STAY : Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye, luxury all the way
When planning a visit to the Isle of Skye, do it in style and stay at Kinloch Lodge in Sleat.
Kinloch Lodge is possibly one of the easiest hotels I have navigated to when on a Scottish island. It’s a mere 18 minutes from the Skye bridge on a fairly straight and good tarmac road. When turning off to the lodge itself, you turn onto a dirt track but its well maintained and easy to drive along. From the road you will see the stark white Kinloch Lodge set against the lush green coastal landscape of Loch na Dal.
It’s everything you think of when you imagine a Scottish lodge on the Isle of Skye.
THE LODGE AND ACCOMMODATION
Kinloch Lodge is split into two lodges - the North Lodge where you will find reception, the bar, lounges, dining spaces and accommodation; and the South Lodge, offering a lounge and more accommodation. All the bedrooms are suitable for solo, couple or family guests.
Each guest bedroom at Kinloch is unique. Across the North and South lodges, their rooms and suites are individually decorated in colours and textures that reflect Skye’s distinctive landscape. Furnished with antiques, prints, paintings and family treasures, most have open views across Loch na Dal and out to the sea, or towards the majestic Kinloch Hill. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find a place to relax, rest and truly exhale on this magical island.
There are 3 bedrooms types to choose from:
COSY DOUBLE WITH A SEA VIEW -These rooms offer spectacular views across the lawns towards Loch Na Dal. Rooms in this category may be found in the main North Lodge, where their grandeur is combined with lovely light, or the South Lodge, where the spaces are contemporary and full of character. All are special with quintessential Skye vistas.
LUXURY - These spacious Luxury rooms are perfect places to retreat to for a quiet spell with a good book. Featuring sofas or armchairs, these rooms have large bathrooms with separate baths and showers. Rooms in this category vary in style, those alongside the main North Lodge in their more recent extension feel crisp and bright, with plenty of light and great views. Those in the South Lodge are contemporary and full of character. All are special in their own right.
SUITE - The suites are the biggest rooms in Kinloch, all found in the South Lodge. With plenty of room for families or those just wanting to treat themselves for a long or short while, these rooms feature comfortable seating areas in a separate room and bathrooms. With the most beautiful views over directly overlooking Loch na Dal, they are a perfect home away from home.
REVIEW OF 4 STAR LUXURY, KINLOCH LODGE, ISLE OF SKYE
THE RECEPTION
On arrival you are greeted by warm friendly staff who usher you to a comfy sofa next to a roaring fire and place a glass of bubbly in your hand. From the moment you arrive, everything is all about you. Your comfort, your relaxation, your warmth, your happiness. This is a place where the staff will go above and beyond to make your stay amazing.
But don’t expect luxury like staying at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai; there’s no bling and big fancy statement pieces or golden staircases. This is old school, family run, SCOTTISH 5 star hospitality and luxury. It’s warm and friendly, its cosy and a place to retreat. This place is grounded and deeply rooted in history, heritage and Scottishness.
It’s wonderful!
THE SOUTH LODGE
I was staying in the Suite, Room 19 to be exact, in the South Lodge. It’s in a separate building, just across from the North Lodge and is most inviting. Just beyond the main door at the foot of the spiral staircase, a roaring, cracking fire will greet you. I’m not sure if this burns 24/7 but it was always crackling away every time and left or returned to the South Lodge. Up the spiral staircase at the top is two very special Suites. They are massive living spaces, with incredible views over Loch na Dal and come with a very special bath!
THE BEDROOM
The bedroom is huge. A king size, extremely comfortable bed fills the space as does some lovely pieces of antique furniture. There are plenty of cupboards and drawers for clothing and suitcases. The bed linen is crisp and fresh but there is plenty of blankets on the bed too should you feel a chill during the night. There is loads of light in this room, with two large windows that open up fully to allow you to breathe in the view.
THE LOUNGE/SEATING AREA
Between the bedroom and the bathroom you'll find an ideal spot for kicking off your shoes, making yourself a cuppa and putting your feet up. Hidden in the cupboard, you’ll find a large screen flat TV, a mini fridge and tea/coffee making supplies and kettle.
THE BATHROOM
Ahhh the bathroom. This is a bathroom of my dreams. The ball and claw tub sits up on a viewing platform right in front of the velux window and that incredible view over Loch na Dal. I filled the tub, added the bubbles, climbed in and pulled the window open bringing that view even closer and with it a feeling of being half inside and half outside. The heat from the bath against the cool air was invigorating and provided the ultimate escapism for 30 minutes. 100% pure bliss.
THE VIEWS
On the day of arrival, the weather was kind. The loch still, fluffy candy floss clouds rolling around the sky against the bright blue, the grounds lush green. What a view to arrive to. However by midnight, the Scottish weather put on a display and decided that for the next 12 hours it wanted to show us everything that it keeps in its bag of tricks. From howling high winds, driving rain to soft rain to tiny weeny hailstones, to bursts of delightful sunshine and all the way back to showers. But no matter the weather, Kinloch Lodge have you covered.
The views from every room, lounge area, dining space, bar and grounds are spectacular no matter the weather. There’s cosy fires to greet you in both lodges, there’s good large all weather brollys available to use and there is always a wee whisky, gin or cocktail available too. (Tea and coffee if you prefer and expect a wee piece of shortbread!).
THE BAR
The bar is located in the main lodge and acts as the reception area too. Dan the barman is an absolute gent and very keen on his whisky, distilling and partial to making some beetroot gin!
Dan is happy to host gin or whisky tastings - just ask and book.
Skye has two whisky distilleries on the island; Talisker and Torabhaig which is 12 minute drive away as well as Isle of Skye Distillers in Portree, who make Misty Isle Gin and then just across the way on the Isle of Raasay, there is Isle of Raasay Whisky who have also just released an Isle of Raasay Gin.
Kinloch Lodge boasts 122 whiskies so there is always something for everyone!
OTHER SPACES
In the Main Lodge you will find the dining room with two smaller private dining room/event spaces, the gorgeous lounge area at the front of the lodge with views over the loch and the bar/reception area.
I have written a separate blog on the food at Kinloch Lodge because it was so incredible and deserved a stand alone mention. Read my blog here - www.tartanspoon.co.uk/home/food-kinloch-lodge
In the South Lodge there is another large yet cosy lounge with an open fire, large comfy couches, a library and board games.
All of these areas/spaces are are cosy giving off a very Scottish country aesthetic with comfort at its very heart.
You’ll find firepits and seating in the grounds that lie out front of both lodges with plenty of benches, tables and chairs around the gardens.
There is as little or as much as you would like to do at Kinloch Lodge. Use it as a base to discover the misty isle, whether you are an adventurer, hillwalker, foodie or whisky enthusiast. Use Kinloch Lodge as a detox from the crazy world; relax and restore and focus on your wellbeing; or use it as a wonderful holiday and just enjoy everything that they have to offer.
Whatever the reason, I urge you to visit. It is wonderful!
Kinloch Lodge, Kinloch Lodge, Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV43 8QY www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10
