Isle of Eriska Hotel Review: 5 Star Highland Luxury at The Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf

The Hotel

I’m not sure why, but Isle of Eriska reminds me a lot like Christmas. It’s warm and cosy inside, everyone is so jolly, each corner you turn is an endless surprise and it’s all so pretty. I don’t know anywhere you can get all that joy 365 days a year. You arrive through a long windy road with nothing around and then suddenly a bridge appears. Old and rickety, we slowly crossed it over to the hotel, driving up the driveway and immediately being greeted by the staff. Just a few minutes later we were taken up to our room and was even escorted on to our balcony, being told about everything we were about to experience before handing over our keys. While the island has history dating back to the 10th century, it wasn’t until 1973 when it really came into its own after being purchased by the Buchanan-Smiths. This is still family owned and you can feel that throughout. You’re not just a guest when staying here in Scotland, but considered one of the family. It’s an incredible feeling.

The Grounds

Being located on your own private island, the grounds here are of course incredible. Eriska is large 350 acres of utter beauty, with 50 acres of that on mainland and is designated as of scientific interest, sitting at the mouth of Loch Crera which is a designated marine conservation area. The whole place is teaming with wildlife. From seals, otters, birds and deer. The walking trails here are endless too – though dress appropriately as you’ll be climbing and walking over a rough terrain, made up of mostly schist and slate. We never heard any form of transport while walking the grounds and the only thing you will hear is the odd fishing boat passing by, birds in the trees or occasional crab tripping over the pebbles on the beach.

The Room

We checked into one of the hotels deluxe double rooms on the first floor of the main house. Perfectly sized and comes with a rather large balcony with views over the forest. The bed will also send you into a deep slumber, as will the Molton Brown bath products to create your own in room spa experience. You’ll also find the usual coffee-making facilities and mini bar. Beyond the main house are the luxury spa suites and two bedroom cottage suites. They’re a little more private and come with 24 hour room service – some even have their own hot tubs. Room service can be ordered via the handy in-room tablets.

The Spa/What to do

The spa here at The Isle of Eriska is a place to come for a little slice of tlc. It’s not the most luxurious spa I’ve ever visited, but it has everything you could want. A pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Where it really gets exciting is when it comes to the treatments and activities. Ingredients for the treatments are hand-harvested from the island itself, utilising the natural properties of the nutrients from the sea and fragrances from the land. We enjoyed brisk walks around the island, shell hunting down on the beach, croquet on the lawn and squash in the huge indoor sports hall. Our favourite part of it all was the clay pigeon shooting. My first time holding a shotgun and admittedly I was awful, but I’m so glad I got to experience it and come away with that trademark bruise.

The Food & Drink

If you haven’t already read all about my island foraging here on the Isle of Eriska, you’ll most certainly want to experience it for yourself. Home to a one Michelin starred restaurant, Head chef Paul Leonard and his team utilise everything from this tiny island to create each meal and our dinner In the restaurant was stunning. Fresh vegetables are plucked from the greenhouse, herbs are cut from the wild waterlogged marshes and fresh kelp is cut from the banks down on the beach. It’s an experience and you won’t find anything quite like it elsewhere. Breakfast here is served in the main restaurant and was one of the best we’ve had all year and portion wise it was simply perfect. Just a little piece of each, all full of flavour. The smoked salmon, smoked in-house was the best we had ever eaten. It really is extraordinary. Other little treats come in the form of complimentary afternoon tea served in the lounge daily between 4-5pm, cocktails in the bar and light lunches in the Deck Restaurant. Go for a bowl of the smokey mussels. A wonderful way to enjoy a few hours while looking out over the same waters they were plucked from.

The Verdict

The Isle of Eriska is an incredible hotel. It’s very Scottish, serves world-class food, has incredible scenery and the people here are just lovely. While the hotel may provide the majority of the enjoyment here, the staff behind it all really help to create the full Isle of Eriska experience. This is a family hotel, full to the rim brim with passion and real traceable history. Walking around the gardens with the chefs, meeting the staff, shooting clay pigeons with the owner, Beppe – it doesn’t get more personal than this and it’s something on offer for all guests. Nothing is too much to ask. Will we be coming back? Without a doubt. Though next time however we may just fly – 10 hours in a car is harder work than you think.

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf
Benderloch
Oban
PA37 1SD
Scotland
Tel: 01631 720371

NB: I was invited to review and elements of my stay were complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.