Scotland on Sunday Travel Wishlist: Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire

Outlander country makes for the perfect escape from lockdown

Period stone exteriors are complemented by contemporary interiors at the hotel which is a base for hiking, biking or open water fishing on the loch.

@dunalastairhotl

Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire

For the ultimate Scottish staycation, Dunalastair Hotel Suites on the tip of Loch Rannoch in Perthshire provides the quintessential Highlands experience. The Victorian hotel was recently given a multi-million refurbishment that made the most of the period stone features of the building and upgraded the interiors with a contemporary take.

e 32 bright and airy rooms and suites, individually designed to marry old and One of the 32 rooms at Dunalastair Hotel Suites, where subtle hints of Scottish heritage combine with colour schemes that give a wink to the views outside: either a snapshot of the inky loch below, or a mountain panorama stretching towards Glencoe.

Snap up one of the hotel’s new Staycation Offers and wake up to breathtaking views in the hotel suites which have the We’re Good To Go official UK mark to signal that Dunalastair has followed government and industry Covid-19 guidelines.

From this safe environment, revel in the freedom to spend the days away from the stress of city crowds by hiking and biking among the mountains and the mythical Schiehallion “Fairy Hill” or open water fishing on the loch. Embark on a Land Rover safari to spot Perthshire’s wealth of wildlife before indulging in gourmet fare at Edina’s restaurant.

For families a wealth of adventures awaits, including rafting and white-water tubing on the River Tay, traditional archery lessons, pony treks and picnics in the grounds of Blair Castle, and sunset tractor tours with the rangers of the Atholl Estates.

Budget or boutique?

Dunalastair bills itself as five star boutique but sells itself as affordable, with staycation packages ranging from £99 a night for accommodation only, to £499 for the full Highland Retreat weekend for two.

Room service

There are 32 bright and airy rooms and suites, individually designed to marry old and new. Subtle hints of Scottish heritage combine with colour schemes that give a wink to the views outside: either a snapshot of the inky loch below, or a mountain panorama stretching towards Glencoe. All rooms and suites have their own kitchenette facilities, well stocked with homemade shortbread from Edina’s restaurant.

Wining and dining

Mouth-watering local fare is on offer at Edina’s fine dining restaurant, which re-opened with a fresh face this month and has all-day dining menus, including light bites, and a new “flawlessly vegan” menu, as well as providing options for all dietary requirements.

Come here for leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners based on traditional Highland classics, seasonal seafood sourced from the loch next door and hearty afternoon cream teas. Guest favourites include the hand-dived scrumpy scallops and the kitchen’s signature jaffa cake soufflé. There is a children’s menu, and on Sundays a traditional roast of tender local meats with all the trimmings, crispy roast heritage potatoes, giant Yorkshire puddings and fresh baby vegetables (two courses £20.95, three courses £24.95). Signature fine dining is also served up in The Library with the blockbuster seven-course tasting menu.

A continental breakfast is standard for every room booking, or you can upgrade to a Full Scottish or any cooked item from the breakfast à la carte menu before arrival for £9.95 per person.

If you prefer, in-room dining is available and there is a 24-hour room service menu.

Worth getting out of bed for

There are stunning views that stretch out over Loch Rannoch and the mountains beyond. Outlander fans will be in their element as the TV series films around the Kinloch Rannoch – the setting for the fictional stone circles at Craigh na Dun is here. The setting also starred in the 1990s blockbuster, Rob Roy.

Little extras

For moments of peace and quiet, this restored Victorian estate hides a number of cosy nooks and crannies, including the intimate Library Room, an enclosed private courtyard and a casual bar area with plush armchairs scattered around.

Guestbook comments

Warm and charming service that makes all guests feel they have arrived at a second home.

Rooms at Dunalastair start from £125 for B&B or £99 room only. Dunalastair Hotel Suites, 1 The Square, Kinloch Rannoch, Perth and Kinross PH16 5PW, tel: [phone], or see www.dunalastairhotel.com

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