A trip to the Inverlochy Castle hotel is a bit like going back in time. The sloping entrance off the long road from the moors above Fort William, with Scotland's highest mountain Ben Nevis overlooking it, lets you in to what was once one of Queen Victoria's favourite holiday spots.
The hotel is still a favourite of royalty — but perhaps they hail from a different part of the world these days. Now the visiting aristocrats and prince and princesses tend to be mainly of Russian or Middle Eastern descent.
It is fitting that such a well looked after hotel has such a talented chef, Philip Carnegie, who has just been reconfirmed as the only Michelin star-rated hotel restaurant chef in Scotland. Carnegie is originally from Aberdeen and has worked at Inverlochy for over four years, and previously worked at some of Germany's leading hotels, including the Villa Hammerschimede on the edge of the Black Forest.
He prepares stunning food fresh from the hotel's own walled garden — it even has its own smokehouse for the salmon. Albert Roux is the consultant chef here and visits three times a year so expect the highest standards.
Up until 1969, when it was converted into a hotel, Inverlochy was a private residence. It was first owned by the Hobbs family and then bought by the Chai brothers in 1995 after Dr Sin Chai happened to by driving past the hotel on his way back from visiting his lawyer.
Each of the 17 bedrooms has their own individual design and character, along with splendid views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. It keeps within the Victoriana style, most rooms have four poster beds with luxurious drapes, flat screen TVs and Wifi, and gorgeous en-suite bathrooms.
There are plenty of things to keep you occupied if you want more than just to relax. Choose from fishing on the loch, exploring the walled garden, clay pigeon shooting, and watch a falconry display — meanwhile indoors you'll find a full-sized snooker table to play on in the games room or test out the stunning walnut Steinway piano.
In our short visit to the hotel, my five-year-old daughter was treated like a princess. At the formal dinner, she was given a stack of cushions so she could sit at the same height alongside the other diners, feasting on the £65 seven-course menu.
After dinner, our room was toasty warm and we were sent to sleep to the sound of bagpipes being played by the Russian family who were celebrating their daughter's birthday in the gardens outside.
It seemed that the level of luxury could not get any better, until you experience breakfast: that was even more wondrous than dinner. The Eggs Benedict literally melts in the mouth, and all whilst you take in views of the mountains and the loch. Attention to detail is immaculate, from the sterling silverware used on the tables to the Penhaligon's toiletries in the bathrooms, everything is what one would expect from a royal household.
Inverlochy may have adapted to the many changes of modern society in today's Scotland but they haven't scrimped one bit on style or substance. The incredibly charming and warm hotel manager Jane Watson, who has worked at the hotel for more than four decades, will ensure your every need is met. The only way to experience it is to go yourself.
Inverlochy Castle, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN (01397 702177; inverlochycastlehotel.com). Room rates start from £265 per night per room.
