Skeabost Hotel, Isle of Skye – 4 Star

Lovingly restored and stunningly refurbished, this iconic hotel is an idyllic retreat in a jaw-dropping location on one of the world’s favourite islands.

Steeped in history, Skeabost is the third and latest in the small group of boutique hotels owned and run by Anne Gracie and Ken Gunn whose accolades include Scottish Hoteliers of the Year and a Gold Laurel as two of Scotland’s ‘most visionary entrepreneurs.’

It is the only hotel on Skye with its own golf course – a nine hole, 18 tee shoreline challenge. The fast flowing River Snizort which runs through the grounds provides excellent salmon and trout fishing.

The 18 bedroom Skeabost, acquired by Anne and Ken in 2015, is situated in 23 acres of woodland on the edge of a loch, with views out to sea and crofting hamlets.

The current building began life as a hunting lodge in 1871 but there has been a home of some sort at Skeabost since Viking times when the name meant The Sheltered House. On an island in the river are the ruins of two small chapels associated with St Columba, the first Christian missionary to Scotland. Skeabost has its own chapel, now a stunning private dining room.

The renovation has artistically blended original features with contemporary furniture and fabrics, including tweeds in eye-catching colours, to create an enchanting ambience which oozes luxury, style and Victorian grandeur.

Public areas provide surroundings to match any occasion, from sitting by the fire in the drawing room, reading a novel in the bright morning room, or sipping pre-dinner cocktails in the cosy whisky bar.

The golf course is fun for the novice or expert alike. Clubs are available for hire. The Snizort, one of the best rivers in Skye for sea trout and salmon, is available to guests and non-residents throughout the year (weather permitting), with the services of a ghillie if required.

Skeabost and its Sonas Hospitality sisters Duisdale and Toravaig in the south of the island are the only hotels in Scotland with their own luxury yacht, the 50 foot Solus a Chuain (Light of the Ocean). Between April and September, guests can experience an unforgettable day’s sailing around Skye and surrounding islands with a Champagne lunch on board.

Accommodations:

Comfort, style and convenience are keys to the bedrooms, each one with unique features and character. Crisp, white linen and luxurious fabrics add to the ‘Wow!’ factor. There are tea and coffee making facilities in each room, along with TV and Wifi. The bathrooms are equipped with fluffy white towels and luxury toiletries.

 Dining :

Whatever the time of day or night, it’s sure to be a meal to remember.