My ancestors hail from the Argyll region of Scotland, so I knew that it was somewhere we absolutely had to visit when Keran and I started planning our trip.
Not only did I want to get in touch with my ancestral roots and culture (like many Australians and Americans visiting) but I wanted to show my French partner the very best Scotland has to offer!
That is certainly what we got.
We spent two nights at the Taychreggan Hotel, located on the banks of Loch Awe in Argyll. Our stay was nothing short of magical, and we’re excited to share why this hotel should be at the top of your list.
The first thing that struck us about Taychreggan Hotel was its breathtaking location.
Nestled on the shores of Loch Awe, the hotel offers panoramic views that extend up and down the valley. The serene and isolated feel of the place immediately set the tone for our peaceful retreat and spiritual connection to the nature.
When the sun hits the opposite side of the valley, illuminating the landscape in patches of golden light, the view is nothing short of spectacular.
Scotland does sunbeams like no other place on earth that we have seen – but Taychreggan takes the cake.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff, who were incredibly attentive throughout our stay.
They provided us with home-baked biscuits in our room, a delightful touch that made us feel immediately at home.
For those who love to travel with their pets, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel is dog-friendly, ensuring that your furry friends are also well-catered for.
One of the highlights of our stay was enjoying traditional afternoon tea on a stunning white table and chair set, reminiscent of the height of Victorian upper classery, yet set uniquely secluded on a little grassy outcrop that juts into the lake.
It was an utterly charming experience, sipping tea and indulging in cream scones, flowery cakes and finger sandwiches while soaking in the immense views.
It was Keran’s very first time experiencing a British afternoon tea (being a Frenchman), and … what a lucky man.
Trust me, you couldn’t dream of a more perfect place to partake in the tradition.
The hotel’s grassy terrace, complete with little old boats and a traditional phone booth, adds to the quintessentially British charm.
Evenings at Taychreggan Hotel are a special affair.
Each night, the staff light up little fire pits outside where guests can sit on whisky barrel chairs and toast marshmallows.
It’s a cozy and intimate way to end the day, with the crackling fire and the serene loch views providing the perfect backdrop.
Being summer time, we watched as the cloud’s mirrored reflections on the loch faded away ever so slowly … until at last at around 10pm, the sky settled into a cotton candy splash of pink and purple.
Dining at Taychreggan Hotel is an experience in itself.
There are two restaurants: the two AA Rosette Faodail and the Orangery.
Faodail offers a finer dining experience with stunning views over Loch Awe, while the Orangery is simpler yet equally delightful, located in the internal courtyard.
We opted to sample one each night.
As huge foodies who spent our past lives cooking in and managing fine-dining restaurants, we were particularly impressed with the high quality of the food in Faodail.
Some standout dishes included the Earl Grey Crème Brûlée with Beurre Noisette Ice Cream, Pan-Seared Scallops with Roasted Parmentier, and the Smoked Pigeon Breast with Fennel Remoulade.
The Fillet of Venison with Confit Potato, Spring Onion, Leek, and Blackberry Jus was gorgeous and satiated my burning desire for a game-y dish, something I haven’t had too much of since I left my post of manager of a game restaurant in 2017.
The Roasted Fillet of Cod with Fondant Potato, Mussels, Clams, and Seafood Béarnaise Sauce also impressed us as seafood fanatics.
Taychreggan also boasts a variety of light yet cosy common spaces that are perfect for relaxation.
We spent several hours in the reading room, complete with a fireplace, where we entertained an intense battle of Scrabble.
For those who also enjoy games, there are options like snooker and darts.
One particularly enchanting feature is the fairy garden facing the lake, which adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia.
I was instantly transported to five years old, playing in my Nana’s fairy garden.
Taychreggan has a knack for evoking that funny feeling of familiarity, comfort and dreaminess – we both commented many times throughout our stay how surreal the setting was, and how strangely we felt like we had been there before.
The hotel grounds are extensive, offering plenty of shoreline to stroll up and down.
Avid walkers will be hard pressed to run out of places to explore however – the ancient woodland of Fearnoch Forest, the Fairy Glen at Glen Creran, and the hikes in the nearby Glencoe area are all otherworldly and located nearby.
For garden lovers, the Ardkinglas Estate, Arduaine Garden, and Angus’s Memorial Garden in Taynuilt are beautiful spots close by.
The proximity to Oban, Ganavan Sands, and Glencoe makes Taychreggan Hotel an excellent base for further exploration if you are considering it as part of an extended itinerary.
Breakfast at the hotel was another highlight.
We were particularly fond of the Eggs Royale served on a homemade cheese scone.
The kitchen also prepare their own breads and butters, which were next level.
The attention to detail was evident, with the staff remembering my tea order from the first morning on the second, adding a real personal touch to our dining experience.
The team really knows good hospitality.
Getting to Taychreggan Hotel is relatively easy (find location info here), making it an ideal weekend trip for those living in Edinburgh or Glasgow. For travelers visiting from further afield, it’s a perfect addition to any Scottish road trip.
The combination of luxurious accommodation, exceptional food, and the stunning, mystical setting on Loch Awe makes it a destination we cannot recommend highly enough!
Our stay at Taychreggan Hotel was truly unforgettable. The magical, ancient vibe of the loch and secluded glens, the sense of isolation, and the absolutely unbelievable food created a perfect getaway.
If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious escape that offers both relaxation, whimsy and elegance, Taychreggan Hotel on Loch Awe is the place for you.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a longer vacation throughout Scotland or the British Isles, this enchanting hotel will leave you feeling refreshed, at peace, and eager for the next return.
We hope you’ve picked up some great travel inspiration for your next Scotland visit!
If you’re looking for some other travel adventures, why not check out our other Scotland destination guides here.
You can learn more about our travel story here. Thanks for stopping by!
