INVERLOCHY CASTLE - JEWEL OF THE HIGHLANDS
If you are looking for the very best in Scottish luxury hotels whilst still ticking off the "Scottish castle" bucket list dream, then we think you need look no further than the magnificent Inverlochy Castle, by Fort William.
This stunning 5-star castle hotel boast a fascinating history along with ultimate comfort and elegant luxury. These three merits together with some of the highest levels of service to be found anywhere in the world and of course, the Relais & Chateaux accredited food, make Inverlochy Castle one of Europe's top hotels.
It has been said that Inverlochy Castle is a 'Jewel in the Highlands' and we quite agree. A hidden gem now awaiting your discovery. Why not make 2018 the year you finally visit Scotland and the luxury Inverlochy Castle?
(Taking a sumptuous Afternoon Tea sat by the crackling fire place in the Great Hall. The perfect follow up to a brisk stroll around the extensive rhododendron lined gardens and grounds).
(This photo gives the viewer a great sense of the scale here at Inverlochy Castle. The third Lord Abinger was a man who was able to 'go large'. All the rooms, suites and communal areas at Inverlochy Castle truly match the grandeur to be enjoyed outside the castle itself. The Great Hall is seen here from the gallery - a vast area indeed. During Christmas time The Great Hall has a 30' high Norwegian Spruce as the focal point).
ENTER THE HOME OF THE THIRD LORD ABINGER, A KEEN 19TH CENTURY SPORTSMAN WITH A TASTE FOR THE LUXURIOUS
Originally built as the home of the third Lord Abinger, a connection that remains obvious throughout the hotel and especially in the billiard room, today the castle is run as a traditional luxury hotel, with a Relais & Chateaux mark of excellence to go with it. Although the castle doesn't boast modern 'frill's such as a super-dooper spas and host of exotic treatment rooms, the Relais & Chateaux accreditation will be something that world travellers will find instantly reassuring. You know you can hang your hat on the Relais and Chateaux word, and having sampled many of their operations all over the world we can say Inverlochy Castle is up there with the best.
On our visit, we found that the Relais & Chateaux connection goes beyond the kitchen, helping to keep the castle management and staff right on their toes, striving for perfect in all they do. This is something all visitors will quickly notice when staying at the luxury five-star Inverlochy Castle.
Although guests enjoy a relaxing, almost homely atmosphere throughout the luxury hotel, they are of course staying in one of Scotland's most beautiful castles and should remember to respect fellow guests and the general ambience of peace, tranquility and 19th century opulence. Once thing we noticed was that these internal high standards which are to be savoured, are uniquely matched by the castle's romantic and grand setting in nature. Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain which is often shrouded in a sort of poetic mist, the hotel lies at the head of the 'Great Glen'. Visitors will therefore find themselves in a wonderfully stragetic position from which to explore the region. This is something we absolutely loved about Inverlochy Castle and made the most of each day.
(Welcome to the Billiard Room at Inverloch Castle, sometimes referred to as the Lord Abinger Trophy Room with walls adored with the third Lord Abinger's finest trophies from not only Scotland but around the world. Trophies include, Moose from Ireland, Red Stags from Scotland, Elk from Wyoming and various species of antelope from Africa, all shot in the 19th century. Many a single malt has been downed here whilst savouring a summer midnight sky darkening to a deep inky-blue).
(Waiting in The Great Hall for Afternoon Tea to be brought through. Solveig, our French speaking Luxury Scotland travel designer who works closely with a number of French VIPs, sits by the roaring fire taking in the peaceful atmosphere to be enjoyed at Inverlochy).
(Inside the well-appointed rooms at the 5-star Inverlochy Castle, visitors should expect traditional fixtures and fittings throughout, spacious ensuite bathrooms and delightful views of either the well maintained gardens and grounds or beyond to the the distance mountains).
ELEGANT AND EXTRAVAGANT CASTLE INTERIORS FLOW FROM ROOM TO ROOM
(The wonderful Inverlochy Castle at Christmas time, a warm homely environment for all the family to enjoy. With Scotland's highest mountain looming behind the hotel grounds, the chances for a white Christmas whilst staying at Inverlochy Castle are always high. Over the Christmas period it is also worth noting that the Jacobite Steam Train also runs: a wonderful Christmas time family excursion that guests can enjoy locally. Speak to your Sandgrouse Travel consultant to find out more).
