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Special Experiences: Romantic Breaks

Itinerary IH-5: Luxury Island Break from GBP 580 per person for 4 nts

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 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. Choose to stay in a characterful room in the baronial mansion, or splash out - literally on a Spa suite, complete with private conservatory, patio, large lounge, luxury bathroom and outdoor Jacuzzi hot tub.

Leisure facilities at the Stables Spa are a testament to streamlined modernity, with a 17 metre indoor heated swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, sauna, steam room, aromatherapy and reflexology suite - plus a rooftop terrace for leisurely lunches. 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.

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.

You might find it difficult to tear yourself away from the private idyll of the island, such is its captivating atmosphere. If you do, you'll uncover a different view at every bend in the road, created by the fascinating geography of Argyll with its overlapping fingers of land reaching southwards, divided by meandering sea lochs and stunning coastal scenery.

Return home

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

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from April to mid October 2010.

The price is £580 per person for April & October and £610 per person for May to September , based on 2 people sharing, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Both hotels offer deluxe rooms and suites at additional supplements. 

The 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 £8 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.