I’ve spent the last few years, as most people have, holidaying at home. Even after covid restrictions were lifted, I chose to travel around Scotland rather than brave long haul flights or deal with testing. It seems less hassle to jump in the car and head somewhere new for a weekend, which is why I found myself on a sunny yet freezing mid-January morning ferry crossing to Arran. Having only visited a few times, and the last time about six years ago, a long weekend trip with friends was just what was required to shake off the post-Christmas blues.
There’s plenty of accommodation on Arran but by far the biggest and best known is the Auchrannie Resort, which has hotel and self-catering lodge accommodation as well as dining, spa and leisure facilities.
Budget or boutique
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Hide AdDespite the size of the hotel offering, prices lean towards the boutique range with rooms from £130 per night and lodges from £200 per night. Some resort accommodation and resort restaurants are dog-friendly, as well as catering for families and groups.
Room service
We booked one of the two-bed retreat lodges in their own part of the grounds. They’re decorated in a modern style with a grey colour palette, Scandi-style furniture in light grey and wood, yellow and grey patterned cushions and funky accessories such as vases and coat hooks shaped like birds on one wall. The open plan kitchen was well-stocked and had a nice dining set up while the living room was comfortable and cosy thanks to the wood burning stove. The master bedroom had an en-suite shower room while the twin room was next to the family bathroom. Outside there was a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit and comfortable seating. Although we didn’t get to really appreciate these given the gale force wind and rain that battered the island while we visited.
Wining or dining
There are three restaurants in the resort, Cruize Bar and Restaurant, Brambles Seafood and Grill and Eighteen69. Every day dining can be found at Cruize, a bistro serving everything from tea and scones to pizza and breakfast. Brambles is a higher-end seafood restaurant with daily specials board and terrace for sunny days. Lunch and breakfast can also be booked here. We enjoyed the main course of mussels with a lovely glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Eighteen69 is located in the conservatory overlooking the gardens, and specialises in tapas with a Scottish twist. The bar here also shakes up cocktails and serves an array of whiskies.
Worth getting out of bed for
Visiting Arran off season there were plenty of places to visit such as the Arran Brewery and Brodick Castle for a walk around the grounds. We enjoyed breakfast at Little Rock Cafe and drinks at the Wineport. Arran Sense of Scotland (Arran Aromatics) have a lovely shop and is right next to Arran Cheese. Those keen to really stretch their legs can climb Goat Fell. In the lodge there are two swimming pools, a spa and three restaurants. At the spa, we recommend a back, neck and shoulder massage before whiling away the day in the relaxation room. At the end of the road leading into the resort look out for the French Foxfood van and The Shack Seafood trailer.
Little extras
An Amazon Echo provided music, while the kitchen had a Nespresso machine, tea and coffee as well as everything needed for cooking. Both bathrooms had Arran Sense of Scotland toiletries and rooms had a hair dryer, ironing board and robes.
Guestbook comments
The retreat lodges are ideal for relaxing in style, whether on a warm summer night or as an awesome spot to get cosy in front of the fire pit on an autumn evening. The wood fire hot tub offers a place to relax and enjoy the countryside views while inside is comfortable, modern and cosy when needed. A real gem of a place to unwind and feel like you’ve got away from it all.
Hotel info
Auchrannie Resort, Auchrannie Road, Brodick, Isle of Arran, (01770 302 234, www.auchrannie.co.uk)
