Monachyle Mhor

Monachyle Mhor

, Balquhidder, Perthshire.

Monachyle Mhor is a boutique lochside hotel at the foot of stunning Ben More mountain. It's a cool and sophisticated place to stay, a restorative location, with an award-winning restaurant. The hotel sits in a fantastic location with amazing views and good walks direct from the door.

There's always space to be alone in the garden or on the lovely south-facing terrace, or settle in to one of the two cosy sitting rooms for a chat or to read. There is also a bar filled with character, ideal for a little tipple beside a blazing log fire.

Food is at the heart of Monachyle Mhor. The Lewis family love food: the growing, the foraging, the cooking and not least, the eating. Head chef Marysia Paszkowska has been at Monachyle since 2010 cooking exceptional Scottish food, sourced mainly from the hotel's own farm, or nearby – venison, for instance, comes from the local surrounding hills. Vegetables, fruit, and herbs are picked from the kitchen garden, and forage is gathered from all sorts of secret spots. Tom is always involved in the food, from sourcing and planning, to pickling and preserving. Lunch is served from 12 noon until 2pm, dinner from 6.45pm until 9pm. Soup, sandwiches and freshly baked scones are available all day.

The six Feature Rooms are the most luxuriously spacious and decadent. Dressed in sultry greys with sleek spacious modern bathrooms and king and queen size beds, they always offer a quirky touch. One has a cool asymmetric rug, another an Eames chair, an original milking stool, or an abstract photograph. They are all well lit and uniquely stylish. Each Feature room has its own identity – choose Midnight for sipping Champers in twin slipper baths; Granary, Sawmill, or Coach House for a full-size steam room experience, or simply relax on the raised bed with a view in Sprocket. Suite 16 is airy and light with wheelchair access, and they’re all perfect for cosying up in total comfort.

The spacious Courtyard rooms are all different, each with a small living area as well as generous beds. Three welcome dogs, and three are perfect for families. Of course, they all have en-suite bathrooms, luxury double or kingsize beds, televisions, tea and coffee making, organic toiletries, robes, slippers, and hairdryers. Some have their own fireplace.

The four individually decorated Farmhouse Rooms are in the original Mhor farmhouse where Tom, Dick and Melanie Lewis grew up. Whitewashed walls and wood panelling contrast with cosy throws and splashes of colour in cool furniture finds, along with ultra-comfy beds. And there’s everything else you’d expect, from en-suite bathrooms, televisions, bathrobes, organic toiletries, hairdryer, and tea & coffee tray.