LOOKING over to a stunning and panoramic blue horizon from my bedroom balcony, with the sound of the sea lapping below, I could almost imagine I was in a foreign land.
But rather than being on a sun, sea and sand package holiday abroad, I was actually at Argyll's Loch Melfort Hotel, which is set in the most beautiful and tranquil of locations.
All the hotel's 25 individually styled bedrooms in the main house and separate Scandanian-style wing have breath-taking sea views over Asknish Bay towards Jura, Shuna and Scarba, as does the dining room which makes for a romantic scene to gaze longingly at as you're tucking into some tasty local cuisine.
The hotel is situated about 18 miles from Oban, where there is plenty to do for visitors of all ages.
Boat trips, fishing, watersports, horse riding, diving, walking, museums, castles and historical buildings, golfing and garden visits are among the past-times that can be enjoyed, while Oban Distillery and Oban Sealife Sanctuary are also on hand to visit - or you can try a spot of whale watching. Smaller visitors can also visit Tobermory, or "Balamory" as they know it, on the nearby Isle of Mull.
However, the hotel itself is so relaxing, you could easily while away the day just taking it easy by having a wonder through neighbouring Ardaine Gardens, or a leisurely walk in and around the hotel grounds, which are also home to a duck pond and Highland cattle.
As well as the balcony complete with table and chairs, our swish bedroom in the main house was huge, and featured an old-fashioned metal framed bed, wardrobe, desk, table and chairs, plasma TV and DVD player.
The en-suite bathroom had a luxurious feel about it, and was modern, with a walk-in shower, large bath and toilet.
Much of the hotel as a traditional feel to it, with large, bright and airy reception rooms, and a sweeping staircase complete with massive portraits lining the walls.
For dinner time at the hotel, the emphasis is on fine-dining. Guests are seated in a lounge furnished with period pieces, such as a lovely grandfather clock and a roaring open fire, to enjoy a drink and nibbles for half an hour while you pore over the lengthy menus. You are then shown to your table in the Asknish Bay Restaurant, which has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000.
The restaurant is eager to source the best quality local ingredients for their menu and almost everything is home-made, including the marmalade and ice cream.
We selected from the four-course gourmet menu, which also includes an appetiser and is ?followed by ground coffee in the cocktail lounge.
Although we visited outside the school holidays when there were few child guests, the hotel is family friendly and includes a play area outside, and a children's menu.
Although it has many fish dishes like Loch Fyne langoustines, sea bass, and seabream, I enjoyed an earl-grey smoked Easdale venison starter with red onion marmalade and toasted brioche, and an Argyll pan-fried pork fillet and slow roast pork belly for main.
It was all top notch - as was our stay in general. The hotel is a three-star establishment - but I thought this was very under-rated. For me, it was five star all the way.
Factfile: The Loch Melfort Hotel
Location: 19 miles from Oban on the A816.
Travel time from Inverness: just over three hours
Rates: Summer Spectacular available until September - stay for one night Dinner Bed and Breakfast for £98 per person and stay the next night for only £39pp Bed and Breakfast. Even better if you stay for two nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast at £98pppn the third night is £25pp B&B.
To book: Phone 01852 200233 or visit www.lochmelfort.co.uk
