IF making an entrance is the key to standing out from the pack, then the Isle of Eriska will never be overlooked.
Located on a 300-acre private island, this five-star resort is accessed by a narrow bridge that produces a fair old rattle as the cars drive over the wooden planks.
With a sharp intake of breath and an uneasy glance in the rear-view mirror, we couldn’t help but wonder if we’d just had a lucky escape. But we were later informed the bridge is actually a very secure concrete structure, so we can only imagine the loose wooden boards are there for effect. It works!
Just 10 miles or so from Oban on the beautiful west coast, Eriska deftly combines luxury and homeliness with an unrivalled level of service and attention.
For example, in the second it took us to park the car, a concierge was standing behind our vehicle to greet us and take our bags.
He then gave us a tour of the stunning 1884 baronial manor, before delivering a complimentary afternoon tea.
It was fairly close to dinner, but we’re glad we didn’t turn down the array of cakes and scones that had all been produced on site.
This was a good sign of what was to come, as a couple of hours later we had a super three-course dinner made by head chef Conor Toomey, who has three AA Rosettes.
Afterwards, we had a drink in the snug library bar and then took up a spot beside one of two roaring open fires, but not before we went out into the night-time sky. Being so far away from light pollution, the sky was awash with stars despite it being a dreich night.
By the time we returned to Kerrera, our deluxe suite, the bed sheets had been turned down and little bookmarks had been left on the pillows, alongside a note offering a hot water bottle to combat the cold Scottish night.
With bay window views out over the front lawn and its croquet and putting greens, Kerrera is one of 25 individually-designed bedrooms, which also offers two-bedroom garden cottage suites with outdoor hot tubs. New for 2017 are six hilltop reserves, pure luxury with incredible views over Loch Linnhe.
There is plenty to do at Eriska, including a spa with five treatment rooms, a swimming pool, sauna and steam room, an outdoor driving range, a nine-hole golf course and a soon-to-be-opened indoor sports hall with tennis, badminton and bowls facilities, just to name a few.
Badgers can be spotted on the lawn most evenings, while seals take up residence on the private beach.
The next morning, after a beautiful breakfast, we took a walk down to the pier and along the shell-filled beach. We didn’t spot any seals, but the views across the water on a bright, sunny day to the snow-topped hills made it all worthwhile.
Isle of Eriska is set up to keep residents on the island for most of their stay, but there are plenty of attractions to be enjoyed once back over that unique bridge if you fancy going further afield.
Oban is just a short drive away and is a harbour-side town full of charm.
Browse the vast array of unique shops, stop in at one of the number of cute cafes, excellent chippies or inviting restaurants and pubs, or use it as a base to visit one of the islands.
But you won’t want to stay away from Eriska, with all of its tranquillity, allure and grandeur, for too long.
Whether it’s a relaxing departure from all of life’s stresses or a weekend of sport and adventure, the Isle of Eriska is most definitely not a bridge too far.
The Facts
Eriska’s rates for a standard double room with dinner and breakfast is £490.
Offers include a Winter Spa Break for two, at £369 for a standard room, with breakfast, three-course à la carte dinner and a 30-minute pampering treatment each.
A four-night Christmas package costs £1110 per person and a five-night New Year package from £1345 per person.
For details, call 01631 720371 or see eriska-hotel.co.uk
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