Our guide to luxury Isle of Skye holidays

Rest and reset on Skye, as heather-cloaked moorlands, rugged mountains, pristine lochs, and storybook villages provide a siren call from the sounds of the city. This is the Unique guide to luxury Isle of Skye holidays.

Taking its name from Skýey – meaning ‘Cloud Island,’ and likely inspired by the ethereal mists that shroud the craggy Cuillins – the Isle of Skye is a place for dreamers and adventurers alike. Spanning 639 square miles, there’s no time to waste when it comes to soaking in all that Skye has to offer; wake with the sun to summit the Old Man of Storr, pack flasks of Scotch broth and morning rolls to warm through after a dip in the Fairy Pools, or jump aboard a fishing boat from Elgol to chart the coastline and pristine sands of Morar, as dolphins weave through the waves and native seabirds soar above.

The island is indelibly etched with tales of its past; clan rivalries whisper through the walls of Dunvegan Castle and Trumpan Church, while the sacred sentinel of Kilmarie Standing Stones draw visitors in their droves. But to truly understand Skye’s spirit, venture into its villages, where Gaelic traditions are proudly observed and the familiar cadence of ceilidh dancing fills the cobbled streets. Before retreating to your cottage, pick up a bottle of liquid gold from Talisker Distillery to fuel fireside drams and late night yarns. Looking to escape to the Hebrides? Let our guide to luxury Isle of Skye holidays lead the way.

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Where to eat in the Isle of Skye

Savour pre-hike piccolos in Portree, seafood spoils in Carbost, sup a wee dram (or two) at Talisker Distillery, or secure a coveted seat at the Michelin-starred Three Chimneys, where Scotland’s natural larder takes centre stage.

The Old Schoolhouse, Dunvegan

Come here for relaxed dining in an informal atmosphere; you could be wearing a tuxedo or a pair of shorts and feel equally at home. The Old Schoolhouse serves uses mainly highland produce, making it a favourite with locals and foodies.

The Three Chimneys, Colbost

A world-famous restaurant in a beautiful spot by the shore on the edge of Loch Dunvegan, The Three Chimneys is owned by Eddie and Shirley, both immensely passionate about traditional dishes and outstanding customer service.

Things to do in the Isle of Skye

Venture off the beaten track with Skye Jeep Tours, brave a wild swim under crystalline cascades at the Fairy Pools, or set out at dawn to reach the summit of Red Cuillin, Britain’s most formidable mountain range.

The Cuillins

The Cuillin Hills are the British Isles’ most formidable mountain range, a mecca for experienced mountaineers and climbers looking to conquer its jagged peaks. For guidance, there are local outfits who offer expert instruction.

Castles and museums

This beautiful island enjoys a varied climate. On wet days, when you don’t fancy facing the elements, take a trip to the Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir. There are also several castles, crofting museums, and indoor attractions.

Things to see in the Isle of Skye

Spy scenes from the big screen at The Old Man of Storr (starring in Macbeth and Prometheus), call in on the MacLeod clan at Dunvegan Castle, while shutterbugs seek photo opportunities aplenty at Coral Beach in Claigan.

Sci-Fi Scenery

Rest weary feet and discover the stunning landscapes by taking to four wheels. Sci-Fi fans will love a drive through the Old Man of Storr, which famously featured in the opening scene of Ridley Scott’s blockbuster Prometheus.

The Fairy Pools

At the foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear waters on the River Brittle. These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great wild swimming for the cold-averse.

Locations near the Isle of Skye

Find pastel-hued fishermen´s cottages in Portree, chase waterfalls in Uig, delve into the island’s history in Dunvegan, set up an adventure base in Carbost, or sail to Luskentyre Beach on the Isle Of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

Collections in the Isle of Skye

Time stands still on Skye; so, whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas (minus the wrapping), or a luxury love nest for your honeymoon, our curated collections offer woodfired saunas and private chefs to sweeten the deal.

