Ben Wyvis Hotel

Summer’s here (well, pretty much) and the pastoral beauty of the Highlands has once more emerged from the blanket of snow to remind us that Scotland really is a blessed place.

Anyone with a love of the great outdoors will find their thoughts turning to the mountains and glens and planning a Highland break. Oh, wait, you don’t have to. Here’s one we prepared earlier.

Take the high road in style with today’s Big Deal, whisking you off for a stylish two-night mini break in the elegant Ben Wyvis Hotel in Strathpeffer. Enjoy the traditional Scottish hospitality of this graceful mansion hotel, and look forward to superb local cuisine served in the Jacobite Restaurant.

Highland Break

The Ben Wyvis Hotel is a grand but inviting Victorian mansion house surrounded by picturesque woodland and impressive grounds. Located in Strathpeffer, an attractive village handy for Dingwall and Inverness, the hotel makes a great base for exploring the lochs, castles and glens of the region, or for picking up the whisky trail.

Available seven days a week, today’s Big Deal offers a two night bed and breakfast stay for two people sharing a standard twin or double room at Ben Wyvis Hotel. A three-course dinner is included on the first night, selected from the chef’s daily menu.

Guestrooms at Ben Wyvis enjoy traditional décor in rich, warm colours, ensuite bathrooms, TV and a welcome beverage tray with shortbread. Some have views over the Ben.

Dining in style

The Big Deal offers guests a three-course dinner on their first night, served in the Jacobite Restaurant. This elegant, imposing room has warm decor, high ceilings, chandeliers and large picture windows providing plenty of natural light.

There is a large open Victorian fireplace, lit in the autumn and winter months to create a cosy ambiance.

The chef’s team puts a strong accent on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The high quality produce means that menus can change according to seasonal availability, but typical dishes include starters of smoked salmon and crayfish roulade or Halloumi in tempura batter with chilli and coriander, and mains of slow-cooked blade of Scottish beef, poached sea bass, or fettuccine with tomato and pesto.

Out and about

This part of the Highlands offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling are great ways to soak up the scenery. The Rogie Falls are just ten minutes from Strathpeffer and offer a choice of invigorating walks and viewpoints.

Strathpeffer itself is a fascinating village, with a history as a Victorian spa resort, as is evident from the exhibitions in the Pump Room. The Pavilion is still a major cultural venue with a regular music programme, and the Museum of Childhood has displays on toys through the centuries, as well as information about the traditional crafting life.

Nearby attractions include the Glen Ord Distillery, famed for its unique Singleton malt.

Impressed guests

The Ben Wyvis Hotel has earned plenty of positive feedback on TripAdvisor. These are recent reviews from guests, edited for length:

‘The food was excellent, well prepared and presented and our rooms were very comfortable. Overal, excellent value for money. We will definitely be looking to return.’

‘Excellent value for money, friendly helpful staff and very central for the village. Food varied and delicious, will certainly stay there again.’

Highland break

Today’s Big Deal at the Ben Wyvis Hotel is the perfect excuse for a refreshing break in the Highlands. The hotel provides the ideal base for exploring the region, with a charming Victorian spa village right on your doorstep.

Whether your break is to mark a birthday or anniversary or just to get away from the city to take in some scenic splendour, the Highlands are calling.