Accommodation
We stayed in a lovely log cabin called Ash Lodge, located next to Loch Eck in Benmore. Our log cabin was part of the Whistlefield Lodges. The log cabin was small but cosy and had a very lovely, homely feel to it.
Next to Whistlefield Lodges, there was a lovely family run pub called, Whistlefield Inn. We enjoyed our anniversary meal there. I had a lovely homemade pie.
Loch Eck
Loch Eck is a beautiful little Loch. It is located next to Whistlefield Lodges, the place where we were staying. We enjoyed spending late afternoons, relaxing and toasting marshmallows at the side of the Loch. The weather was still, perfect mirror images covered the water.
Dunoon
Dunoon is the main town on the Cowal peninsula, located in the south of Argyll and Bute. It was also the closest town to our accommodation, Whistlefield Lodges.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat, I highly recommend The Lorne Bar. We enjoyed a lovely, reasonably priced evening dinner here.
We did not get a chance to spend much time exploring Dunoon. However, the small amount of time we did, here it is in pictures:
Portavadie
Portavadie is a village, located along the shores of the sea loch, Loch Fyne. It is on the west coast of the Cowal peninsula, in Argyll and Bute. Portavadie was originally built for the purpose of constructing concrete platforms for the extraction of oil from the North Sea. Now, it is home to a beautiful hotel and spa complex and this was the reason for our visit.
We spend the afternoon at Portavadie Spa. A beautiful spa with views looking onto Loch Fyne. We watched dolphins jumping in and out of the water while relaxing in Scotland’s largest outdoor infinity pool. The sauna has big glass windows, providing lovely views of Loch Fyne. It’s one of the most beautiful spas I have visited.
The spa is open to hotel residents all day long and to the public between 12noon to 5 pm. There is a lovely cafe to enjoy food and drink in. A basic day pass will cost you ÂŖ12 and you use the 2 large outdoor hot tubs, an outdoor infinity pool, an indoor pool, a sauna, a hydro pool, and a jacuzzi. You can pay more for robe and slipper use and pay for the exclusive use on the 2nd floor. If you pay for the exclusive use on the 2nd floor, there is another sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, and a relaxing area.
For more information on the different packages, you can purchase, please check out their website: Portavadie Spa and Leisure.
Sadly, you are not allowed to take photos at Portavadie. Instead, they very kindly sent me some photos that I can use here on my blog. Here are the photos from Portavadie of their beautiful facilities:
After a lovely relaxing session at the spa, I recommend spending a little time walking around the harbour, in Portavadia. It’s a beautiful place, hidden away from tourist crowds. The Scot’s called it ‘Scotland’s hidden coastline’. Don’t forget to look out for wildlife in the Loch. You may be lucky enough to see some seals and dolphins.
