Argyll Hotel

Overlooking the sea towards Mull, this homely hotel on the Hebridean island of Iona has a deserved reputation for its warm welcome, fresh and creative food, and restorative peace. Hands-on owners Wendy and Rob MacManaway and Dafydd and Katy Russon give a ‘friendly personal welcome’, reports a reader who returned for the ‘peace and serenity’ and ‘cosy intimacy’. Bedrooms, most on the small side, are simple with pine or oak furniture, neutral colours and local artwork, all with garden, courtyard or sea views. No televisions, but guests can ‘watch and hear the birds first thing in the morning and not much 
else’. Meals, all made from scratch including the bread, use kitchen garden produce, sustainably sourced seafood and meat from local crofters. Hand-dived Isle of Mull scallops and pan-fried fillet of cod with parsley mash were ‘truly gourmet’. There are good vegetarian choices, too, and the presentation ‘with flowers and herbs was always stunning’. There are good walks from the doorstep, three cosy lounges, one with a fire, and binoculars in the conservatory for bird-spotting and wildlife-watching – you may see a dolphin or two. (Alison Forrester)