Nicola Brown

Leaving behind Ardrossan’s overcast skies and sailing towards the sun-soaked Isle of Arran, it has never failed to amaze me how the weather on this short, hour-long ferry ride can change so drastically. At its best, a trip to Arran can seem as though you’ve nabbed a bargain to a tropical island. When the sun is shining and you’re free to roam the outdoors - midges aside - there’s nothing better. The forecast for our two-night stay at the Auchrannie Resort’s newly launched couple’s retreats, suggests we’ve been lucky to select days which are just that.

The Auchrannie Resort has become an example of excellence among Scottish island hotels. Acquired in 1988 by a husband and wife, it has grown considerably since it’s origins as a 16-bedroom guest house. Today it includes two 4 star hotels, thirty 5 star self-catering luxury lodges, three restaurants, two leisure clubs with pools and a spa. Last November, staff took the reigns to become the first and only Scottish employee owned hotel, meaning it will remain independent and locally run.

The Auchrannie’s ability to stay relevant and fresh has been evidenced with their new additions. I can attest I have found the home of peace and luxury, and it is here within the six charming couple’s retreats.

As a seasoned Isle of Arran holiday goer, I know and love the island. But whilst childhood summers spent rock pooling, riding on the back of ski boats and sleeping in bunkbeds were among the best, nothing compares to this new-found luxury. This is the swanky Arran reserved for adults, and no matter how much fun I might have had stumbling upon starfish as a child, this is heavenly.

During our two-night stay we are in the executive retreat. I’m instantly impressed with the layout and fancy mod cons. The kitchen has a top of the range coffee machine and dedicated wine fridge. The bathroom’s shower and deep bath will have you cursing your own home’s lackluster water pressure. The cosy lounge is ideal for a cold night in, and the two wall-mounted TVs beg the serious question: beautiful island scenery, or Netflix?

The decoration is slick with fashionable mustard accents. A fur-lined reading nook is built into a wall, imploring you to capture it on camera. Compared to the “rustic” accommodation of childhood summers, this is Scandi style at its finest.

As for the island enemy – Internet - gone are the days when Arran had yet to catch up with the mainland’s thirst for wifi. The couple’s retreats have embraced modern conveniences; not only is free internet accessed from all corners of the resort, but your very own Alexa can set the scene with music.

The sliding back door opens to undisturbed views of the glen and a grassy field a flock of sheep calls home. This picture-perfect scene can be taken in from the private patio, which feels like an oasis built for two. We snatch every moment we can here, sitting outside with tea and a book in the morning, toasting fizz after a walk, and relaxing in the retreat’s pièce de résistance: the wood-fired hot tub. Whilst it takes a few hours to get going, waiting in the sun is no hardship.

Whilst Auchrannie comprises an idyllic, self-contained world for guests, we do in fact venture further out. For me, no trip to the island is complete without stocking up on the delicious exports: James’s chocolates, Isle of Arran beers and Arran cheeses.

Indeed, our food and drink haul prove a well-deserved treat after climbing the highest mountain, Goatfell. After an uncharacteristically quiet journey to the top, the dramatic views of the surrounding ridges and glistening water below make it four hours well spent – despite a minor incident involving a tumble over an ankle.

Back at the resort, with three restaurants to choose from there are plenty of options if cooking seems like an unnecessary burden. After our walk it does, and we book a table at the Cruize Bar. Modern décor and a something-for-everyone menu fit the bill, and two fresh and filling fish and chips later, we make the five minute stroll back to our retreat.

With tired limbs and the exhaustion of two days of relaxing setting in, we withdraw to the plush bed where only the chatter of late night birds and swish of the trees can be heard as we doze off. This is Arran at its finest, and as the sun sets on our time here, I have found new reasons to love this west coast island.

Nicola stayed two nights in the executive couple’s retreat at the Auchrannie Resort on the Isle of Arran. Stays cost from £149 - £354 per night. See www.auchrannie.co.uk for more information

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