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Ardbeg House
awarded The Times and The Sunday Times
Best Places to Stay 2026 winner in the
UK and Scotland.
Ardbeg House, the recently opened whisky
and hospitality destination on Islay,
has been named the best place to stay in
both the UK and Scotland by The Times
and The Sunday Times.
Located in the coastal village of Port
Ellen, just a short distance from Ardbeg
Distillery, the boutique hotel claimed
the top spot in the publications’
prestigious guide to the 50 Best Places
to Stay in the UK and Scotland. The
recognition comes only six months after
the property first opened its doors,
marking a remarkable achievement for the
new destination.
Judges described the hotel as "a whisky
wonderland, with playful, maximalist
interiors; and a convivial, well-stocked
bar that’s priced for locals." They also
praised the accommodation and dining
experience, awarding an impressive 9/10
rating while highlighting the
“eye-popping interiors” and “playful,
personality-packed” rooms.
Ardbeg House opened to guests in
September 2025 and was created in
collaboration with Russell Sage Studio,
whose design concept celebrates the
spirit, culture and character of Islay.
The 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends
striking interiors with craftsmanship
from more than 20 Scottish and
Islay-based artisans, bringing together
Ardbeg’s signature smoky identity with
the warmth, creativity and community of
the island.
Positioned in the lively harbour town of
Port Ellen, Ardbeg House offers visitors
a distinctive opportunity to fully
immerse themselves in the brand’s
world—inviting guests to eat, sleep and
drink Ardbeg in the heart of Islay.
Alongside its individually designed
guest rooms, the property features a
signature restaurant and the Islay Bar,
where both visitors and locals can enjoy
the best of Scottish food and drink,
including rare and exclusive Ardbeg
whiskies.
Ellie Goss, Comms and Hospitality
Director at Ardbeg, said: "We’re
incredibly honoured to top such a
prestigious list, especially so quickly
after the opening of Ardbeg House.
"Every element of the luxury hotel has
been crafted to immerse visitors to the
island and its community in local
stories and Ardbeggian rituals, while
also offering the chance to experience
some very exclusive whiskies.
"This recognition marks a major
milestone for Ardbeg House, cementing
its place as one of the most exciting
new destinations in the UK."
Ardbeg has long been known as The
Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Founded in
1815, the distillery is celebrated by
whisky enthusiasts worldwide for
producing some of the peatiest, smokiest
and most complex whiskies from Islay.
Yet alongside its powerful smoky
character, Ardbeg is also famed for an
underlying sweetness—an intriguing
balance affectionately known among fans
as the "peaty paradox."
For more information on Ardbeg House,
please visit: www.ardbeghouse.com.
You will find the current
Ardbeg whisky range available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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