Islay self catering Scotland Islay self catering

Islay self catering Scotland - two unique luxury romantic stone holiday cottages with sauna and hot tub - each sleeps 2 - 4.

Stunning dry stone holiday cottages high up on Islay's Oa Peninsula with wonderful views, ideal for a romantic holiday or honeymoon

The dry stone walls and turf roofs of Coillabus Lodges are perfectly at home sitting high up on the rugged hillside of Islay's Oa Peninsula and their unusual curved shape is easy on the eye. The beauty of being up so high is that you are rewarded with long, glorious views and the lodges have been built with views in mind, with their full length panoramic windows looking out across the hills to the sea.

This quiet, romantic spot is a truly wonderful place to unwind and perfect for a honeymoon or special celebration.Once inside your lodge, many treats await you and you really do feel looked after. Sitting on the large, comfy sofa you can put your feet up and look out at the view in three directions; you might spot the golden eagles flying past with their brood. The lodge is the ultimate in cosiness, with a glowing wood stove for cold days and heated floors throughout the house. If you don't feel like going out, you can simply put on one of the soft, fluffy robes that are provided and take your pick from the lovely home spa treatments, perhaps followed by a sauna or a dip in the hot tub – all in the comfort of your own home. It really is as easy as that.

When it comes to mealtimes, it's a pleasure to use the kitchen; everything you need is there and of good quality. If you would really like to be spoiled however, you can arrange for delicious gourmet meals to be cooked for you, adding to the feeling of being utterly indulged.

At some point you might wish to stir yourself to go out and explore the riches that Islay has to offer: its rugged landscapes, beautiful beaches, attractive fishing villages and scattered arts and crafts outlets. If you are feeling energetic you could do some of your exploring on foot – there are several interesting walks, some of which are challenging, by bike (you can hire a bicycle from Bowmore post office) or even by pony (with Ballivicar Pony Trekking Centre). Or perhaps a round of golf at Machrie or a spot or salmon or trout fishing might appeal.

Whether or not you are on the whisky trail (and you really can't visit Islay without visiting at least one distillery and experiencing that glorious glow from the robust, peaty nectar on its native soil), don't miss out on a visit to Jura while you are here. A short ferry crossing over the sound of Islay from Port Askaig to Feolin takes you to this beautiful, small island (human population 180, deer population 5,000) which is only accessible by boat. The Jura Distillery has an interesting history (as well as its lovely whisky) and if you are feeling energetic, why not spend a day climbing the famous Paps of Jura? You can always come home to a delicious chef-cooked meal followed by a restoring massage and sauna...