come!) but heading back up to bed felt like a treat.
Thanks to the suite’s position at the front of the building, waking up early felt like a treat thanks to the beautiful views. Even better? Each morning, coffee, pastries and the paper of your choice are delivered to your room so you can wake up at your own pace.
Once we were suitably caffeinated, we headed downstairs for a bit of breakfast. Since the dining room faces out to the loch, it’s worth grabbing a table by the window so you can soak in the views.
Breakfasts at the Airds Hotel are something to really savour. As we pondered the menu with more piping hot coffee, we were enjoyed a selection of toast and pastries – we even had the chance to try some of the hotel’s home-made bannock (a thinly sliced fruit loaf) and homemade lemon curd (as smooth and delicious as you’d imagine).
Despite not normally being the biggest breakfast fan, I couldn’t resist trying some of their cooked options.
We couldn’t resist trying the full Scottish breakfast – filled with local produce, it was a seriously delicious, and hearty start to the morning. Since I’m the mushroom fan in the family, I must admit to stealing them, and having zero regrets about it!
I opted for the smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and spinach. All locally-sourced, it was absolute perfection, and a perfect set-up for a busy drive home.
Set up for the day ahead, I was lucky enough to be given a tour of the hotel by Managing Director Shaun McKivragan, sneaking into a few of the stunning bedrooms to see what was what.
If, like me, you’re in need of a little time away from the daily grind, Airds have a number of fabulous offers on. I’m loving their Scottish Luxury Winter Escape. With up to 25% off all rooms from the 1st November until the 26th March 2020 (excluded dates apply), it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a relaxing in the Scottish Highlands this Winter. From just £125.00 per person, per night, based on two people sharing. (Includes dinner and full Scottish breakfast)
A night for two in the Loch View Suite is priced at £530 for two and includes dinner and a full Scottish Breakfast. You can find out more here.