Here we go again, after putting together a selection on Skye and around Speyside, I’m now taking you to one of the most famous whisky islands in the world, the stunning Isle of Islay, with a shortlist of 3 accommodations that have been highly recommended to me by some of my regular malted travellers buddies !

Whether you’re planning to embark on the usual Islay distillery tour or looking to book a space on the island for next year’s Feis Ile festival (I don’t even know if there’s still anything available though !), here’s 3 suggestions for you :

1. Coillabus Ecoloxury Lodges – 7 night stay from £995

“Our two spacious turf-roofed lodges offer warm, welcoming and stylish luxury accommodation for 2-4 guests. Set high on one of the highest hillsides on the rugged and romantic Oa peninsula on Islay the distinctive buildings sit in harmony with the landscape and the exquisite curves of the dry stone exterior walls are a testament to the traditional skills of Argyll craftsmen.

Once inside, wide , ceiling high galleried windows fill the interestingly shaped living space with light and afford long and everchanging views over moorland and coast. Looking out over the RSPB Oa reserve, Coillabus offers extraordinary bird and wildlife viewing in all weathers. Our resident chough family delight guests with regular flap pasts and the pair of golden eagles bring their young to hunt here.

The lodges are matched in design and decor and each commands a distinctive view. A’Mhoine Bheag looks over Glenastle Lochs and the Atlantic towards Orsay and the Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse. An Cnocan Dubh has a view over the sea to Kintyre look to the left for the Big Strand and to the right on a good day you get a glimpse of Ireland.

Coillabus Cottage, The Oa Peninsula

Near Port Ellen

Isle of Islay

PA42 7AX

Tel: 07824 567 435

2. Skerrols House – from £110 per night

“Skerrols House is a 7 Room Luxury Guest House located close to Bridgend, right in the heart of Islay surrounded by breathtaking countryside, offering bed and breakfast run in the best Islay tradition.

All our rooms are finished to the highest standard and every guest comfort has been taken into consideration from the finest bed linen to free wifi, satellite TV and all the many other conveniences you would expect as standard from a luxury Guest House.

We are ideally positioned to visit all 8 Whisky Distilleries on Islay and would be delighted to arrange tours on your behalf so that you can enjoy a dram or two of your favourite whisky or just soak up the fascinating history of the whisky industry on Islay.”

Skerrols House
Bridgend,
Isle of Islay
PA44 7PF

Tel:+44 1496 810 520

3. Islay House – from £175 per night – OPENING SUMMER 2015

“Islay House is one of Britain’s most historic houses, having played host to many distinguished guests from Prime Ministers to Queen Elizabeth II over the course of its great history.

 All of our rooms have sea views or views over our spectacular grounds. Each of our rooms is equipped with all of the modern conveniences that you would expect of a leading hotel, whilst maintaining the tradition and history that has shaped Islay House over the course of its great history. Each room has its own unique character, many retaining period features, and as such have been named to reflect different significant aspects of Islay life and the house’s heritage.

From May 2015, Islay House is open to all. We hope you come and visit Islay House, whether for a luxurious stay away from home, to take afternoon tea, or to enjoy a dram in our bar, The Peat Cutter.”

Islay House,

Bridgend, Isle of Islay

PA44 7PA

 Tel:+44 1496 810702