Coillabus

Rooms

Each lodge is identically laid out with an open-plan living area and 2 ensuite bedrooms, suitable for 2 couples or a family/group of 4 as one of the Hypnos zip-link beds can be separated into twin beds. Alternatively, book both lodges as an ideal getaway for a big group, or book a reduced rate for just 2 people.

Bedrooms are decorated simply with reclaimed oak floors, and bespoke touches like the lodge’s very own Coillabus tweed, which has been made into blinds and throws. On the beds, you’ll find the highest quality free-range goosedown pillows and comforting British-sheep wool duvets. If you prefer a firm mattress, choose the bedroom on the same side as the sauna.

There’s ample storage for your belongings and if you run out of space, there are additional cupboards in your laundry room, right next to the front door. The owner, Hester Ross, has gone to considerable lengths to ensure every little detail has been taken care of, right down to the Islay Single Malt Myrtle soaps and shampoos supplied by local soap maker, Spirited Soaps.

The huge ensuite bathrooms, with soothing desert dune ceramic tiles and double-height ceilings, have gorgeous walk-in showers and double-ended tubs. With ‘soft as a cloud’ organic towels and robes to wrap yourself in plus heating underfoot, it somehow feels like you're relaxing in the environs of your very own Island Spa. And you get a selection of the toiletries to take home, as a thanks for booking through i-escape.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Iron
• Tumble dryer
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

At Coillabus, you’ll have the pleasure of cooking in a brightly lit, well-thought out space. Each lodge has a simple galley-style kitchen, which includes an impressive American-style fridge/freezer and a stainless steel double-oven with hob. There’s a dishwasher and cupboards and drawers stocked with every plate and utensil you could possibly require.

You'll find a welcome breakfast basket waiting for you, which contains fresh orange juice, Scottish muesli, oatcakes, local eggs, Ramsay’s bacon, chocolate biscuits, Ma McKinnon’s whisky marmalade (made on Islay), and a bottle of fizz. Basic ingredients (salt, pepper, oils, herbs, tea and coffee) are supplied. The village supermarket stays open until 8-10pm, 6.5km away, so you can stock up on other groceries, and a shopping service is possible - just put your order in with Hester. There is also a local community garden, where you can pick your own salads and vegetables; directions to which are provided in your directions after booking.

On those occasions when you’d prefer not to cook, you can order a Taste of Islay 3-course meal by French chef Francois Bernier. Using local ingredients, you choose from freshly-caught lobster or venison and watch as the meal is prepared in front of you. The chef also caters to individual dietary requirements, just be sure to give plenty of advance notice.

If you have the use of a car, there are nearby restaurants and cafes: you can visit the café restaurant at Ardbeg Distillery or book a table at the nearby Islay Hotel. More recommendations await you in your lodge.

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Chef on request
• Dinner by arrangement
• Dishwasher
• Food blender
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Shopping service
• Toaster
• Welcome hamper

Activities

There's a file of information about the local area, activities and beaches provided in each lodge.

• Take a cliff walk or head to The Big Strand : an isolated 7-mile golden beach ideal for surfing and paddling with kids - each lodge has local beach and activity info
  
• Enjoy a captivating wildlife cruise through the Sound of Islay with Islay Marine Charters. Or, go trout fishing, a licence is supplied for the nearby angling club
  
• Sacrifice sleep and experience an unforgettable stargazing session: awaken before dawn, grab yourself a coffee then drink in the awe-inspiring views. Alternatively, soak a deux under the stars in your double-ended outdoor bathtub. It fills in a jiffy with piping-hot fresh clean water heated from the air-source system
  
• Practically opposite is RSPB bird reserve, The Oa - you could see chough, golden eagle, hen harrier, twite, linnet and snow bunting
  
• Don’t leave the island without sipping ‘a wee dram’ at each of the island’s distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Cad Ila, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore, Kilchoman. Alternatively, take part in a Washbacks to Slingbacks Tour, described as a ‘wonderful introduction to Islay Distilleries, Malts and Magic’
  
• Visit Islay Woollen Mill Co., the only slubbing mill left in the world (whose fabrics have been seen by millions in Braveheart and Rob Roy), then stock up on the finest cashmere and woolly socks
  
• Visit The American Monument at Mull of Oa: a memorial to sailors lost at sea during the First World War
  
• Visit a local golf course or arrange a sunset photographic tour with Islay Stalking, where you’ll shoot deer with your camera
  
• Enjoy an in-room massage or ask about the spa treatment packages

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Stargazing
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Well being
• Whisky tasting
• Wildlife

Kids

The lodges are an ideal place to bring older children; there's plenty of space to let them roam free in an isolated environment. The well-equipped kitchens make it easy to rustle up family meals; there's a microwave, fridge-freezer and dishwasher; a grocery shop can be done in advance of your stay and chilled or frozen meals can be provided with advance notice. Each lodge has a laundry room and bathrooms have a tub and separate shower. There's an information file in each lodge about local activities and sights including beaches.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

An Cnocan Dubh is best for families (and dogs are allowed); A Mhoine Bheag is a bit more secluded and intended for romantic retreats, but both lodges can fit 4 in total or 5 if you have a baby, too. The second bedroom can be made up as a twin. Baby cots are free to borrow.

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 10 minutes
• Hospital: 8 minutes
• Shop: 8 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Coillabus is situated on the Oa peninsula, the most southerly point of the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides off the southwest coast of Scotland. It is a 10-minute drive from the ferry port at Port Ellen and approximately 50 minutes from Port Askaig. If you're coming by car+ferry, make sure you book your crossing well in advance in high season. As a guide to distances, it is about a 2.5 hour drive from Glasgow to the embarkation ferry port, Kennacraig.

By Air
Flybe franchise partner Loganair Ltd operates the only service between Glasgow and Islay, twice every weekday and once every Saturday and Sunday. Flight duration is 40 minutes.

From the Airport
You can get a taxi transfer for a reasonable price or hire a car at the airport.

By Car and Ferry
From Glasgow, take the A82 to Loch Lomond then turn onto the A83 at Tarbert. From Tarbert follow the signs for Cambeltown. Be aware that the ferry terminal of Kennacraig is 7km from Tarbert. From Kennacraig, take the Caledonian MacBrayne crossing to Islay. The ferry operates twice daily and depending on the weather takes 2hrs 15 min. The morning sailing arrives at Port Ellen in the south of the island and the afternoon sailing arrives at Port Askaig in the north.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.com

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