The road twists and turns hugging the coastline. It rises and falls, there’s bumps in the road as well as the occasional sheep and cow. There’s other motorists every now and again that wave as they drive past on their way to and from Bruichladdich (the village and the distillery) on the way to/from Port Charlotte.

There are two main towns on Islay, Port Ellen and Port Charlotte with Bowmore, the capital. The all hug the main road and coast from the south of the island up towards the west side. We’ve stayed in most areas across the island, and this time we decided to stay in Port Charlotte. Port Charlotte to Port Ellen is approx 35min drive so its very accessible to all the distilleries on the island.

REVIEW OF SALIGO HOLIDAY APARTMENT, PORT CHARLOTTE, ISLAY

Saligo Holiday Apartment was our choice this time round. Due to the pandemic, we didn’t want to stay in a hotel as their Covid guidelines are strict (rightly so) whereas self catering accommodation meant that we could remain in our own bubble with ease and room to breathe.

Saligo is a four bedroomed holiday let with a large lounge area, dining room, well equipped kitchen, private garden and parking.

The beach is a four minute walk straight down the road. A local Spar is the only shop here (limited opening hours) otherwise its a trip to Bowmore’s Co-op for any food. The Port Charlotte Hotel is also at the end of the road, which serves up wonderful food and is an ideal spot for a pint in the late afternoon sunshine.

Ideally you want to arrive on the ferry into Port Charlotte, so that you can stop in Bowmore to stock up on groceries, depending on your time of arrival; and depart from Port Askaig as it is only 25 minutes away from Port Charlotte.

The front door opens onto a small porch area for shoes and coats, leading into this large open bright double height lounge area. Two bedrooms are accessed from the stairs in the lounge, with a landing overlooking the space. The lounge is comfortable with a mixture of seating, TV and sound system.

The kitchen is nestled directly behind the lounge and is located in the centre of the home. Glass blocks provide light from the lounge into the kitchen. It’s very modern with every cooking and baking utensil you think you might need during your stay.

A large dining area is directly off the kitchen, comfortably seating eight but more chairs are provided. There is a large cupboard stocked with glassware, serving platters and cocktail equipment. You’ll also find another cupboard packed with kiddies and adult games. They truly have thought of everything.

The garden outside is wonderful for breakfast/ brunch as it catches the morning sun. Sat at the wooden table and chairs, blue skies above whilst tucking into eggs on toast and a coffee and listening to the bees and birds as the island wakes up - mornings don’t get much better than this!

As I mentioned before, there are two double bedrooms up the stairs off the lounge both with en suites, then to the left of the lounge is a hallway leading to a twin bedroom with en suite, a separate bathroom and then the master bedroom with en suite up the back stairs. An apartment of two halves.

What I do like about this is that if you are sharing with another couple or family, you can almost have separate private accommodation, only sharing the lounge, kitchen and dining room.

The rooms are all very modern and contemporarily furnished. The mattresses are memory foam and super comfy; the bed linen white and soft with lovely luxury touches throughout the apartment.

Wi-Fi is available but strongest in the lounge; as is Freeview TV BUT you’re not coming to Islay to watch the telly!

The main reason for coming to Islay is without a doubt the whisky! There are nine distilleries currently on Islay with more coming. The closest distillery to Saligo is Bruichladdich and then Kilchoman. At Bridgend, you can turn left and head to Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain; and Caol Ila (which is currently closed for renovation); or right and head into Bowmore and Bowmore Distillery, then head out on the very long and straight road passed the Glenegedale House, the Airport and Machrie Hotel to Port Ellen and onto Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

But there are several other activities to get up to on Islay. Islay boasts some of the most stunning beaches many of which, you’ll be the only person walking along it. You can also go kayaking, jet-skiing, boat trip around the island, wine tasting, explore local arts and crafts and play golf.

Saligo is the perfect accommodation you want to return to after a day out in Islay. It’s comfortable, has a very welcome feel and you easily start to feel right at home as soon as you take off your shoes at the door.

The entire apartment was absolutely spotless and well maintained with Alison (day to day duties) and Margaret (owner) on call should you require ANYTHING.

Booking is easy and straight forward, as is check in and departure. It’s all contactless and you will only meet Alison or Margaret, should you need to.

Would we stay here again? Hell yes but hopefully next time Covid is in the distant past and we can bring lots of friends and family to enjoy this wonderful apartment.

Saligo Holiday Apartments, The Old Hall, 15 School Road, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Scotland. www.portcharlotteholidays.com

Our stay cost around £800 for 3 nights.

My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10