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A832 road along Glen Docherty toward Loch Maree

From The Torridon, the route to the Isle of Skye, where we’re checking into the historic Kinloch Lodge, is relatively short and incredibly beautiful, taking in dramatic coastal views as we travel along Loch Torridon and Loch Carron toward the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge. In recent years, Skye has become like a light to moths when it comes to attracting tourists, with coachloads of visitors descending on the mystical island, all craning for a chance to witness its famously dramatic landscape. Visit in the fall, and you’ll fi ndthe region far quieter than during peak summer. Skye doesn’t do grand fi ve-star hotels in the same style you might fi nd on the mainland, so don’t come to Kinloch Lodge expecting luxury in its most glamorous form; hospitality here comes in the most traditional of guises. Owner Isabella Macdonald — whose parents launched Kinloch as a hotel in 1972 — treats every single guest not as a customer, but genuinely as a close friend or a member of her extended family, with a level of warmth and familiarity that many hotels strive for but few achieve. As well as a smartly dressed formal dining room (Kinloch is known for serving some of the best food on the island), the lodge’s numerous lounges are an irresistible spot for that last dram of whisky — all crackling fi res, deep couches and family portraits. Guest rooms are spread across two chalk-white buildings that sit proudly at the base of Kinloch Hill, with all suites in the secondary building, closer to the banks of Loch na Dal. Macdonald has designed each herself (with the help of a particularly interiors-savvy brother-in-law); they’re cozy and comfortable with plenty of cute touches like ornate wallpaper and hand-selected art and vintage furniture. Be sure to request one of the luxury rooms with a tub — they’re wedged under the window and have uninterrupted views of the water beyond. It would be sinful to spend less than three days on Skye, especially if it’s your fi rst visit. Spend the fi rst exploring the majestic natural landmarks toward the

Torridon hotel, which sits on the shores of Loch Torridon. The journey is short but gives a perfect snapshot of the Scottish landscape, with coiling roads traversing through hill- fl anked glens. The stretch of the A832 that leads along Glen Docherty toward Loch Maree is especially photo-worthy. A member of Luxury Scotland (a hospitality organization that groups the nation’s fi nest hotels and experiences), The Torridon blends fi ve-star service with immersive outdoor adventures. On a

rainy afternoon, indulge in a guided whisky tasting (The Whisky Bar proudly o ff ers 365 bottles, or one for every day of the year); when the weather is on your side, make use of the neighboring Torridon Outdoors center with a sea kayaking expedition, or hike one of the many trails that surround the resort. Spend at least two nights here: The rooms, especially the Grand Master options in the main house, with their oversized headboards, roll-top tubs and mountain views, are too good for just a single night.

Talisker Distillery

Photos SarahLou Photography/Shutterstock, Connah