Complete tranquility on the Isle of Skye. We were left speechless following our stay at Duisdale House. Nestled on the Sleat peninsula at the south tip of Skye, the chic and elegant hotel has eighteen stylish bedrooms and can guarantee their guests breathtaking views over the Scottish Highlands.
Duisdale House is part of the Sonas Collection, a group of three boutique hotels all located on Skye, independently owned and operated by award winning hotelier Anne Gracie Gunn and her family. A great deal of thought has gone into designing the hotels, with each having been given their own unique character. All are dedicated to and pride themselves on providing outstanding hospitality for their guests, along with great food and the ultimate relaxing stay. And guess what… Sonas Collection understand dogs are an important part of the family and shouldn’t miss out. Two of the three hotels are now dog friendly; Duisdale House and Skeabost.
Continue reading to enjoy hearing all about our luxury getaway to the beautiful Duisdale House…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Already in awe at the beauty of Isle of Skye, we didn’t think anything could top that feeling, but pulling into the driveway of Duisdale House our jaws dropped and we were immediately mesmerised by the grand building that stood in front of us.
I should mentioned that before our arrival at the hotel we’d hiked the Old Mann of Storr and with the weather not on our side (half expected given we’re in Scotland) we were still a little bedraggled. As we entered through the doorway into the reception, we were hit by warm air and couldn’t help but smile. We could hear the crackling fire burning away in the lounge leaving us feeling ever so cosy – the perfect greeting after a day of adventure.
“This must be Moose?” We heard a voice say and were introduced to Joanna as she stood up from the front desk. Friendly, attentive and so welcoming we knew we were in for an unforgettable stay. The same thing can be said for all staff at Duisdale House, each member of the team was impeccable and made every moment one to remember. I must say, wherever we go Moose usually gets most of the attention which is more than fine by us and seeing how much the staff at Duisdale loved him really is something we were so grateful for.
Joanna checked us in in no time and personally showed us to our suite, offering to carry our luggage.
OUR SUITE
As I mentioned earlier, Duisdale House has eighteen bedrooms, each individually styled with their own unique personality. Each room has been designed to complement the historic features of Duisdale, from their deluxe rooms with grand four poster beds and views over the gardens and woodland that surround the hotel, to a suite with views of the ocean, mountains and beyond.
That’s where we stayed, The Suite, located on the top floor and we were totally blown away. Joanna opened the door, let us through and left us to settle in. The suite was spacious, stylish and needless to say the views from our window were breathtaking. The room featured a king sized bed fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets, a dressing table, a cosy seating area, espresso coffee (Farley was happy) and even Moose had been given his own bed. We can honestly say we had the best nights sleep in a very long time.
Can we talk about the bathroom? Probably my most favourite part of The Suite. The bathroom featured a beautiful free standing bath tub with a window where you could sit and soak for hours in a hot bubble bath whilst gazing out at the sea view. And yes, this is the first thing I did. Farley had only just managed to put the down the bags and I was already hopping into my bath robe.
The attention to detail and thought that had gone into designing The Suite for its guest was exemplary. We had everything, if not more that what we needed for a complete luxury stay.
FOOD AND DRINK
Duisdale House has an impressive two AA-rosette restaurant, where the team of chefs are dedicated to sourcing the best local produce and delivering creative dishes that delight every guests palate. What impressed us most was that the menu changes daily.
Dogs are not able to eat in the main restaurant at Duisdale purely for health and safety reasons, a policy that you can expect in most dog friendly hotels and one we are used to. Hotels will have an alternative area for dining with dogs and at Duisdale it was The Chart Room. A relaxed dining area with a bar offering the same delicious menu along with an impressive wine list, selection of gins and Scotlands finest whiskies.
Joanna had organised for us to dine at the table in the bay of the window. The staff were attentive and after placing our order we were surprised with canapés followed by an amuse-bouche for us to enjoy before our main course. Farley had the sea bass whilst I enjoyed the vegetarian beetroot dish. For dessert we both chose what was quite possibly the most delicious soufflé of our lives.
Check out a sample of their dinner menu or vegetarian dinner menu.
Breakfast was not one to disappoint either. Coffees, fresh juices and a delicious menu to choose from we did not go hungry. Farley had the traditional oatmeal porridge followed by the full Scottish breakfast and for me I had the greek yoghurt bowl followed by eggs Benedict and smoked salmon.
You can see a sample of their breakfast menu here.
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
Where do I begin. Moose was treated like royalty by the entire team at Duisdale House. He seemed to be the talk of the hotel, not just by the staff but by other guests too. Guests would smile and ask to say hello which Moose was more than willing to do if it meant he’d be getting cuddles and attention. For those that haven’t met him, he’s a little bit of a show off.
Our suite had been kitted out with a dog bed and food and water bowls. Moose did not want to leave. Nor did we!
THE GROUNDS
I wish the weather had been kinder to us so that we could have explored more of the grounds at Duisdale. The hotel is surrounded by picturesque gardens, backed by acres of woodland along with breathtaking sea views to Skye’s mountains.
Moose, Farley and I had the most luxurious retreat and hope to be back at Duisdale soon. Our stay was faultless. If you’re looking for a romantic couples retreat, an escape in the Isle of Skye, a family getaway or a dog friendly break, Duisdale House has all the amenities you need for an incredible stay.
