The heart of Assynt
Famous for its mountains, salmon fishing, beaches, lochs, and coastlines, Assynt can offer the very best of luxury too.
Hand yourself over into the warm embrace of Inver Lodge Hotel, high above Lochinver. This unique Sutherland retreat is nestled in an area of outstanding beauty, but its interior is pretty stunning too. From the warmth of the fire to the added luxuries in the bedrooms, your every whim is catered for.
Dine in-house on ultra-local produce from Lochinver harbour and Assynt Estate. For a change of scene, lunch at Delilah’s Restaurant & Bar on Lochinver High Street – the focus there is on local produce too.
Walk, cycle, climb, take photographs, enjoy the wildlife, paint – the landscape offers it all. If fishing is your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Novice fly-fishers to seasoned sea-anglers will all benefit from expert guiding and tutelage offered by Stewart at Assynt Fly Fishing, and by James Curley Fly Fishing too.
Get a different perspective of the region’s wild and beautiful coastline on a trip with North Coast Sea Tours.
Feast your senses in the East
Dornoch is synonymous with world class golf and a stunning sandy beach, but it’s also a place in which to indulge in some of the most luxurious accommodation the north has to offer, and to sample some of our finest food and drink.
Dornoch Castle Hotel offers a welcome that’s as warm as the dram you’ll enjoy after dinner in front of its fire. The rooms are sumptuously and individually decorated. If you’re not dining in at the Garden Restaurant or enjoying private fine dining in The Vault (leave room for their cheeseboard from Highland Fine Cheeses), pop across to Mara at Links House at Royal Dornoch (you’ll love their rooms too!) and indulge in their tasting menu. Seven astonishing courses with perfectly paired wines to go with each.
To work up an appetite for another divine dining experience, you’ll want to flex your retail muscles. Browse amongst exquisitely curated clothes, accessories, jewellery, interior design items and gifts at The Jail Dornoch and take home a colourful reminder of your stay with a treat from Tartan Creations.
Pamper both body and soul at Aspen Spa, then learn more about uisge beatha with a tutored whisky tasting at Carnegie Whisky Cellars… there’s a gin option if you prefer.
And if you feel the need for more activity than Dornoch’s beaches, woodlands, cycle paths and golf courses offer (and there are plenty more golf options to choose from [here]), Connell Outdoor Pursuits will meet all your archery, fishing, clay and shooting needs, with bespoke sessions to suit your desires and abilities.
A North Retreat fit for Royalty
The Castle of Mey was the beloved Caithness home of HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who purchased, renovated and restored what was then the rather dilapidated Barrogill Castle, into the splendid building and gardens that exist today.
Where better to spend a few relaxing days than in The Granary Lodge, a luxuriously appointed B&B in a 17th century converted building in the Castle’s gardens? With individually appointed bedrooms, generous and beautifully furnished drawing rooms, and incredible views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney, you’ll sleep well each night, drenched in history.
Dine out in style at the nearby Forss House Hotel, another beautiful historical building, and home to the only AA Two Rosette establishment in Caithness. You might want to stay here too – the rooms are blissful.
For an authentic taste of Spain in the north, the nearby Capilla Tapas never disappoints. Book, or the locals will beat you to the last table.
By day , arrange a private tour of The Castle of Mey, book into North Coast Massage for some seriously wonderful pampering, and take a tour of Dunnet Bay Distillery. Don’t forget to take home a wee taste of the north coast, perhaps a bottle of their Rock Rose Gin, to enjoy between visits.
North-west’s best
Staying on the north coast, head west into Sutherland and check into Smoo Lodge. This former sporting lodge dates from 1790 but the welcome, and the facilities in its four individually appointed rooms, are bang up to date. The sea views, amazing breakfasts, and comfort and style of the rooms, all contributed to Smoo Lodge being named one of the best Hotels and Inns in which to relax in 2021.
Book, come, stay, and unwind. Your only wish will be that you’d booked to stay for longer.