A SCOTTISH distillery is planning a luxurious transformation of a well-known hotel on a Scottish island.
Ardbeg purchased the popular Islay Hotel in the town of Port Ellen on the island of the same name in 2022.
The distiller plans to run the hotel in its current guise until late summer 2024, with all existing bookings honoured. After a short closure period, they aim to re-open in May 2025. During the renovation, all hotel staff will be retained and temporarily redeployed to other roles on the island.
Led by interiors company Russell Sage Studio, proposed changes include:
- A reimagined bar with courtyard, called The Islay Bar. Named after the hotel’s much-loved former watering hole which closed years ago, it is designed as a hub to bring local residents and visitors together;
- A new-look restaurant on the ground floor, which will be open to non-residents, with a private dining room for special occasions.
- A new name for the hotel, which will be known as Ardbeg House;
- Quirky and luxurious bedrooms and suites, each telling unique stories of Islay and its legends and Ardbeg, complete with numerous playful details and hidden surprises;
- An exclusive space for hotel residents and members of the Ardbeg Committee – the brand’s loyal following – on the lower ground floor, with an area for games, a whisky cave and a unique after-hours-style warmth. The Committee is free to join on ardbeg.com;
- An exclusive Ardbeg whisky, only available at the hotel and the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre
CEO Caspar MacRae said: “We are dedicated to making our island a great place to live and visit. So we are tremendously excited about our plans to create a world-class whisky and hospitality experience for Islay residents, visitors to the island and Committee Members.
"We welcome all to come and explore the best of Islay. While the hotel will, of course, be a spiritual home for the most ardent Ardbeggians, we promise even those just getting to know the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt, will leave lifelong fans.”
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