TORAVAIG
Plush country house on scenic Skye – with a private yacht
IF A SLEEK PRIVATE YACHT is high on your list of must-haves for a romantic weekend getaway, then you need to make tracks for Toravaig, on the wild and wonderful Isle of Skye coast.
This stylish country house offers guests the chance to set sail aboard Solus Na Mara, the owners’ 42 foot yacht, on daily excursions around the Skye and the surrounding islands. Toravaig's co-proprietor Ken Gunn has the perfect credentials to skipper these nautical adventures through Loch Nevis, Loch Hourn and the isles of Rhum and Sandaig – he used to be master of the luxury cruiser MV Hebridean Princess.
Even if splicing the mainbrace isn’t quite your thing, you’ll relish a stay here in Sleat – dubbed the Garden of Skye – with its terrific views over the sea to the mainland and the hills beyond.
Built in the 1920s and renovated from top to bottom a few years ago, Toravaig makes a stylish and contemporary getaway. Bedrooms have that freshly-laundered feel, with inviting sleigh and brass beds dressed in crisp white bedlinen and luxurious touches – silken cushions, a swathe of rustling taffeta or a glowing lamp. Immaculate (though not huge), these intimate surrounds are beautifully done out in shades of peach and cinammon, plums and golds.
Hit the spot
On Skye’s south-west shores – an easy hop from the mainland.
Bedtime
Drop anchor in Colonsay, with its silk curtains, and warm shades of peach and cinammon.
Be savvy
Quarters are cosy, not vast.
Be smitten
A stylish escape on rugged Skye.
Beds in the Isles
Each room is named after a Scottish island, so you could be bedding down in Islay, Raasay or Colonsay. Views from Toravaig are equally beguiling, and you’ll awaken to views of grazing sheep, the hills of the Scottish mainland or the little fishing port of Mallaig – end of the so-called Road to the Isles.
Downstairs you’ll find yet more to lift your spirits. There’s a plush sitting room where you can order drinks before dinner or sink into a wide russet sofa with a malt whisky by a crackling fire later. Dining is a highlight, with fresh salmon, scallops, game and beef coming fresh from the Highlands and islands on the doorstep. Traditional cullen skink goes down a treat as a starter, followed perhaps by local lamb, pan-fried saddle of venison or sea bass.
If dining indoors is a treat, you can also try it with the wind in your hair aboard Toravaig’s private yacht as you set sail through the waters of the Western Isles. You’ll pass by Sandaig island – home of Gavin Maxwell, author of the classic Ring of Bright Water – and your day at sea includes a picnic lunch with wine – divine.
Toravaig was reviewed by Room for Romance
This stylish country house offers guests the chance to set sail aboard Solus Na Mara, the owners’ 42 foot yacht, on daily excursions around the Skye and the surrounding islands. Toravaig's co-proprietor Ken Gunn has the perfect credentials to skipper these nautical adventures through Loch Nevis, Loch Hourn and the isles of Rhum and Sandaig – he used to be master of the luxury cruiser MV Hebridean Princess.
Even if splicing the mainbrace isn’t quite your thing, you’ll relish a stay here in Sleat – dubbed the Garden of Skye – with its terrific views over the sea to the mainland and the hills beyond.
Built in the 1920s and renovated from top to bottom a few years ago, Toravaig makes a stylish and contemporary getaway. Bedrooms have that freshly-laundered feel, with inviting sleigh and brass beds dressed in crisp white bedlinen and luxurious touches – silken cushions, a swathe of rustling taffeta or a glowing lamp. Immaculate (though not huge), these intimate surrounds are beautifully done out in shades of peach and cinammon, plums and golds.
Hit the spot
On Skye’s south-west shores – an easy hop from the mainland.
Bedtime
Drop anchor in Colonsay, with its silk curtains, and warm shades of peach and cinammon.
Be savvy
Quarters are cosy, not vast.
Be smitten
A stylish escape on rugged Skye.
Beds in the Isles
Each room is named after a Scottish island, so you could be bedding down in Islay, Raasay or Colonsay. Views from Toravaig are equally beguiling, and you’ll awaken to views of grazing sheep, the hills of the Scottish mainland or the little fishing port of Mallaig – end of the so-called Road to the Isles.
Downstairs you’ll find yet more to lift your spirits. There’s a plush sitting room where you can order drinks before dinner or sink into a wide russet sofa with a malt whisky by a crackling fire later. Dining is a highlight, with fresh salmon, scallops, game and beef coming fresh from the Highlands and islands on the doorstep. Traditional cullen skink goes down a treat as a starter, followed perhaps by local lamb, pan-fried saddle of venison or sea bass.
If dining indoors is a treat, you can also try it with the wind in your hair aboard Toravaig’s private yacht as you set sail through the waters of the Western Isles. You’ll pass by Sandaig island – home of Gavin Maxwell, author of the classic Ring of Bright Water – and your day at sea includes a picnic lunch with wine – divine.
