The Skye’s the limit: dreamy places to stay on the Isle of Skye
One of the largest of Scotland’s islands, Skye’s stunning scenery is heaven for walkers. Scramble up the Cuillin, wander through the madcap rock formations of the Quiraing, stroll along sandy Talisker Bay before stopping for a warming dram at the distillery. The wildlife will leave you gasping in awe: sea eagles, golden eagles, dolphins and whales, seals and puffins, too. The seafood is sublime, whether you’re cooking at your self-catering pad, being cooked for at your hotel, or treating yourself at Michelin-star Loch Bay. Discover it all at this handful of special places to stay on the Isle of Skye.
The West Nest, Fasach
Come to this cottage set on the hillside for big skies, grand walking and hilly cycling, boat trips to spot dolphins and seals, or even a whale if you’re lucky. Inside, style and comfort abound with colours inspired by the landscape surrounding you. With underfloor heating and a wood-burner (logs are unlimited – you’ll find loads in the stack outside) you’ll feel cosy even if the weather is blowing a hooley.
Cook in the swish kitchen, pour a dram of Skye gin or Talisker whisky, sleep under Richard Haworth sheets with soft wool throws from Skye Weavers – the next door neighbours. Spill onto the decking for spectacular sunsets, light the fire pit, open the wine and watch each star turn into a blanket.
“Drop Sconser Scallops a message a few days before you head to Skye and David will literally dive out his back door and have the scallops waiting for you to collect.” – Owner, Gordon
Viewfield House Hotel, Portree
This fine old house is set above Portree Bay with long views across the Sound of Raasay. An ancestral pile, aristocratic fixtures and fittings come as standard: hunting trophies, cases filled with curios, a grand piano and open fire in the drawing room. Bedrooms have a country-house feel: colourful fabrics, crisp linen, pretty furniture, sea views from those at the front.
Twenty acres of gardens and woodland wrap around you; there’s croquet on the lawn and a hill to climb for 360º views of peak and sea. Majestic Skye awaits: mountains, sea lochs and beaches, wildlife, castles and distilleries. Light suppers are available by arrangement, but there are good restaurants in Portree, too. Highland porridge for breakfast is a treat.
“Daily boat trips from Portree Bay give you the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife up close: seals, golden eagles, otters, dolphins and the spectacular Sea Eagle.” – Owner, Iona
Stay at Viewfield House Hotel >
The Byre, Waternish
A warm, well-designed hideaway with views for lovers of walking, wildlife-spotting and dreaming, on the stunning Waternish peninsula. Bring binoculars if you like birds – you’ll see plenty – including sea eagles and golden eagles if you’re lucky. Head out on shoreline walks, looking for dolphins and whales, or into the forest and a myriad of trails.
Return to your cosy nest: a light and airy open-plan space with a wood-burner for cosy winter evenings, lovely lighting and wide windows for ever-changing views. If you don’t feel like cooking, it’s an eight-minute stumble to the Stein Inn or Michelin-starred Loch Bay. Up the spiral stairs to a very comfortable bed with skylights above you – on clear nights you can stargaze until you fall asleep.
“Iain’s place was incredible!! Truly magical. The location is great, the space is comfortable and everything about it was amazing.” – Guest, Nancy
Coruisk House, Elgol
It’s a wonderful drive over the mountains to the wild side of Skye and this charming restaurant with rooms. You follow the road for 15 miles down the glen, past tiny cottages and wandering sheep, around the loch and over the mountain, to a converted croft house at the end of the track, where a glass of prosecco greets you on arrival and Belgian hot chocolate is offered before bed.
The chef’s small daily-changing menu of exceptional food will entice you to stay for dinner in the fire-warmed conservatory. Breakfast sets you up for a day of exploration: drop down to Elgol harbour, where Bonnie Prince Charlie fled for his life, and gaze upon the mighty Cuillin rising from the sea – you might also glimpse seals and puffins. You can roam the heather-clad hills for miles before returning to simple, stylish bedrooms.
“My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Coruisk House and it was truly fabulous. We have very special memories of warm and inviting hosts, Claire and Iain.” – Guest, Claire
The Shorehouse, Broadford
An architect-designed detached house on the shores of Broadford Bay, with huge windows for long sea views and bird spotting at low tide. Once you’ve opened the front door you’ll see the sea through the vast windows and hear the water lapping right up to the house at high tide. Swim from the garden or launch your kayak or paddle board.
You have 180 degree views from the covered decking area, so even on a dreich day you can stay outdoors and watch the water. Underfloor heating keeps you cosy and the log-burner can kick in too, with plenty of wood on the house. The kitchen is open plan and swish with a double oven and a washing up island facing the view – you’ll never get it done! Tuck into your generous welcome hamper, then lie in bed with the wildlife spotting book and a cup of tea.
“A gorgeous place to stay for walkers, bird-watchers and anyone who likes to be near the sea. It’s not remote either – Broadford is a short walk for everything you need.” – Inspector, Nicola
The Lookout Skye, Waternish
A light-filled haven for two overlooking Skye’s beautiful coastline. Come to this tranquil spot on the Waternish peninsula for views, light and peace – on a clear day you can enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides. The eco-friendly, architect-designed building overlooks a beautiful stretch of coast from Dunvegan Head to Loch Bay; wonderful walks start from your doorstep.
Glazed sliding doors frame the sea and sky beyond, there’s a comfy sofa and a wood-burner to keep you cosy on days when the weather is wild outside. Bring back your catch of the day and cook in the well-equipped little kitchen. It’s a 20-minute stroll to a good pub – the Stein Inn – for local mussels and scallops on the shore – in summer nip back before it gets dark for spectacular sunsets from the terrace.
“This is the perfect home away from home on Skye. A peaceful and beautiful place with the most spectacular sea views.” – Guest, Catriona
