3 Coastal Wellness Weekends

Arrive in Oban and take time to soak up the harbour views, with ferries gliding in and out and fishing boats landing their catch. For a central stay, check into the Royal Oban or the charming Barriemore Guesthouse overlooking the bay. If you’re seeking a more remote kind of romance, Inverlonan, WildLuing and Kniploch Hotel are fantastic options.  

In the afternoon, ease into your weekend with a sauna session provided by Wild Bathing, located either at the Tralee Trailer Park or on the Isle of Seil. You can either book a seat in the sauna or book a fully private sauna experience! It’s the ideal way to shed the week’s stresses and embrace the slower rhythm of your weekend. In the evening, dine on freshly landed seafood in Oban from informal fish & chips to fine dining at coastal restaurants. Afterwards, pop by Markie Dans for a drink and potentially even a wee dance! 

Spend your final day stretching your legs on one of Oban’s nearby islands. Take the short ferry to Kerrera, where the coastal loop walk leads past clifftops, castle ruins, and sweeping views back towards the mainland. Grab a lunch at Kerrera Tea Gardens and soak in the stunning coastal views. Alternatively, head to Lismore for an adventurous 4x4 jeep tour with Explore Lismore.

After your island walk, return to Oban for a final stroll along the seafront or up to McCaig’s Tower before beginning your journey home. 

Islay, often called the "Queen of the Hebrides," is home to some of the world’s most iconic whisky brands. So, start your weekend with walking the ‘Three Distilleries Pathway’ running from Port Ellen and taking in the distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Stop at each distillery to sample a dram (or two) or join a guided distillery tour. If you’d like to pair your dram with a pint of knowledge, book a bespoke whisky tour with Tim of Westie Whisky. He will create a custom itinerary based on your interest and function as both your tour guide a tailored to your interests and serve as both your tour guide and designated driver for the day! 

For your second day, balance the drams with time in nature. Join Islay Sea Adventures for their seafood & wildlife boat trip, where you’ll savour local catches while cruising along the dramatic coastline and sheltered bays of Islay. If you prefer land-based exploration, Islay Encounters with Nature offers guided safaris into peatland and moor, where you might spot red deer or golden eagles. Wrap up your day with a seafood dinner at the award-winning Bowmore Harbour Inn or the uniquely furnished Ardbeg House. 

For your final day, we recommend doing very little…after all, you’re on a wellness weekend! Enjoy a slower beach day by the water at the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse near Port Ellen, an iconic spot where soft sands meet Atlantic waves. If you fancy a wee dip, we’d recommend the beaches of Laggan Bay, Loch Gruinart and Loch Indaal, as they are a bit more sheltered. Hire e-bikes from Islay e-Wheels to explore the island at your own pace! 

With whisky, coastal scenery, and a dose of luxurious wellness, this weekend is perfect for a romantic escape! 

Can’t decide between whisky-rich Islay and wild Jura? With a long weekend, you don’t have to! Spend two nights on Islay to immerse yourself in the island’s distilleries and coastal charm. The must-dos (in our opinion): walk the three-distillery path to sample some local spirits and enjoy the coastal views, and join Islay Sea Adventures for a wildlife & seafood trip. Stay at The Machrie or Ardbeg House for a touch of luxury, or 4* Port Charlotte Hotel for a charming, central location. 

Cross from Port Askaig on Islay to Feolin on Jura via a short ferry for your two nights on Jura (check ferry timetables in advance). Here, the pace slows, and wellness takes centre stage. Hike the Paps for panoramic views or wander along secluded beaches where you might not meet another soul. Sample local spirits such as Lussa Gin and Jura Whisky at the Jura Hotel restaurant or during a distillery tour. If you haven’t experienced a boat trip at this point, join Jura Boat Tours for an exploration of the island’s coastline and the famous Corryvrecken Pool. Stay at Jura Bothan Retreat to truly unplug and reconnect for your two days. Spend your evenings relaxing in your private hot tub, gazing up at the stars or reading a book inside your cosy cabin. 

By blending Islay’s vibrant atmosphere with Jura’s wilderness, this coastal weekend escape offers the best of both worlds!