Overlooking Inner Hebridean islands, Kevin and Julie Oliphant’s small hotel is the lively hub of the only village on the Isle of Coll. It is managed by the Oliphants’ daughter, Laura. Understated modern bedrooms have welcoming extras such as home-made biscuits, rainy-day board games and Scottish-made toiletries. Most, too, have views down the bay to Mull, Staffa, Iona and Jura. An unpretentious menu, dictated by the catch of the day, is served in the bar and restaurant, or in the garden in fine weather. After sunset, glow-in-the-dark skyscopes let guests take advantage of Coll’s Dark Sky status (the island has no artificial light pollution) – borrow a celestial map and trace the skies. Complimentary pick-up from and drop-off to the ferry pier. 1 mile from the ferry pier; 3-hour ferry journey from Oban.