Toravaig House Hotel

Speed bonnie boat… A generous description of the CalMac ferry perhaps, but everything looks pretty when you are heading to one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, by ferry or bridge.

Today’s Big Deal takes you to Skye, maybe not like a bird on the wing, but certainly with romantic escape in prospect, with a stay at the stylish Toravaig House Hotel.

Award-winning hotel

We are pretty sure that Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald would have checked in at the Toravaig House back in the day if it had been available.

The building dates from 1865, when it was established as a hunting lodge, and it retains an elegant Victorian aspect from the exterior. The luxurious, country house hotel overlooks the ruins of Knock Castle, close to the Sound of Sleat.

The idyllic setting is matched by the stylish comfort of its guest rooms and its warm Hebridean welcome.

Island break

Available seven days a week, The Big Deal option one is for two people to enjoy an overnight bed and breakfast stay in a cosy double room with cream tea on arrival.

Option two offers two nights B&B, with cream tea on arrival and a free glass of wine for guests who opt to dine at the hotel.

To make your Skye stay extra-special, there is the option to upgrade to a classic double room for £30 a night or a sea view double room for £50 a night. Upgrades are subject to availability

Individually designed rooms

As that same Skye song goes, “though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep.” The nine ensuite guest rooms at Toravaig House are named after Hebridean islands, with individually-styled décor, rich fabrics and contemporary furnishings.

Amenities include Sky satellite TV, WiFi, power showers and luxurious Temple Spa toiletries.

Stylish dining

A generous cream tea is served on arrival, with tea or coffee, a selection of sandwiches, shortbread and scones with cream and jam.

Guests who choose to dine in the hotel can enjoy superb fare at the hotel’s Iona Restaurant, awarded two AA Rosettes. Menus put the emphasis on seasonal Scottish produce, with typical dishes from the tasting menu including such creations as confit rabbit rillette with pickled carrots and radish, or monkfish with tomato, quinoa and smoked aubergine.

Desserts include the irresistible chocolate mousse, with banana bread and peanut butter ice-cream.

Happy guests

Toravaig House Hotel has attracted plenty of enthusiastic praise on TripAdvisor, including these recent comments, edited for length:

‘Our first visit to Skye and we wanted a small hotel in a country location. We were not disappointed, great location, warm welcome, room excellent and the food was absolutely first class. When we come back to Skye it most certainly will be to this hotel.’

‘Excellent food, a nice selection, well presented, and beautiful breakfasts. And, lovely rooms (small but nice) and well appointed. Excellent and thoughtful decor, very helpful staff. A great stay.’

Romantic break

This Big Deal offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy a break in an idyllic part of this celebrated island. The small but perfectly-formed Toravaig House Hotel provides a romantic base for your one or two-night stay. It’s an ideal choice to mark a birthday or anniversary far from the city bustle.