Leila Williams discovers a day at the iconic hotel on Loch Lomond is all it takes to experience Scottish hospitality at its finest
It’s been about 10 years since my last visit to Cameron House on Loch Lomond and it feels good to be heading back. The old building has been thoughtfully restored recently and it’s looking as good as ever as we step over the grand threshold.
3pm An elegant arrival
When I arrive for check-in, the lobby and reception are buzzing with activity; staircases and elevators leading to bedrooms, restaurants, leisure facilities and an inhouse cinema, and the gorgeously sumptuous, velvet clad Lobby bar hosting drinks, and afternoon tea with views of the loch as the ultimate backdrop.Our room is an Auld House Loch view suite with stunning views across the loch onto Balloch Country Park and Castle. And it’s gorgeous. The palette is autumnal and sombre with splashes of colour in the fabrics and it’s fitting with the surroundings – sumptuous and sophisticated without losing that traditional Scottish feel which gives the hotel its identity. There’s no doubt this is five-star luxury accommodation.
4pm Take to the water
While it’s tempting to run a deep bubble bath in the free-standing tub and stay put, the loch is calling so we choose to make the most of the dreamy location with the Celtic Warrior Champagne cruise, leaving from the marina by The Boat House bar and restaurant. It’s an hour’s cruise with a skipper and a knowledgeable host who tells you a thing or two about the iconic loch whilst you drink in the spectacular views from the top deck. This is Scotland’s landscape at its finest – the vastness of the water, its islands and the mightiness of Ben Lomond set the scene perfectly. You even cross the high-low fault line which runs through the middle of the loch so you officially make it to The Highlands on your trip, even if just for a brief few minutes. The Celtic Warrior takes up to 10 guests and can be hired privately too – it’s got summer celebration written all over it
6pm Pre-dinner drinks
Back on dry land, we return to our room to freshen’up before dinner, because we’re in the suite, we get the added bonus of a complimentary mini bar so pop the Moet and open the balcony doors to let in the evening sunshine and enjoy a pre-prandial drink. There’s a knock at the door and a trio of canapes are delivered, also as an extra touch when staying in a suite. This is a nice place to be.
8pm Dine in style
There are a handful of great options for dinner including the hotel’s main restaurant, The Cameron Grill. Informal and lively, the menu here is a crowd-pleaser but always with a focus on best quality meat, fish and shellfish. Being a grill, we don’t mess around and go straight for the steaks as our mains. Both rib eye, rich in flavour and served with a good helping of fries, mushrooms and tomato, just the way we like it. Our friendly waiter recommends a bottle of German Pinot Noir and he’s bang on the money. Cameron Grill is a great spot for dinner, with first class service and views. Afterwards, we head next door to the Great Scots bar for an espresso martini under the stars… and a blanket and terrace heater – it is Scotland after all.
9am Relax and recharge
After a fabulous night’s sleep in the most comfortable bed and a full Scottish breakfast served to the room, we’re escorted by shuttle bus to the hotel’s spa where we spend the morning releasing the toxins from the night before. The Cameron Spa, formerly known as the Carrick Spa, is enveloped by the 18-hole golf course and the lush greens and flora and fauna only enhance the wellbeing factor. We spend two hours in the hydro and thermal experiences and love the views from the thermal suites to the natural surroundings. It’s a lovely day in May and we get to lap up the sunshine from the rooftop infinity hydro pool. And, just to be extra kind to ourselves (self care is so important after all), we finish off by heading to one of the 17 treatment rooms for an ESPA aromatherapy full body massage, tailored to each of our needs. It’s absolute bliss.
2pm Tea for two
Chilled and thoroughly relaxed after our morning in the spa, we tuck into a five-tiered afternoon tea, served in the Lobby bar. It’s a playful assortment of sweet and savoury delights, rich in flavour and texture, and a delicious finale to our 24-hour stay. It doesn’t have to come with Champagne, of course, but as I’m not the designated driver home it would be rude not to toast such a fabulous break away from it all so naturally, I indulge. There’s even enough left to take home as a souvenir of our stay.
3pm A fond farewell
There are many takeaways from an overnight stay at Cameron House, no less that the abundance of experiences offering you the chance to make your break whatever you want it to be. This is Scottish hospitality at its finest. It’s five star all the way from the tartan clad concierge to the food and amenities… and it’s great to see the hotel do it all so well.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8 QZ. www.cameronhouse.co.uk, 01389 312 210
