72 hours on Islay: The active & wildlife edit

Drop your things in your room and head out to drink up the fresh Atlantic air. Follow the signs to the beach, through the dunes (looking out for hares as you go) and down to see oystercatchers, wave-chasing sanderlings and, depending on the season, the rare red-billed Choughs who’ve made Islay’s shoreline their Scottish stronghold. Shoes off for a quick paddle to mark your arrival.

Cocktails in the stag lounge as the golden evening light streams in through the 6m high windows. Browse the collection of coffee table and photography books to familiarise yourself with the island, its landscape, wildlife and culture.

Time for dinner at 18 Restaurant and Bar, looking out across Laggan Bay and the hills beyond. Enjoy fresh island produce, some foraged from Islay’s beaches and hedgerows by head chef Calum Hall.

After breakfast, head into Port Ellen for a wildlife boat trip with Islay Sea Adventures. You’ll see some of Islay’s famous whisky distilleries from the water, on the way to the islets and skerries of Islay’s Special Area of Conservation off the south east coast (only accessible by sea). Look out for seals (and seal pups in early summer), swimming stags and dolphins, basking sharks and minke whales (for the very lucky).

Lunch in Port Ellen. Choose from Little Charlotte’s café, Seasalt Bistro, or just grab a light lunch from the Copper Still Coffee van right on the quayside when you get off the boat.

Head out to the RSPB Nature Reserve on The Oa peninsula (between Port Ellen and the hotel) for a walk out to the American Monument, looking out for golden eagles soaring above highland cows and wild goats. Be sure to borrow a pair of binoculars from front desk at the hotel, and you can spot seals lounging in the rocky bays below dramatic 200ft cliffs. 

The road out to The Oa passes Kilnaughton Bay, Singing Sands and the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse – lovely beaches and swimming spots if you fancy a dip.

Dinner at 18 Restaurant and Bar. If you can, try to book a table in the tower room to catch the best sunset views.

Round off the day with a soak in the wild garden’s Scandinavian-style hot tubs, watching the stars come out above you. Or make for the beach deck for some proper stargazing over dark Atlantic skies.

After recharging with a lie-in and leisurely breakfast, make your way to RSPB Loch Gruinart. Depending on the time of year, you might spot sea eagles, corncrakes, hen harriers, otters or huge flocks of migrating Greenland Barnacle geese. Join a walking tour if you can (the guides are extremely knowledgeable), or just pick up a map in the Visitor Centre and follow the trails.

Alternatively, if you want to explore more of the island, a walk along the beach at Machir Bay on the wild west coast is worth the drive.

Eat fresh Islay oysters with a glass of something cold, overlooking the loch and oyster beds from the scenic decking at Loch Gruinart’s excellent Oyster Shed restaurant (open Thursday – Sunday). Don’t worry if you don’t like oysters – there are other options, and the setting is well worth the trip.

Back at The Machrie, pick up a fat bike (adult and junior bikes available) and roll through the dunes down to the seven-mile beach for an afternoon’s fat biking along the sands of Laggan Bay. Pack your swimmers in your rucksack to cool off with a dip as needed – and maybe a Tunnock’s Teacake or two.

Dinner in Bowmore or Port Ellen – front desk can help with recommendations and bookings.

Plan for an afternoon flight or ferry, and you’ll still have time to squeeze in one last wild garden sauna session – or have a go on The Hebrides social putting course, for a lot of fun even if you’ve never picked up a golf club before.

Check-out of the hotel from 11am before setting off on the rest of your adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.