Toravaig was reviewed by Room for Romance
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Dining in
Toravaig's candlelit Iona restaurant is intimate and tastefully done out with leather high-back chairs, white linen napery and plaid curtains in shades of mulberry and cream. Chef Peter Woods makes full use of the natural larder on their doorstep, with dishes featuring hand-dived west coast scallops, Skye lobster, Highland halibut and organic veggies.
Dining out
If you're having a day out on the mainland, stop for a seafood lunch at The Pier House in Mallaig.
Where?
The Iona restaurant at Toravaig
What's cooking?
Local sea bass, salmon and lobster, or Highland grazed beef, venison and lamb. Flavoursome desserts include sticky toffee pudding.
Dress the part
More smart than casual
Top table?
One of the four window tables
See & Do
Have a day out at sea on board Toravaig's own 42 foot yacht Solus Na Mara (the name means Light of the Sea), or wander down to the ruins of Knock castle by the shore. The iconic Eilean Donan castle is within easy driving distance, as is Skye's capital Portree. You can trace your Scottish roots at the Clan Donald centre or visit the ancestral home of the Clan Macleod at Dunvegan castle. Keen walkers can follow in the footsteps of Skye's keen "Munro baggers" and climb one of the island's peaks.
Shop
Be sure to check out the designer knitwear collections at Ragamuffin. This famous Skye store is on Armadale Pier.
After dark
Have a walk by the seashore, then warm up with a malt whisky by the fireside.
Dates
July
Come and join in the island's biggest ceildh at the Skye Gaelic Music Feis.
August
Put a spring in your step at the Skye Highland Games in Portree.
Toravaig's candlelit Iona restaurant is intimate and tastefully done out with leather high-back chairs, white linen napery and plaid curtains in shades of mulberry and cream. Chef Peter Woods makes full use of the natural larder on their doorstep, with dishes featuring hand-dived west coast scallops, Skye lobster, Highland halibut and organic veggies.
Dining out
If you're having a day out on the mainland, stop for a seafood lunch at The Pier House in Mallaig.
Where?
The Iona restaurant at Toravaig
What's cooking?
Local sea bass, salmon and lobster, or Highland grazed beef, venison and lamb. Flavoursome desserts include sticky toffee pudding.
Dress the part
More smart than casual
Top table?
One of the four window tables
See & Do
Have a day out at sea on board Toravaig's own 42 foot yacht Solus Na Mara (the name means Light of the Sea), or wander down to the ruins of Knock castle by the shore. The iconic Eilean Donan castle is within easy driving distance, as is Skye's capital Portree. You can trace your Scottish roots at the Clan Donald centre or visit the ancestral home of the Clan Macleod at Dunvegan castle. Keen walkers can follow in the footsteps of Skye's keen "Munro baggers" and climb one of the island's peaks.
Shop
Be sure to check out the designer knitwear collections at Ragamuffin. This famous Skye store is on Armadale Pier.
After dark
Have a walk by the seashore, then warm up with a malt whisky by the fireside.
Dates
July
Come and join in the island's biggest ceildh at the Skye Gaelic Music Feis.
August
Put a spring in your step at the Skye Highland Games in Portree.
GETTING THERE
Location
Knock Bay, Sleat, Isle of Skye IV44 8RE
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Kyle of Lochalsh station – 17 miles
Ferry
Ferries operate between Mallaig and Armadale Pier on Skye. It's a short drive from here.
Taxis
GBP 15 from the station
Airport
Inverness – 80 miles. There's a helipad 100m from the hotel.
Rooms and suites
Nine rooms
Special features
Rooms come with DVD players, Toravaig whisky miniatures and fresh fruit.
Also…
There's wi-fi and an open fire in the lounge, and a private yacht for daily excursions.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 210-240 per couple for Dinner Bed and Breakfast
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 10am. Try the kippers, smoked haddock or Scottish porridge.
Room service
No
Children
No children under 12
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, Gaelic and French
Wedding license?
Yes – with parties of up to 18 accommodated. Weddings for up to six people can be held aboard Toravaig's yacht.
Eco conscience
The hotel practises recycling and uses low-energy lightbulbs
Your contact
Anne Gracie – manager
Location
Knock Bay, Sleat, Isle of Skye IV44 8RE
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Kyle of Lochalsh station – 17 miles
Ferry
Ferries operate between Mallaig and Armadale Pier on Skye. It's a short drive from here.
Taxis
GBP 15 from the station
Airport
Inverness – 80 miles. There's a helipad 100m from the hotel.
Rooms and suites
Nine rooms
Special features
Rooms come with DVD players, Toravaig whisky miniatures and fresh fruit.
Also…
There's wi-fi and an open fire in the lounge, and a private yacht for daily excursions.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 210-240 per couple for Dinner Bed and Breakfast
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 10am. Try the kippers, smoked haddock or Scottish porridge.
Room service
No
Children
No children under 12
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, Gaelic and French
Wedding license?
Yes – with parties of up to 18 accommodated. Weddings for up to six people can be held aboard Toravaig's yacht.
Eco conscience
The hotel practises recycling and uses low-energy lightbulbs
Your contact
Anne Gracie – manager