Cottages with Fireplaces
From Cotswolds inglenooks to sleek Nordic hearths, gather around crackling flames in Britain´s cosiest hideaways.
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Castles, Towers and Follies
Where historic grandeur meets modern luxury, sleep in turrets, stargaze from battlements and live your own fairytale.
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Cabin Stays
From coastal modernist havens to secluded woodland retreats, unwind in saunas, soak in outdoor tubs and reconnect with nature.
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Coastal Retreats
From modern beach houses to bohemian self-catering cottages by the sea, spend days watching the waves in one of our luxury coastal cottages.
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Dog-Friendly Escapes
From a cottage in Loch Lomond to a beach house in Cornwall, our collection of dog-friendly homes are the best kept secrets on the canine travel scene.
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Couples´ Retreats
From Valentine´s breaks to honeymooner´s hideaways, these luxury cottages were designed for couples with romance in mind.
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Homes with Pools
Feel the heat? Choose from our luxury holiday homes with swimming pools. Indoors, outdoors, heated, natural... we have them all.
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Family-Friendly Self-Catering
Unique family-owned homes creatively designed with relaxation in mind, our luxury child-friendly holiday cottages offer stress-free escapes.
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Large Self-Catering Groups
Our larger luxury self-catering homes and big country houses are just the ticket for a celebratory luxury group gathering.
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Honeymoons
Start married life with the ultimate romantic honeymoon in a luxury retreat, from cosy cottages to beach hideaways.
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Valentine´s Breaks
Unique Valentine´s Day breaks for a get-away-from-it-all adventure, from iconic beach huts to remote woodland cabins for two.
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Homes with Hot Tubs
Plot your escape to one of these exclusive, hand-picked luxury self-catering cottages with hot tubs for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating break.
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Homes with a Private Chef
From occasion-celebrating menus to fully-catered stays, our carefully selected chefs create bespoke menus for those seeking a more relaxed stay.
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Country House Breaks
Our exclusive collection of country houses includes luxury manor houses, opulent mansions with pools and beautiful private estates.
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Homes with Tennis Courts
From Victorian vegetable stores to fairytale millhouses, our luxury homes with tennis courts bring the best of Wimbledon to the country.
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Alternative Group Option
Alternative holiday cottages for groups. Stay as a small group in one of our luxury self-catering holiday homes with our alternative group option.
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Holiday homes within 3 hours of London
Plotting a restful escape from the city? These luxury coastal and country retreats within three hours’ drive of London are just the ticket.
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Eco-Friendly Escapes
Our luxury eco-friendly retreats include a beach hut Cornwall and a coastal cabin in Scotland. Good for the soul, and the planet.
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Baby-Friendly Breaks
For families with a baby on board, our unique baby-friendly breaks provide luxury self-catering with safety, comfort and parents in mind.
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Elopement Weddings
Whether a luxury home by the sea or grand country manor, run away to enjoy the elopement wedding of your dreams at a unique private home.
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Secret Garden Escapes
Our unique garden escapes feature woodland hideaways, secret garden cottages and exclusive private homes in Alice in Wonderland estates.
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Film and Photoshoot Locations
Whether you want a unique film shoot backdrop or luxury venue for a new product launch, these shoot and stay locations are one of a kind.
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Waterside Living
Experience the charm and tranquility of living on the water´s edge at these unique waterside properties set by lochs, lakes, rivers or beaches.
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Wellness Retreats
Wellbeing venues with a difference, take exclusive hire of a private home for your next wellbeing, fitness or yoga retreat.
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Solo Travel
Indulge in a little me time and create your own itinerary with an independent solo travel experience at an inspiring luxury homestay.
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Pet-Free Holiday Cottages
Our collection of pet-free holiday cottages, designed with relaxation in mind, offers UK stays where peace and quiet are a guarantee.
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Electric Car Escapes
If you are looking for an eco-friendly holiday that supports your electric or hybrid car, these sustainable luxury properties will be just the ticket.
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Flexible Breaks
With flexible check-in days and durations available at these luxury UK homes, you can enjoy the chance to holiday your way.
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Corporate Events
Our unique corporate event venues promise creative settings for inspired company retreats, ideal for team-building or company rewards.
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Unique Hen Weekends
For sophisticated brides wanting an alternative hen weekend its got to be Unique Homestays. Think yoga barns, swimming pools and disco balls.
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Wilderness Stays
Idyllic hideaways perfect for wild food foragers and barefoot wanderers, our wilderness stays combine remote settings with natural style.
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Limited Release
Seize the opportunity to stay in one of these exclusive private homes, available for only a select few weeks each year.
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Journals about the Isle of Skye

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Isle of Skye FAQ’s

Looking for advice on reaching the Hebrides? Want to know the best time to see the Northern Lights? If you have an Isle of Skye-specific query, you might find the answer here. For everything else, visit our general FAQs.

How do I get to the Isle of Skye?

You can reach the Isle of Skye by road or by ferry. The most common route is to drive across the Skye Bridge from the mainland, which connects to the A87 road. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Mallaig or Glenelg to reach the island.

The Isle of Skye does not have its own airport, but you can fly to nearby airports on the mainland, such as Inverness Airport or Glasgow Airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Skye or take public transportation by train or bus.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye?

The best time to visit Skye is typically during the late spring (May to June) when the island comes alive with wildflowers and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is relatively mild, the landscape is aglow with golden foliage, and there are fewer crowds. However, the island's dramatic beauty can be appreciated year-round, though weather can be unpredictable in the winter months, with high probability of rain and snow, so come prepared with plenty of warm layers (and waterproofs!).

Is it possible to see the Northern Lights on Skye?

Yes, it is possible to see the Northern Lights on Skye, particularly during the winter months when there are clear, dark skies. Local tour operators on Skye offer Northern Lights tours, providing transportation to dark-sky locations and expert guidance on aurora spotting.

What are the local food specialties on the Isle of Skye?

Skye is known for its seafood, including fresh fish and shellfish. Don’t leave without trying Skye salmon, scallops, mussels, and langoustines (often big enough to rival your average lobster). Skye's natural environment offers a bounty of wild ingredients, too, including mushrooms, berries, and edible seaweed.

Own a property in Isle of Skye?

Are you the keeper of a lochside cabin? Or the custodian of a fisherman´s cottage? From Staffin to Waternish to the township of Flodigarry, we´re seeking Isle of Skye´s most unique homes to join our growing portfolio.

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Destinations > UK > Scotland > Isle of Skye

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Our guide to luxury Isle of Skye holidays

Where to eat in the Isle of Skye

The Old Schoolhouse, Dunvegan

The Three Chimneys, Colbost

Things to do in the Isle of Skye

The Cuillins

Castles and museums

Things to see in the Isle of Skye

Sci-Fi Scenery

The Fairy Pools

Locations near the Isle of Skye

Collections in the Isle of Skye

Journals about the Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye FAQ’s

How do I get to the Isle of Skye?

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye?

Is it possible to see the Northern Lights on Skye?

What are the local food specialties on the Isle of Skye?

Own a property in Isle of Skye?

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