Mr & Mrs Smith

We were disappointed not to be able to have three nights here, but being closed on Monday meant that we couldn't string the nights together. But it did allow us to sample the kitchen at the Three Chimneys on Skye, which was fantastic. The gardens at Inverewe are apparently a horticulturalist's delight, and there are so many deserted sandy beaches in the vicinity that it is a great shame no dogs are permitted at the hotel. That said, ours were able to join us in the garden outside our room/suite and on the foreshore, and the otters still came out to play. Although the hotel is on the road there is a cattle grid stopping wayward spaniels from wandering to their demise... Beautiful area, beautiful hotel and friendly sisters running it who know everything about the surrounding area and love to point you in the right direction.

We stayed in the Whimbrel boathouse, separated from the main hotel overlooking Loch Ewe. All in all, a brilliant two-night stay we will never forget. One major bonus is the lack of children – the hotel allows no under-18s and it is sheer bliss. Top tips: if you're staying in Whimbrel and wish to use the hot tub, make sure you turn it on several hours before you need it (it takes a while to heat up to an enjoyable level). Go in winter or autumn when there are very few tourists and you can enjoy a secluded white-sand beach all to yourself along Loch Ewe's headland, and look out for otter tracks in the sand. If driving, go via Wester Ross and Glencoe if you can; our drive back was almost as good as the holiday itself, with stunning wild scenery. The hot tub is not exactly private: a low fence with gaps allows villagers and passersby to spot you in your smalls, unless you dive in there quickly. Paying what we did for the room, we would've expected the little cuddly otter to be a nice free gift with which to remember our trip. Instead, you have to pay separately – a very minor quibble but still a bit off. All in all though, a warm welcome, stunning scenery, friendly locals, peace, quiet and fresh sea breezes. A great experience of the Highlands.