Monachyle Mhor. The pink hotel.

Monachyle Mhor – The Pink Hotel

Monachyle Mhor is a long-loved romantic spot of mine and Zack’s. A beautiful fairytale-esque pink hotel nestled in the Scottish hillside. The building itself is an 18th century farmhouse, that sits four miles along a single track road in a remote scenic spot overlooking Loch Voil.

Monachyle Mhor is one of our favourite escapes because, although it is less than a 2 hour drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh, once you arrive you feel completely detached from city life. One night never feels like enough. The food, the design and the personal welcome make it a truly special place. Oh, and they serve the best gin martini I’ve ever had. Most recently, I booked a stay there for Zack’s birthday…

WHAT TO EXPECT

Chef Tom Lewis and his family own and run the hotel and surrounding farmland, in fact they grew up there. The passion for food and style is hard to ignore, expect lots of fresh local produce incorporated into inspirational gastronomy. The hotel itself is cool and sophisticated with stylish design, filled with eclectic antiques, magnificent views, open log fires and cosy corners. Don’t expect it to be overly rustic though, the food and the decor are both rather chic.

Monachyle Mhor is quite remote, so the snug bar is as far as nightlife goes. Think of a stay here as a relaxing escape for great food, views and walks.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT MONACHYLE MHOR

THE HOTEL

An intimate farmhouse conversion, with a painted pink exterior and lots of land to explore. The hotel has charm and character bursting from every corner from exterior to interior.

THE ROOMS

There is a room to suit everyone at Monachyle Mhor, even a wagon over looking the loch, or a cabin in the trees. Each time we have stayed we have chosen a Feature room which have never disappointed (most of the below images were in feature room 16). There are also smaller, more classic rooms, with beautiful views over the loch.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT MONACHYLE MHOR

FOOD & DRINK

Food is at the heart of Monachyle Mhor, a foodie haven without the fuss. The family grow and forage most of their own ingredients, everything else is local and seasonal from surrounding areas. Expect award-winning dining paired with friendly service.

After dinner, although the communal areas are very intimate, you can always find a favourite spot. Sitting on the south-facing terrace over looking the loch, or settled in the cosy lounge. We love the snug bar, it has so much charm. The cocktails are excellent – owners Tom & Lisa even have their own gins on the menu.

Keep in mind that Monachyle Mhor is not for budget travellers, the food & drink tab can add up very quickly (we book the Dinner, Bed & Breakfast option).

THE LOCATION

Monachyle Mhor is nestled in the hillside, beautifully set overlooking Lochs Doine and Voil. Before arriving, I would recommend leaving early to stop off at Mhor84 for lunch (part of the Mhor Collection). Then a 4 mile drive down the loch-side will take you to the hotel. If you want, you can stop to visit Rob Roy’s grave on route to the hotel. The Lookout, a mirrored box installation (pictured below), is another spot to visit a short walk from the hotel. Loacted on the banks of Loch Voil, you will pass the locals on route – Lucy the sheep is pictured below.

MONACHYLE MHOR FEB 2019

We also stayed in Winter 2019 and had a completely different, but still wonderful experience. Snow topped hills, log burning fires and drams of whisky to keep cosy. We arrived late in the day, when it was already dark because of winter daylight hours. Due to the single track road, I would recommend getting there are early as possible in the winter months.