Luxury Stay at Airds Hotel, Port Appin : Boutique Highland Escape
Driving from Edinburgh through Glasgow and into the Trossachs, the Scottish Highlands unfold like a cinematic masterpiece, each bend revealing lochs, glens, and golden hills that never look the same twice. On this journey, we headed to Port Appin, a hidden gem on Scotland’s west coast, where the luxury boutique Airds Hotel awaits. Nestled on the shores of Loch Linnhe, this five-star retreat offers breathtaking views, impeccable service, and a soul-soothing escape that blends Highland charm with refined comfort.
Leaving Edinburgh behind and cruising past Glasgow, the landscape begins to shift, rolling into the wild beauty of the Trossachs and onward to the majestic Scottish Highlands. No matter how many times I make this journey, the ever-changing scenery feels brand new. Golden grasses blanket the hills, purple heather dots the valleys, and Glencoe’s dramatic peaks rise like ancient sentinels beneath soft, candyfloss clouds. It’s impossible not to stop every few miles for photos, just like the other wide-eyed travellers chasing the perfect shot.
Our destination? The exquisite Airds Hotel in Port Appin, a luxury boutique retreat nestled on the shores of Loch Linnhe, with panoramic views stretching across to Lismore, Morvern, and Mull. This lochside gem is the kind of place that restores your soul and pampers your senses.
Boutique Bliss at Airds Hotel
Port Appin is a peaceful fishing village tucked between Oban and Ballachulish, where you can hop on the ferry to Lismore, just £2 for a 10-minute crossing. The privately owned Airds Hotel feels more like a grand Scottish country home than a traditional hotel, with just 11 rooms (8 bedrooms and 3 suites) and a warm, personal welcome.
We were greeted by General Manager Robert McKay, who ushered us through the conservatory into a snug lounge where a crackling fire and chilled Prosecco set the tone. The second lounge, larger and equally inviting, blends classic country house charm with modern pops of colour and texture. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and contentment settles in.
Inside the Airds Master Suite
Our suite at Airds Hotel was a cocoon of comfort and quiet luxury, the kind of space that invites you to exhale and forget the outside world for a while. The king-size Vi-Spring bed was the star of the show, deep, cloud-like, and dressed in crisp Frette linens that whispered elegance with every touch. A plush, weighty comforter added that perfect Highland hug, ideal for curling up after a day of lochside wandering. It was the kind of bed you sink into and don’t so much sleep in as float above.
The separate lounge area was generously sized, with a second flat-screen TV, and a Nespresso machine that delivered just the right kind of pick me up. Double glass doors opened onto a private balcony overlooking the treetops and the quiet hum of the car park below, think more birdsong than bustle. It felt like our own little hideaway, tucked into the rhythm of the Highlands.
The bathroom was pure indulgence: twin sinks for fuss-free mornings, a walk-in shower with body jets that felt like a spa treatment, and a deep soaking tub with a splash TV perched above, perfect for a bubble bath and a binge-watch. Bvlgari toiletries added a touch of glamour, their scent lingering like a memory long after checkout.
But it was the thoughtful extras that truly elevated the stay. A decanter of Whisky Mac (that glorious blend of whisky and ginger wine), Oban chocolates, and even a hotel jacket and wellies in the wardrobe, ready for spontaneous strolls or misty morning adventures. Fires crackled in the lounges day and night, tartan accents brought a sense of place, and every corner whispered welcome. Airds doesn’t just offer accommodation, it wraps you in warmth, charm, and the kind of quiet luxury that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Dog-Friendly Luxury & Highland Hospitality
Airds Hotel wears its dog-friendly badge with pride, welcoming four-legged guests as warmly as their humans. From the moment you arrive, tails start wagging and shoulders drop, the kind of place where muddy paws are met with smiles, not sighs. The manicured gardens are a dream for morning strolls, with winding paths, bursts of seasonal colour, and the occasional squirrel to chase. There’s even space for a gentle game of croquet, should the mood strike, with the hills as your backdrop and birdsong as your soundtrack.
But it’s the staff who truly define the Airds experience. They’re not just knowledgeable, they’re intuitive, kind, and quietly brilliant at making you feel like the most important guest in the room. Whether it’s arranging a bike ride across the island of Lismore, packing up a gourmet picnic hamper, or plotting out a scenic walk to hidden waterfalls, they do it all with genuine enthusiasm and local know-how. Fancy a castle visit steeped in history, or a sunset cruise on Loch Linnhe? Just ask. They’ll sort it with grace and a glint of Highland hospitality.
Breakfast with a View
After a restful night, we were treated to a wake-up tray of breakfast pastries and tea served in elegant crockery. The weather was typically Scottish - dreich - but the warmth inside more than made up for it. Breakfast was served in the loch-facing restaurant, where loose-leaf tea and cafetière coffee accompanied two tempting menus.
Continental options included fresh juices, homemade granola, porridge with cream (or a wee dram), and poached fruits. The cooked menu featured Full Scottish Breakfasts, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, kippers, omelettes, and fluffy pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Every bite was perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented.
We enjoyed a Fine Dining Dinner at Airds the evening before and I can say it isn’t just a meal, it’s a masterclass in flavour, finesse, and flawless hospitality. Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in for a special occasion, this is one Scottish gem that deserves a spot on your culinary bucket list. Book your table, raise a glass, and prepare to be utterly spoiled. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your soul. Read my full review here
Exploring Port Appin & Beyond
After breakfast, we wandered the gardens and imagined returning in summer for Afternoon Tea in the sunshine. At the bottom of the garden, a wee hut holds croquet gear, and nearby trails like the Clach Thoull walk offer gentle adventures. Castle Stalker, just down the road, adds a touch of history to the landscape, and the hotel team can help arrange visits when the flag is flying.
Whether you're into sea safaris, falconry, hiking, or simply curling up by the fire with a dram, Port Appin offers something for every pace and preference.
Port Appin may be small, but it’s bursting with charm and adventure. Just opposite the hotel’s car park, you’ll find the Clach Thoull trail, a gentle, scenic walk that takes around 30 minutes and offers lochside views and a peaceful escape into nature. On your way into the village, you’ll pass the iconic Castle Stalker, perched dramatically on its tidal islet. If the flag’s flying, the owners are in residence, and guided tours can be arranged, especially during two open weeks in August.
Beyond Port Appin, the surrounding areas of Argyll and Oban offer a treasure trove of activities. Whether you're into falconry experiences, sea safaris, hill walking, or Land Rover tours, there’s something for every kind of explorer. And if your idea of a perfect day involves less adrenaline and more indulgence, you’re in luck, Airds Hotel is the kind of place where curling up by the fire with a good book, sipping a dram, or enjoying Afternoon Tea feels just as rewarding.
A Highland Stay That Restores the Soul
Overnight stays at Airds Hotel start from £220 per room, including dinner and breakfast (subject to availability). Every moment here, from the fireside welcome to the gourmet meals and lochside strolls, feels like a gentle hug for the soul. We left reluctantly, with our hearts full and Hamish the Highland coo waving us off from the suite. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in the Scottish Highlands that anticipates your every need (even the ones you didn’t know you had), Airds Hotel is the one.
If you’re searching for the best boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands, Airds Hotel in Port Appin is a standout. With lochside views, gourmet dining, and heartfelt hospitality, it’s a place that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Ready to plan your next luxury escape in Scotland? Book your stay, pack your camera, and let the Highlands work their magic.
Book direct: 01631 730236 orairds@airds-hotel.com
Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll PA38 4DF. Tel 01631 730236 www.airds-hotel.com
I was invited by the Airds Hotel to review their hotel. Accommodation and food were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
