THE HOTEL: Duisdale House is a boutique hotel with a classic country house hotel vibe. It is part of The Sonas Collection, an independent, family-run group of luxury hotels at the heart of the thriving tourist industry on the Isle of Skye. It is a five-minute drive from the ferry port at Armadale (Caledonian MacBrayne ferries (calmac.co.uk) cross from the mainland at Mallaig taking 40 minutes) or a 20-minute drive from the road bridge, which joins the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh. ScotRail serves both entry points.
THE CHECK-IN: The reception area sits at the foot of an imposing staircase with staff behind a solid wooden welcome area, setting the tone for this characterful property. I was welcomed immediately and taken through to the lounge where the log-fire blazed and a welcome drink was served while our bags were taken and key cards supplied.
THE ROOM: My bright and airy, large bedroom with a good-sized, modern bathroom had two stand-out features: a huge, comfortable bed, and spectacular views. The view looked out towards the Sound of Sleat with the stunning peaks of the mainland beyond and could be enjoyed from seating in the bay window or directly from the sumptuous, super king bed. The smart bathroom with bath and overhead power-shower was modern and roomy. The room also featured a television, mini-fridge, safe, hair-dryer and a tea and coffee making facilities.
THE BUSINESS: There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and plenty of on-site parking. Although lacking a specific meetings room, the Chart Room bar offers a bright and productive space and ad hoc meetings could also work in the conservatory or on the terrace.
THE FACILITIES: The lounge is the heart of the hotel with welcoming log fire and cosy sofas, and the dining room spans another cosy fire-lit room and a bright glass-fronted conservatory leading onto a terrace. The Chart Room bar offers plenty of whisky/malt-tasting opportunities and a more casual setting. There is a lovely terrace. The food offering in the two AA rosette restaurant was high-end and distinctive with local, seasonal specialities presented beautifully.
THE VERDICT: If you’re looking to wine and dine a client, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant won’t disappoint and the lounge will provide an impressive, convivial setting for networking or negotiations. For an overnight the beds are of exceptional quality and, best of all, the highly-attentive and friendly staff will bend over backwards to make your stay successful. The unendingly-gorgeous views thanks to this hotel’s location add a further special touch to a stay on the Isle of Skye. For team building events there is the chance to bag one of Skye’s 12 Munros.
THE DETAILS: Duisdale House Hotel, Isle Ornsay, Sleat, Isle of Skye IV43 8QW, 01470 373737, reservations@sonascollection.com, skyehotel.co.uk/duisdale. A double room including full Scottish breakfast costs from £289 per night in April, from £219 per night in winter and from £389 per night in summer. Rates are based on two people sharing.
Julie Baxter
