‘The most enjoyable hotel of our whole trip,’ write readers who ended their spectacular North Coast 500 drive at this 18th-century former manse with beautiful views across island-studded Badcall Bay. Ever-present owners Fiona and Richard Trevor ‘combine friendliness with professional effectiveness’; ‘the staff are delightful, helpful and cheerful’. Bedrooms are ‘comfortable and well equipped with all the little luxuries you could want’. There is a good collection of books, games and a piano in the lounge, and wood-burning stoves in lounge and conservatory. The complimentary afternoon tea is ‘a lovely wee treat’. In the restaurant, a menu that changes twice weekly might include fillet of sea trout in an almond and cheddar crust, sauce vièrge; venison with juniper gravy; mushroom and mozzarella arancini. ‘The food would be good-to-excellent in any location, but considering the isolated setting, seems close to miraculous.’ ‘On a cold, windy and rainy evening, Richard got a fire going in the lounge, which made for a lovely evening after a fantastic dinner.’ Wildlife watchers are in paradise. In this remote region mobile signals are weak, internet speeds slow; take a screen break and, instead, connect with nature. (Carlton Dixon, Paul Temple, Steve and Colleen Simonsen, Jennifer Mason, and many more)