If you are looking for a relaxing winter getaway or future Scottish staycation then look no further than Argyll Holidays. Argyll Holidays offer a collection of eight holiday villages located in numerous locations around Argyllshire in the west of Scotland. I was recently invited to their largest holiday park, Drimsynie Estate which is nestled amongst the mountains at the head of stunning Loch Goil. As you journey closer to the estate, it’s immediately evident why they chose this particular location. Passing through the impressive Glen Mhor, a tree-lined road snakes its way through the most breathtaking scenery, arriving at the banks of the picturesque loch where Drimsynie comes into view.
Built around a contemporary hotel complex, Drimsynie Estate offers a range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs and budgets. In addition to the hotel, the holiday village affords a variety of self-catering accommodation in the form of caravans, A-frame holiday lodges and luxury hot tub lodges. The accommodation is carefully dispersed around the attractive grounds providing enough space between each lodging without feeling overlooked. Being an enthusiast of self-catering holidays myself, I immediately gravitated towards their luxury hot tub lodges which differ in size between one to five bedrooms. I opted for their Albatross Platinum 3 Bedroom Hot Tub Lodge, located at the rear of the park and backed by nearby forest and hills.
As soon as I entered the lodge I was completely taken aback by just how spacious it was. Walking through its generous entranceway, the lodge opened up to an impressive open plan living, dining and kitchen area which exuded a contemporary yet homely aesthetic. The room was surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, allowing me to catch a glimpse of the surrounding mountains and filling the space with light, making it feel even more open. The lounge with three sofas looked on to a large flat screen tv and electric fire, making it the perfect place for a cosy evening. The well-equipped kitchen had everything we could need to take full advantage of our self-catering experience, including; an American sized fridge/freezer, gas cooker, dishwasher and washing machine. I especially enjoyed the addition of the large dining table where my friends and I were able to enjoy a delicious homemade meal whilst chatting about our day. Even visiting amid the Scottish winter I was pleasantly surprised that such an expansive space was continuously warm, cosy and comfortable.
As the name suggests this particular lodge had three generous bedrooms. This is composed of a double bedroom and two twin rooms, all with ample storage, good quality beds and the addition of a smaller flat-screen TV. Each room included clean and comfortable bedding along with fluffy white towels and bathrobes/slippers for each guest. What I appreciated is that unlike other similar self-catering lodges I have been in before, each bedroom had its very own en-suite, which is particularly useful and practical when there are a large number of friends staying. The exterior of the lodge is equally impressive with a substantial outdoor space that can be accessed from outside steps or via the French doors in the living area. This decked space included a dining table, barbecue and the luxurious addition of a hot tub. The hot tub was a great place to gather with friends and unwind after a full day of activities. It was particularly great to lay back in the evening and watch the starry sky above whilst enjoying a glass of fizz.
The Drimsynie Estate Hotel is the beating heart of the holiday village and certainly had everything we could need in order to enhance our self-catering experience. The contemporary building sits on an elevated position overlooking the estate and is within walking distance from all of the accommodation. It is here where we were able to check-in, enjoy a selection of food and drink, experience several leisure facilities and organise an array of activities that the holiday village had on offer. Before your visit, I would advise downloading the Argyll Holidays app, which not only provides an abundance of information but allows you to check-in online and book all of the above.
There is a small shop on site offering an array of items to stock up supplies, however, for evenings when you’re looking to enjoy a spot of food out with, the estate has an impeccable range of on-sight dining choices. The View Bar & Restaurant offered an extensive all-day menu including a great selection of cocktails and wine. On our visit, we enjoyed numerous dishes including a flavoursome Penang curry, traditional scampi with chips and a succulent breaded buttermilk chicken burger. Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert and both the Sticky Toffee Pudding and Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake were equally moreish. We all left feeling satisfied and very impressed with the service, selection of food and the quality of the dishes.
It wasn’t until we visited the next day for breakfast that I realised why the restaurant acquired its name. Its raised position affords the most commanding views, overlooking Loch Goil, Lochgoilhead village and the surrounding mountains which I found truly breathtaking. In addition to the restaurant, DC Takeaway is also another great option that allows guests to pre-order food by phone, make a collection and enjoy the food in the comfort of their chosen accommodation.
The hotel also offers a fantastic range of leisure facilities which can be enjoyed by guests for a small fee. This included a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool along with a contemporary sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. In addition, there is the Sequoia Spa which offered a range of holistic and beauty treatments. Due to unforeseen circumstances, these facilities were unfortunately closed during my stay, although I did have a glimpse of the facilities and I must admit I was extremely impressed. (It only gives me an excuse to go back)
As well as being the perfect place for a relaxing trip, Drimsynie also offers its guests a range of adventurous and fun activities for people of all ages. These can be booked in advance for an affordable fee and include options such as Crazy Carts, Golf, Aeroball, Snorkelling, Fishing, Mountain Biking and Fencing. I decided to release my inner Robin Hood and opted for a session of Archery, located in a convenient range minutes from the hotel. I am not going to lie, I was a tad nervous but our very patient Go Active activity leader Justin, made us feel so at ease. I found the whole session extremely fun and by the end of it, I even managed to hit the centre of the target which for me is a feat in itself. I found it so enjoyable, I have been searching for local archery classes ever since I got back.
Due to the park’s stunning location, there are an abundance of amazing walks on your doorstep that cater for all levels of fitness. A few steps from the lodge was the beginning of the Drimsynie Circular Walk, an easy to follow signposted route that winds its way up the hills that sit majestically behind the Estate. The walk takes around 3-4 hours and is a fantastic way to get a Birdseye view of the holiday village below as well as experience waterfalls, forests and local wildlife.
If you prefer a more gentle stroll then the village of Lochgoilhead and it’s stunning Loch are nearby. After all the fresh air and brisk walking, it was great to know that the route led right back to the lodge just in time for a relaxing soak in the hot tub to soothe my tired muscles.
Easily reached from Edinburgh within three hours by car, this convenient getaway is ideal for a romantic stay or an exciting trip with family and friends. The moment I entered Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village it immediately brought back those nostalgic days I used to spend in the Highlands with my family. Its splendid setting cradled amongst rolling hills and forests provide an instant escape for the mind, with the option of adventure never too far away. The combination of self-catering along with the excellent facilities of the hotel provides the perfect combination of relaxation and fun, making it ideal for individuals of all ages. In my opinion, Drimsynie holiday village by Argyll Holidays has it all, from beautifully appointed accommodation, a great range of facilities and activities and majestic surroundings, what more could you possibly ask for.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Location – 4/5
Customer Service – 4/5
Accommodation – 4/5
Cleanliness – 4/5
Food and Drink – 4/5
PR STAY.
BLU BLAZER GUY 