Fonab Castle

If, like me, you’ve driven past the entrance to Fonab Castle countless times and wondered what it's like, then let me advise you now to stop and take a look. This place is definitely worth the tiny detour off the awful A9, and not just for one night. We’d recommend at least two! The Victorian baronial style pile had fallen into complete disrepair before being spotted as a potential for a daughter’s wedding venue and subsequently turned in to the five star property that it is today. The original red standstone building retains all of its grandeur, but to enlarge the space the owners cleverly added on a very well designed modern extension which provides additional accommodation in the main house. There are also a handful of woodland lodges a short walk from the front door. All the rooms are as as luxurious as you’d expect from a five star hotel, but I’d recommend booking one overlooking Loch Faskally to the hills beyond. The view is stunning! Interiors are contemporary in style, with plenty of purples and greens to reflect the landscape (with just enough tartan/tweed to remind you exactly where you are), all offset with bright pops of orange and dramatic light fittings in communal areas for a fun twist. Not content with providing a lovely bed for the night, at Fonab you can also expect fabulous food. The signature restaurant Sandemans (named for the original owners from the eponymous port company) — a beautifully conceived, atmospheric space decorated with deep jewel colours and dramatic modern art — packs a serious punch when it comes to cuisine. They only serve tasting menus here; but if there’s anything you don’t like, then chat to the immensely helpful and knowledgeable team who will endeavour to ensure you have the best possible experience. It has been awarded three AA Rosettes and you can see why! Don’t miss the accompanying wine flight — maitre d'/sommelier Jamie is very impressive when it comes to picking the right vintage for the dish. Breakfast is served in the more relaxed, loch facing 1892 Restaurant. Expect everything from the full Scottish to porridge or pancakes, all very well executed and hearty enough to easily set you up for the day. Assuming you want to leave the premises! And why would you, when you can hunker down in the Woodland Spa. There’s everything you could want here: 15m indoor lap pool, hot tubs galore (several outside), steam room, sauna, gym, and a handful of treatment rooms where you can relax at the hands of one of the expert therapists who use the gorgeous organic seaweed products from Ishga in their treatments (you can choose anything from a manicure to a full body massage). If you do want to explore, Pitlochry is on the doorstep and you’ve got the Cairngorms National Park just up the road. But for me the beauty of Fonab is that it offers the chance to relax and recharge in stunning surroundings and with guaranteed foodie delights. A fabulous country house hotel, with great staff, that won’t disappoint!

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Hot Tub
• There are several hot tub options in the spa, from one by the spa to several outdoors with woodland views
• Private dining room
• Both private dining rooms by the Sandeman or there are two pods outside overlooking the loch
• Restaurant
• Top notch fine dining and more casual loch view restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• 15m indoor heated pool
• Good wine list
• Massage
• Meeting Room

• Fireplace
• Bar
• Parking
• Wifi
• Suites
• Gym
• Spa

• Theatre
• Pitlochry Festival Theatre, a five minute walk, is well known for its excellent productions
• Designer Shopping
• Head up to House of Bruar and stock up on cashmere, tweeds and all things country!
• Great walks
• Perthshire has loads of great walking and there are paths straight from the hotel
• Other Activities
• There are at least three whisky distilleries in the near vicinity

• Sights nearby
• Historic Blair Castle is a short drive north
• Kayaking
• Golf
• Fishing

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Fonab Castle has been lovingly restored offering guests a real luxury experience away from home. The hotel is inspired from its historic past and its beautiful surroundings in the heart of Perthshire. From a relaxing spa visit to 3 AA Rosette dining, there’s something to suit every guest.

What is there to do in the area or on site? For the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, guests can enjoy our Woodland spa or for those looking for something more adventurous, there is the Land Rover Experience. Overall Perthshire offers plenty of breathtaking walks and local attractions such as Blair Castle, Blair Athol Distillery and Pitlochry Golf Course.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast is served daily from 7am – 10am in the 1892 on the Loch Bistro with a full Scottish breakfast on the menu with other lighter options also available.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We have two restaurants within the hotel, our 3 AA Rosette Sandemans which offers a seven-course tasting meal or guests can enjoy good food without the fuss at our 1892 on the Loch Brasserie. Not only offering dinner but also relaxed lunches and afternoon tea.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? There are 42 bedrooms within the hotel and guests can stay in the original castle in the Castle Signature Rooms or choose to stay in the popular Loch View rooms and tranquil suites in the contemporary wing.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Children are welcome and can use the swimming pool. The brasserie offers a kids' menu (two courses £12; three courses £15). Under fives stay free; children aged six to 12 £30 per night; 13 and over charged at full adult rate.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Fonab Castle offers the ultimate luxury getaway for those looking for a romantic overnight, family getaway or an indulgent spa break with fine dining options, stunning bedrooms and suites and plenty to do within Pitlochry and beyond.