A unique combination of two contrasting 5 star hotels, each on Scottish islands.

Day One - Isle of Arran

Your first ferry takes you from the port of Ardrossan across to Arran. Your first hotel is a short drive from the ferry port in a secluded glen.

Your Hotel

Your hotel is believed to be the oldest house on the Isle of Arran. It is certainly among the richest in its historic associations. Situated at the heart of grounds granted to the forebears of its builders by King Robert the Bruce in 1307, it occupies a spot known to have been inhabited long before that, which is why the house is listed as a building of historic and architectural significance.

For all its proud history and its description in the title deeds as a fine Scottish Mansion House, it has a charming intimacy about it, which complements these grand associations. All the rooms are furnished and equipped to the highest standards. Each room is decorated differently and has fresh flowers, fruit and a wee dram of whisky to welcome you on arrival.

What to see and do

Often described as Scotland in Miniature, Arran is bisected by the Highland Fault - a geological boundary dividing the rugged and mountainous north from the more luscious lowlands of the south. This island offers something for everyone ' challenging walks, cycling around the coast (or through the hills if you're brave enough), ancient monuments, wonderful wildlife and an intriguing smattering of traditional industries: Arran Aromatics and the Isle of Arran Brewery are two worthy of a visit. The Arran Heritage Museum in Brodick will give you the local history - or head out to Brodick Castle, an imposing sandstone structure cloaked in dark trees at the foot of brooding Goatfell. the highest mountain on the island. Further afield, the village of Lochranza features the picturesque ruins of a 14th century castle and the relatively new Arran Distillery, whilst Kildonan Castle on the south coast offers views as far as the Mull of Kintyre.

Day Three

Cross back to the mainland via the Lochranza ferry in the north of the island, this will take you on to the Kintyre peninsula, with time for a little exploration of this less visited area, before making your way north to Oban. Your second hotel is in a truly memorable setting on a tiny island, reached by a rickety bridge.

Your Hotel

What could be more romantic than staying on your own private island' Cross the rickety bridge from the west coast mainland to this idyllic hideaway and you enter a different world ' a world of luxury, seclusion ' and not a little eccentricity! Run by the effusive Beppo and his charming family, this delightful island retreat offers intriguing contrasts and pleasant surprises at every turn. The hotel building itself is a sprawling mansion, with a comfortable country house feel. Meanwhile, the relatively new leisure facilities at the Stables Spa are a testament to streamlined modernity, with a 17m indoor heated swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, sauna, steam room, aromatherapy and reflexology suite - plus a rooftop terrace for leisurely lunches.

What to see and do

Your stay includes free use of the golf course and driving range, gym, sauna, steam-room and swimming pool. Massage and beauty treatments are available subject to an extra charge.

There's even an emerging golf course, with six holes completed so far. But what really makes this place special is the child-like pleasure of wandering along secret woodland pathways and discovering rocky coves where you're unlikely to meet another soul save for a few playful otters.

If you want to venture further afield, the bustling harbour town of Oban, gateway to the islands, is less than half an hour away, and there are several fabulous gardens and castles to visit nearby.

Return home

Time for your journey home - if you can bear to drag yourself away!

From £545 to £579 per person , based on 2 people sharing, for 4 nights between March and October 2008, on a bed & breakfast basis.

Price includes ferry travel to and from Arran for a car and two adult passengers.

Ask us if you would like to extend this holiday with longer stays at either of the featured hotels.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.