The Pearl has long been known as the queen of gemstones, revered and traded for many thousands of years. This autumn, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Scottish luxury chain, Perle Hotels that took its name from the French spelling for Pearl, is introducing a new six-night anniversary touring holiday called The String of Perles – a fitting name for such a treasure. The hotel-to-hotel package in the Highlands and Islands (from £2,422 for two people) will include half board and some drinks.
Perle Hotels, the proud recipient of a King’s Award for Enterprise in the spring, will be offering a luxurious three-centre itinerary that takes in Oban, the Isle of Skye and Glencoe – all places known for their natural beauty, historical landmarks and engineering feats. When strung together Perle’s touring holiday offers simply the best of the west of Scotland, with stays in fine hotels set in perfect locations. This is in part thanks to a comprehensive new refurbishment programme by Scottish Interiors specialist, Malcolm Duffin.
OBAN
Starting in Oban, the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, the trip gets off to a cracking start with two nights at the Perle Oban Hotel & Spa. Set in a 19th-century building in the centre of Oban, it is a perfect combination of Victorian charm and contemporary chic. Guests dine in the hotel’s new look Oban Brasserie where the elegant and fresh interiors include eye-popping wallpaper, wood panelling and comfortable leather bench seating to create a stunning brasserie feel. With Oban known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, the new menu now boasts the best of Scottish produce and seafood, albeit cooked in the French style. With beautiful views over the harbour, and the railway station and ferry terminal just a stone’s throw away, it is the ideal base for exploring Scotland’s islands. From here it is possible to discover three inner Hebridean isles in just one day: take in the stunning scenery of Mull, the ancient history of Iona, and Staffa with its geological wonders of Fingal’s Cave.
Driving the 3.5 hours from Oban across the bridge to the Isle of Skye, there’s plenty to tempt drivers to stop for a break en route – such as Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, or taking the easy way up to the Nevis Range ski centre on a gondola that operates year-round.
SKYE
On arrival on Skye, the most northerly of the Inner Hebrides, head to the 34-guest room Marmalade Hotel with commanding views over Portree, the Sound of Raasay and south towards the Cuillins. A mix of historic Manor House and contemporary 4-star hotel, it is an ideal home from home for those who appreciate little luxuries like Nespresso coffee machines and Bose sound systems. Plus, don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s new sauna pods and relaxation room. Over three courses, dine in the Chargrill restaurant, where the menu is a tribute to Scottish farmers and their excellent produce as well as fresh seafood. There is no shortage of sites to see while spending two nights here. Don’t miss the rocky outcrop that is the Old Man of Storr, the famous Fairy Pools created by cascading waterfalls, 13th Century Dunvegan Castle, home to MacLeod clan, and Talisker Distillery, the oldest and most famous distillery on Skye.
To reach Glencoe, take the ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig and on to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a magnet for Harry Potter fans, or stop at Neptune’s Staircase where, on a clear day, there are fantastic views of Ben Nevis.
GLENCOE
The grand finale on Perle Hotels’ new touring holiday is Glencoe House, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands that has been recognised for four consecutive years by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Built by Lord Strathcona in 1896, Glencoe’s finest hotel has 14 generous-sized suites, whether in the main mansion or the nearby Strathcona Lodges. The hotel’s bathrooms have had a stunning overhaul by Malcolm Duffin to lift the Victoriana feel and feature marble effect tiles and most boast a freestanding slipper bath (or even two, side by side). Duffin has also worked his magic on the Lodges which have had a refresh. Located in 10 acres of private gardens and surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world, there are opportunities aplenty for adventure, romance and quiet contemplation here.
PRICE: The 6-night String of Perles touring holiday from Perle Hotels costs from £2,422 for two people including half board, and two drinks each in Oban and Skye. There is an Honesty Bar in Glencoe.
