Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

This Christmas gift is for those who like the good things in life. The five star hotels. The private islands.

This gift for is for a stay in a five star hotel on a private island.

Private island retreat

There is a certain magic around the idea of escaping to a private island. That’s why we usually think of it as a luxury reserved only for millionaires.

The five star Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island certainly looks like a million dollars. Set in a traditional country manor house, it offers gorgeous views of Loch Linnhe and the dramatic Morvern mountains beyond.

Thankfully, you don’t need to join the jet set to give the gift of experiencing this private Highland island. Instead, you just have to snatch up this gift for an overnight B&B stay for two.

And if you fancy amping up the luxury, you can add on spa treatments as well.”

Indulge in a 5 star island escape

This Christmas Gift for an overnight stay at the stunning Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island has three options.

Option one is for an overnight stay for two in a standard twin or double room with a full Scottish breakfast.

Option two is for an overnight stay for two in a deluxe twin or double room with a full Scottish breakfast.

Option three is for an overnight stay for two in a standard twin or double room with a full Scottish breakfast and one 30 minute spa treatment each.

Enjoy amazing facilities

‘Unique’ can often be an overused term, but Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island truly fits this description. The clue is in the name – this hotel sits perched on its own peaceful island on Loch Creran, not far from Oban.

And, as this is no ordinary hotel, the facilities are far from ordinary too and include a marina, golf course and spa with swimming pool.

There is lovely period details too such as open fireplaces, an oak-panelled main hall, piano room, drawing room and art deco library serving whiskies, cocktails and wines. Chin, chin.

Relax in a tasteful room

Depending on which option you choose, your gift recipients will either be staying in a standard or deluxe room.

However, it is worth noting that there is nothing at all ‘standard’ about any of the rooms at the Isle of Eriska Hotel. So you can expect decor that tastefully blends the traditional and the modern, with facilities that include a fireplace, flat-screen TV with digital channels, minibar, toiletries and free WiFi.

Deluxe rooms are situated towards the front of the manor house and are slightly larger than standard rooms.

Room service is available at select times.

Fine dining

The hotel’s main restaurant is actually divided into four distinct areas, including The Butler’s Pantry and the airy Conservatory.

Menus offer the best of Scottish produce crafted with contemporary gourmet flourishes. Guests can dine on three à la carte courses daily, including coffee and petit fours.

Menus can change with the seasons, but sample starters include the roast breast of Anjou pigeon with potato crisp, foie gras shavings and onion, and the salt baked beetroot, apple and beetroot meringue.

Mains might feature the slow-cooked breast of Goosnargh duck with broccoli, morels and peanut, and the pan-fried Gigha halibut with garganelli pasta, razor clams and fennel salad.

For dessert, see if you are tempted by the chocolate delice with pistachio, poached blackberries and candied pistachio, or the roast parsnip sponge with cinnamon granola, milk ice cream and hazelnut. It’s also worth sampling the Farmhouse Cheese Trolley, considered by many guests to be the surprise delight of the whole experience.

For al fresco dining guests can head to The Deck, which offers a more casual menu and incredible views across the mountains, loch and golf course.

Relax and revive in the spa

Stables Spa offers a private wellbeing island within an island. If you choose option two of this deal then your gift recipients can enjoy a thirty minute treatment each.

Choose from a facial, salt & oil scrub or a back, neck & shoulder massage.

The spa is set in the manor’s former stables building and is accessed by a tranquil path through the Spa Garden. Inside, guests are welcomed into one of five themed treatment rooms that celebrate land, plants, wood and the cleansing sea surrounding the island.

Intriguingly, the spa harvests ingredients from Eriska itself to capture sea nutrients that nourish body, mind and soul. In other words, this is an experience like no other. Luxury brands like Ishga and ESPA are also used.

After your pampering session, guests can relax in the 17-metre heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and fully equipped, air-conditioned gym.

Explore a magical isle

Set in 300-acres, there is a plenty to experience on Eriska itself.

Visitors can spot some of the island’s rich wildlife, including Highland cattle, badgers, grey seals, otters and even the odd golden eagle soaring over the loch. Or take a stroll to the nearby peaceful village of Benderloch and return in time for the hotel’s afternoon tea.

Golf fans can make time to try out the nine-hole course, which (as you might expect) offers an impressively scenic backdrop.

For those who would like to do some sightseeing, Oban is around a 25-minute drive away and you will also be within easy reach of the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary, Oban Distillery and Falls of Lora.

Happy guests

Glowing reviews left by previous guests for the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island has earned it a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Here is some recent praise, edited for length:

‘You start by making your way down a single track to approach the signed walls, then over a bridge, and you just know that you’re getting away from it all. We instantly felt peaceful when driving towards the most beautiful building surrounded by well kept grounds, we were just in absolute awe. Then we walked through the doors to be welcomed by the most friendliest and helpful staff who then showed us around the hotel, then to our room which made us feel very welcome. All the staff we found very accommodating with a never say no attitude, they delivered all that we asked for. Our privacy was hugely respected, the food was amazing, cooked perfectly and the selection of wines was equally as good. Eriska will always be a place we hold in our memory and can not wait to go back. Faultless, thank you.’

‘Perfect hotel. Stayed here for 4 nights after we got married in October. It’s perfect. The staff were all excellent, the grounds stunning, and the food was incredible. From breakfast, to afternoon tea, to dinner – all brilliant. Highlight was the cheese trolley! The spa is also really good as is the 9 hole golf course. Couldn’t ask for more – probably the best hotel (and with the best service/staff) I’ve ever experienced.’

‘Beautiful hotel on own island. This place is amazing! It is a chateau property so you would expect a great place but words cannot describe its beauty… the food was fantastic and the service impeccable… there is a 9 hole golf course and a very nice spa. Would love to come back again!’

Embrace true Highland luxury

Where to start? This Christmas gift for an overnight stay for two at Isle of Eriska Hotel offers luxury in spades, including an island setting, marina, golf course and swimming pool.

With a full Scottish breakfast included and the option of enjoying a pampering spa treatment each, your lucky recipients will have everything they need for a romantic Highland getaway.