Holidays: Ardeonaig Hotel & The Putechan Hotel

Although we stayed in Scotland for our holidays this year (we had four nights away at two locations) we still had a lovely time.  As always the weather could have been a bit better but we did get some sunshine too. (a plus point is that we could take Bess, our dog to both).

The first place we stayed was Ardeonaig Hotel, which is situated on the banks of Loch Tay near Killin. To reach it you drive along a 7 mile single track road.  The hotel has been welcoming travellers since the 16th Century when it gave food and shelter to drovers moving their flocks to market.

We stayed in a shieling which is a modern copy of a Highland Dwelling complete with heather thatched roofs.  A luxurious room with a King size bed and a bathroom with a free standing bath and walk in shower.  Loads of fluffy towels, a towelling robe each and Molton Brown toiletries - ah bliss! 

The food was also a highlight of our stay. Dinner was leisurely (expect around 3 hours) and the food delicious.  I've included some pictures of courses we enjoyed. Breakfast was also amazing - one of the highlights was watermelon with coconut sorbet - refreshing and tropical!

Rodney and Tom deal with front of house and are friendly and knowledgeable. They suggested excellent matching wines.

Beetroot

Apple - Walnut - Pancetta

Crab

Vine Tomato - Avocado - Mango

Cacoa

Hazelnut - Pistachio

We left after breakfast and headed to Oban - hubby wanted to try some seafood at The Seafood Hut which is situated beside the Calmac Ferry Terminal.  We ate some delicious langoustine tails and scallops cooked in garlic butter (£13.90 for both). Nom nom!

Our next stop was The Putechan Hotel at Bellochantuy, near Campbeltown in Kintyre for two nights.  The roads to Tarbet from Oban were very twisty (they reminded me of the roads in Tuscany).  When we reached Tarbet the roads became long flowing stretches and it was especially nice driving near to the ocean.

We had booked a Principal Room which has a balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  It also had a fab bathroom with circular bath and separate shower. Arran Aromatics toiletries were provided.

In the bar there was a good selection of wines, beers and whiskies.

Dining was relaxed and the food generally was good although better on the second day.  Here are a couple of our favourites.

Stornoway Black Pudding with Wholegrain Mustard Potato Salad & Carmelised Red Onion

Scallop with Black Pudding, Bacon & Crushed Potato

The Hotel had it's own private beach and we came across these characters hidden from view (there were seven but I seem to be missing one from my photo!)

I also took the opportunity to take a photo for the Balance Me Summer Competition - see my post here - take your Super Moisturising Hand Cream* on your holidays and take a photo of it in a stunning location.  Here's mine - taken at The Putechan Hotel's private beach.  You can see what beauty products I took on holiday here.

*PR sample