Benderloch, Scotland
The isle of Eriska hotel is situated on its own island in 300 acres overlooking Lake Linnie in the Scottish Western Highlands. In an area of outstanding natural beauty, the hotel offers Michelin-star dining and a spa
Our review
The hotel is situated in a beautiful, unspoiled part of the Scottish Highlands, an easy and scenic two-hour drive from Glasgow.
On its own bucolic island and with walks in the nearby countryside possible straight from the property, the Isle of Eriska made all the stresses of everyday life melt away as we drew up to the impressive looking Victorian building – part-castle, part country house – built in the Scottish baronial style.
We were welcomed as soon as we arrived, our bags whisked away, along with the car and after a quick familiarisation of the hotel, we were in our room.
We had a deluxe room in the main house. Traditionally furnished, the double aspect room was spacious with a king-size bed and sofa. There are numerous nice touches here, evidence of careful thought. A hot water bottle is supplied at night – not necessary, as the room is toasty – but a lovely homely feature. Drinking water is supplied in a jug and changed daily; it comes from the hotel’s own bore and tastes delicious. If you don’t want to go to dinner, you may eat in your room for no extra charge. Tea or coffee is delivered every morning before breakfast at a time to suit. There are Molton Brown toiletries in the well-appointed bathroom; the shower controls are easy to use, just off/on and hot to cold.
Afternoon tea is included in the room rate, so best postpone all thoughts of dieting during your stay here. In front of a roaring log fire, we tucked into fresh still-warm home made scones, with jam and clotted cream and ‘blondie’ cake, something of an Eriska institution but quite delicious. I had tea, properly made in a big pot and tea-hating Paul had a cafetiere of coffee.
There are only 25 guestrooms at the hotel but plenty of public space. There are two lounges, one with piano, one with a blazing fire; the dining room, again with fire, a bar and conservatory. The large receiving hall with magnificent wooden staircase also had a fire burning. In the porch way are neat rows of wellies, a few umbrellas and croquet mallets, for those who want to venture outside.
Dinner is a grand affair with excellent service, achieving a well deserved Michelin star in 2014. There is not a huge choice but nearly everything is local and very fresh. The cheeseboard deserves special mention with a cast of 40. I was pleased to see some Scottish cheeses but I failed to understand why all the cheeses couldn’t be British. We will lose our farmhouse cheeses if we don’t support them.
After dinner coffee is a pleasant experience taken in the lounge in front of a real fire, as we preferred. Just as I was thinking I was feeling tired and needed to retire, there was a cry from another guest coming from the conservatory and we rushed in, to see Mr Brock through the window enjoying his dish of bread and milk. I’ve never seen a badger that close up and it was a real thrill.
After our morning tea and coffee, we could have enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast. Having overindulged on blondie cake and cheese the day before, I stuck to freshly squeezed orange juice and a poached egg but options included local kippers, porridge, or sausage, bacon and eggs with potato scones.
After breakfast, we visited the spa, a short distance from the main house. Spa suite rooms are modern, private, and more spacious and have their own outdoor hot tub. The spa itself has a 17-metre heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi. There are three treatment rooms offering a full range of services.
Most guests come to the hotel to relax or go on short walks from the property but it also has its own 9-hole golf course and croquet lawn. A whole raft of outdoor activities may be enjoyed in the local area including canoeing, fishing and clay pigeon shooting.
The Isle of Eriska is a very special, peaceful place; if you want to get away from it all and enjoy a taste of Scottish hospitality, this is an exceedingly good choice.
Rooms
The Isle of Eriska features around 28 rooms, suites and private cottages spread between the main house, garden lodges and woodland retreats. Accommodation blends traditional Scottish elegance with modern comfort, with many rooms offering sea views, open fireplaces, four‑poster beds or private terraces. Several suites and cottages provide added privacy and spacious living areas.
Food and Drink
The Isle of Eriska Restaurant is acclaimed for its refined Scottish cuisine and has been awarded a Michelin star. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including Highland game, seafood and produce from the estate’s surroundings.
The hotel also offers a more relaxed dining experience in the Deck Restaurant, serving lighter dishes and informal meals with views over Loch Linnhe. The cosy drawing rooms and bar provide classic afternoon tea, whiskies and an intimate setting for evening drinks.
Wellness
The Isle of Eriska Spa offers a peaceful retreat with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. A range of massages and beauty therapies is available, alongside a well‑equipped fitness area overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Facilities
- Michelin‑starred fine dining restaurant
- Informal restaurant and lounge bar
- Full‑service spa and indoor swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Private island grounds and woodland walks
- Tennis court and outdoor pursuits
- Meeting and private event spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking
Location
The Isle of Eriska is set on a private tidal island near Benderloch on Scotland’s west coast, overlooking Loch Linnhe. The location offers easy access to Oban, the Isle of Mull and the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe while remaining peaceful and secluded.
Getting there
Address: Benderloch, Argyll, PA37 1SD, Scotland
Arriving by train: Connel Ferry Station : 10km/6 miles, a 15 minute drive.
Arriving by air: Glasgow International: 145km/90 milesEdinburgh International: 177km/110 milesOban Airport (private plane): 8km/5 miles
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.