Weekend Pass: Hebrides Self-Catering

Published on Sunday 2 September 2007 00:06

Sand Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (0800 6343270, www.hebrides-selfcatering.co.uk)

THIS is a small development of individually designed lodges on the Isle of Lewis which, despite their luxurious, contemporary interiors (and unlike some other similar swanky but snooty establishments), still welcomes children, with cots, high-chairs and baby baths all available on request.

Getting there Caledonian MacBrayne (www.calmac.com) operates various routes, including a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. Direct flights are available from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Room service Two of the lodges are five-star affairs (the only five-star accommodation on the island). Our choice, the Metagama Lodge, featured an open-plan living area with sumptuous leather sofas, a swish, very well-equipped oak kitchen and a bathroom that was an oasis of calm with its Jacuzzi, sauna and twinkling, fibre-optic ceiling lights. Patio doors opened out on to an area of decking where we could enjoy a barbecue and relax with a drink.

Out and about My childhood memories of holidays on Lewis include making a lot of our own entertainment, but much has changed since then. Adventurous types can choose from power-boat cruises, kite surfing, kayaking, abseiling and surfing. Back-ups for rainy days include the new leisure centre in Stornoway, while the town's impressive An Lanntair arts centre offers a wide-ranging programme of theatre and cinema.

Bed test Our king-size bed was extremely comfortable, and our toddler certainly slept well too. The sea air may have helped, but whatever the reason it left us free to kick back with a glass of wine and a sauna in the evenings.

Little extras Finding a shop that's open on a Sunday can be tricky. But the owner of the lodges, Graham McLellan, will stock up on whatever supplies you fancy so that, even if you're arriving on the evening ferry, you needn't go hungry the next morning (don't forget to put the renowned local black pudding on your shopping list). And if you travel by aeroplane (less scenic but it takes a fraction of the time), McLellan has cars you can hire so you can still explore all the delights the island has to offer (the beaches of Harris and Uig are a must).

The bottom line Prices range from 340 to 500 a week for the four-star lodges and from 600 to 1,000 a week for the five-star lodges, although it is worth checking online for late availability/ off-season short-break offers.