‘Fairy-tale’ castle in Scotland wins luxury travel guide Award for Excellence

Created to “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence” across the guide’s recommended properties, the annual awards provide a “trusted mark of quality recognised by consumers and travel professionals alike”.

The UK winner of the Best Immersive Experience accolade is the five-star Inverlochy Castle hotel in Lochaber.

The castle was originally built as the home of the third Lord Abinger, William Frederick Scarlett, who first visited the Highlands with his father as a boy of 13 and later became part of the railway company that built the world-famous West Highland Line.

Queen Victoria remarked that she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot” after her week-long stay in 1873.

Looking directly onto Ben Nevis, the hotel has had its fair share of famous guests in more recent years from Charlie Chaplin to Robert de Niro, Mel Gibson and Daniel Craig.

Of Inverlochy Castle, the Condé Nast Johansens guide said: “The mighty castle is one of Scotland’s finest hotels managed with passion and professionalism by [general manager] David Robertson and his team who make every effort to put each guest completely at ease in this most grandiose of settings.

“The imposing reception room displays Venetian crystal chandeliers and a Michelangelo-style ceiling, and leads to three elaborately decorated dining rooms.

“Dining at Seasgair by Michel Roux Jr is a culinary experience you’re unlikely to forget.”

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Digital editor at Condé Nast Johansens, Alexander Ron, has also included Inverlochy Castle in his guide to Afternoon Tea Around the World.

He said: “Scotland‘s Inverlochy Castle offers a scrumptious afternoon tea experience in the most rural of Scottish settings.

“Indulge in delectable sandwiches, buttery scones and a range of other sweet delicacies.

“With options ranging from Albert Roux’s Rosé Champagne to Pink Afternoon Tea, you are truly spoiled for choice.” 

(Image: ICMI) The hotel re-opened The Factor’s Inn earlier this year for casual diningEarlier this year, The Herald reported that the hotel had re-opened its country pub with ‘bottomless’ steak in an effort to appeal to a wider range of diners.

For more information visit www.inverlochycastlehotel.com.