THE SONAS COLLECTION RAISES BAR FOR BOUTIQUE HOTELS AFTER £750K REFURB

Boutique hotel brand, The Sonas Collection, has invested £750,000 in the refurbishment of its three Isle of Skye properties, and in doing so, says it has raised the bar for luxury accommodation on Scotland’s West coast.

It is almost 20 years since owner Anne Gracie Gunn, pictured above, opened her first property, Toravaig House Hotel on Skye, and since then the Sonas Collection has become one of Scotland’s most successful small hotel groups, and the largest hospitality employer on the Isle of Skye. It now includes Skeabost House Hotel and Duisdale House Hotel.

Reflecting on the renovation, Anne said, “Covid was a difficult time for everyone, particularly the hospitality industry, however we decided it was an opportunity to renovate after seeing an increasing demand for luxury, boutique accommodation on Skye. It was hugely important to showcase the wonderful Skye landscape through the interior design and furnishings, while also staying true to the hotels’ unique characters and delivering luxurious comfort to our guests. This is the largest refurbishment we’ve undertaken and I’m hugely proud of the transformation our three beautiful boutique properties have undergone.”

Working in partnership with local suppliers and designing the bespoke furniture herself with Scottish-based business Select Contract Furniture, Anne’s passion for the outdoors and cultural flair can be seen throughout the decor from sailing-inspired wallpaper to lush, brightly coloured floral furnishings. Showcasing genuine Highland opulence, all hotels feature lavish log fireplaces and sophisticated furnishings, such as tailormade leather headboards and handwoven Harris tweed.

Visitors at the historic 150-year-old Skeabost House Hotel, once a Victorian Hunting lodge, can expect vivid, natureinspired hues in the Sea View and Garden rooms. The revamp also introduces two extra Deluxe rooms at Toravaig House Hotel and the new maritime-themed Chart Bar at Duisdale House Hotel.”