Toravaig House

Take in ‘fine views’ over the Sound of Sleat from Ken Gunn and Anne Gracie’s ‘friendly’ small hotel. Better yet, take to the high seas with the owners, who offer guests trips aboard their yacht to the islands of Rhum and Eigg. Back on land, settle in by the wood fire in the ‘lovely’ lounge (a glass of malt whisky in hand, if it suits) before heading into the smart restaurant for dinner. Here, new chef Fin Wood’s modern menus use plenty of super-local produce – just-landed lobsters and langoustines, lamb and venison from island crofts, home-grown salads and herbs. Come bedtime, lay your head in one of the contemporary, ‘nicely decorated’ bedrooms overlooking the sound or the surrounding hills. Individually styled, each room is warm and restful, with a ‘good’ shower in a compact bathroom; the best bedroom (of a ‘generous’ size) has a bay window with a sea view. Good options at breakfast: Skye smoked salmon, Mallaig kippers, French toast and berries. Duisdale House nearby (see Shortlist) is under the same ownership. More reports, please.