(Bedrooms and suites have views of either the extensive gardens and grounds or beyond to the romantic Scottish peaks).
(Inverlochy guests enjoy fine, traditionally appointed rooms and suites with space to spread out!).
(En-suite bathrooms with double 'his and hers' sinks and of course, views of the sensational mountains outside from the bathtub!).
(Interior decor throughtout is traditional yet the use of many modern, bright colours remind visitors of Scotland's forward thinking, modern outlook).
(Suites and rooms have plenty of space to unwind and relax in. Why not order a fine single-malt dram to the room before dinner served in the restaurant downstairs).
(As you would expect, there is a fine selection of great Scotch, from the most famous blended whiskies known around the world, to true classic single-malts. We invite you to sample a dram with us and enjoy 'the water of life'!)
EXPERIENCE SCOTLAND'S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND LUXURIOUS CASTLE HOTEL - SERVIING SOME THE COUNTRY'S BEST FOOD
(With a Relais & Chateaux assurance of quality, the food is as you would expect, mouth-watering.The food at Inverlochy Castle is in fact, second to none. Much of the produce being local seafood fresh from the rich coastal waters of Scotland).
(The restaurant at Inverlochy Castle prides itself in the highest standards providing clients with an exceptional dining experience - get set for a taste explosion!)
THE PERFECT POSITION FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THE WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND, BY LAND, SEA OR AIR
Whilst staying here, visitors are able to head north east towards Inverness, via the world famous Loch Ness or go west to the beautiful West Coast. This region offers fjord-like landscape littered with white sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages. We managed to explore the whole region and found returning to the comfort and luxury of Inverlochy Castle Hotel a reassuring constant in the days we had here.
Behind the hotel, a short drive away visitors find Glen Nevis, a special place that can be overlooked by tourists who are often distracted by Ben Nevis itself. Glen Nevis offers a nature lovers paradise where Golden Eagles are a daily sighting. Take your binoculars and head up the glen in search of some of Europe's most stunning wildlife.
A short drive further afield, Glen Coe awaits. As one of Scotland's most iconic and arguably it's most dramatic glen, guests at Inverlochy Castle should absolutely make the trip here to marvel at the towering peaks above. The site of many movies, and of course a glen with a bloody history in real life, Glen Coe is one of our top tips in the area.
(At the entrance to the world famous Glen Coe, with a dusting of late winter snow - this landscape has the effect of liberating the soul!)
(Many of our VIP clients prefer to travel by air, choosing a private helicopter transfer to get from A to B - we are able to arrange clearance for local landing within the grounds of Inverlochy Castle, the 5-star experience should run from start to finish of your visit. Once you are here it is possible to have your vehicle delivered to the door for use and exploration of the area, terra firma).
(Travelling to Glen Coe with your very own Land Rover Defender 110 - the ultimate, rugged vehicle for exploration in the Scottish glens. We can arrange for your Land Rover, Range Rover or Discovery to be dropped off at Inverlochy Castle should you prefer this option. Should you wish to learn more about travelling Scotland in your very own Land Rover or Range Rover please click here; Scotland by Land Rover).
(Step into the heart thumping thrill-seeking world of adventure RIBs. Explore the marine world on the doorstep of Inverlochy Castle easily. Speak to your travel expert today and start planning your 5-star activities whilst staying at Inverlochy Castle).
Should you wish to visit Inverlochy Castle on a tailor-made Scotland holiday with Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions, please get in touch with us ASAP and one of our travel designers will respond to you.
For more information on our Luxury Scotland itineraries, Scottish Incentive Travel itineraries and how to arrange your tailor-made tour of Scotland speak to one of our travel designers today.
Call now on 01764 664236 or alternatively email enquiries@sandgrousetravel.com.
Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions is a luxury travel company based in Scotland. We specalise in tailormade holidays to Scotland, Scandinavia and Africa and bring a wealth of first-hand experience to each of the bespoke trips we carefully create for our clients.
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