Festive holidays in the Highlands

Ardanaiseig is a unique and traditional Highland retreat in a wildly seductive setting overlooking Loch Awe and the Argyll glens. This festive season Ardanaiseig, which has sixteen individually themed bedrooms and one of the best restaurants in the Highlands, is hosting a week of fine food and festive celebration between 24 December and 3 January, available in three- and four day packages.

The dramatic setting offers complete escapism, with the opportunity to explore the rivers, lochs, craggy peaks and isolated beaches of the Highlands on foot, by boat or by seaplane. The crackling log fires, traditional Christmas tree, and beautiful drawing room with original antique furnishings and a grand piano give the house the warm, welcoming feel of a country home, offering the perfect backdrop for celebrating the festive season.

A stunning luxury boat shed conversion was completed last year which offers chic, contemporary accommodation on the waters edge, while the sixteen bedrooms in the house are all distinctively furnished with sumptuous fabrics and antiques, each of them with views either of the loch or the Lost Gardens.

Christmas celebrations start on Sunday 23 December with afternoon tea . Champagne and canapés will be served in the drawing room before dinner, which includes a five-course tasting menu on each night, and an exotic seafood buffet on Christmas night.

There is a candlelit carol service at Kilchrenan’s village church on Christmas Eve followed by mulled wine, and a Christmas service on Christmas Day at Dalavich Kirk. Boxing Day includes the opportunity to go clay pigeon shooting and to join the traditional Boxing Day treasure hunt, followed by a black tie dinner.

The traditional Highland home comes into its own for Hogmanay festivities, which include malt whisky tasting, a scavenger hunt and clay pigeon shooting for those who want it, as well as the traditional celebrations. Dance the New Year in with a Scottish ceilidh, followed by champagne and fireworks at midnight. Brunch will be served on New Year’s Day, with Loch Fyne Oysters and Bloody Marys for the late risers.

There are beautiful walks close by and a variety of activities are available in the area, and plenty of opportunity to relax by the hearty log fire with a book or boardgame. The hotel even offers a dog-sitting service so no-one needs to be left behind.

Ardanaiseig Hotel, Kilchrenan by Taynuilt, Oban, Argyll PA35 1HE.

Visit Ardanaiseig.com for further details.