Taymouth Marina Resort - Review

​Taymouth Marina offers luxury self-catering accommodation next to Loch Tay.  They recently invited me along to experience their resort which is perfect for those that like to play hard during the day and fully relax in their free time.

Taymouth Marina - Luxury Accommodation on Loch Tay

The area around Loch Tay and Kenmore in particular, is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors.  With Munros to climb, forests to explore and just about every water-based activity you can think of available on Loch Tay itself, you are guaranteed to never be bored.  The region is a big draw to those looking for an active holiday in Scotland.  If you are going to be playing hard during the day, you probably want an accommodation base that also provides facilities to help you fully relax in your downtime.  This is the full package that Taymouth Marina is aiming to provide.

THE ACCOMMODATION

The complex includes a range of luxury self-catering apartments, townhouses and cottages which all look towards the waterfront.  I stayed in 2 Loch View which is one of their 2 bedroom terraced townhouses and I was immediately impressed.

Just inside the entrance way is a handy downstairs toilet and shower room, with a small laundry cupboard opposite.  Beyond the hall doors is a large open plan and modern space with a light and spacious kitchen, dining and living area that leads out to a private patio.  It felt homely as soon as I walked through the door and is well equipped with everything you would need including a dishwasher, housekeeping starter pack,  Wi-Fi and huge TV!

LUXURY EXTRAS

There are also a few luxury extras to help you relax in your down-time or keep you entertained on a rainy day including a PlayStation 4 with games, Sky HD with full sports and movie package, and a pod coffee machine.

However, the private patio with hot tub was the thing that got me most excited.  After a long day travelling and exploring I couldn't wait to soak away the aches.  I didn't care it was drizzly outside as the balcony above covers most of the tub and as I only had to take a couple of steps out the patio door straight in to the warm bubbly water, I didn't even have time to feel the chill in the air.

Once in the hot tub, the neighbouring car park is obscured from view and all you can see are the trees and mountains on the other side of the loch.  I sat back and watched birds soar by overhead and decided this is how every evening should end!

A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

At the end of the day, a good night's sleep is the ultimate tonic when it comes to feeling refreshed for the following day's adventures.  As Taymouth Marina is on the luxury end of the scale, you might already have guessed that the bedrooms have been designed with complete relaxation in mind.

Both bedrooms in my accommodation were doubles and both had an en-suite.  The bedroom at the rear had an en-suite walk-in shower and the master bedroom at the front had an en-suite walk-in shower and a bath.  Robes and slippers are provided so you can lounge around like a true lady or gentleman of leisure.  I really did sleep like a baby after an evening of unwinding!

A BEDROOM WITH A VIEW

Both bedrooms also have a TV, however if you are staying in the master bedroom like I did, you will probably spend most of your time either gazing out your patio doors to the views beyond or sitting outside on your private balcony if the weather allows.

There is a large car park between the houses and the loch so the views are not entirely waterfront but it is still a pleasant space to sit outside in the morning with a coffee and plan your activities for the day ahead.

WATERSPORTS

At Taymouth Marina, the accommodation is just part of a larger loch-side resort with a range of water activities available on-site and a growing number of other facilities.

I couldn't visit without taking advantage of the choice of watersports on offer and opted for the 1 hour Open Canadian Canoe Hire which gave me ample time to paddle by The Scottish Crannog Centre, down to Kenmore Beach, around the little island and head back a bit further up Loch Tay.  I loved getting a different perspective of the scenery.

Other hire options include stand up paddle boards, kayaks, pedalos, motor fishing boats or a shot on the inflatables.

OTHER FACILITIES

After an active stint out on the water it might be tempting to return to your accommodation and put your feet up but I recommend ​stopping by The Hot Box first.  The 40 ft long lochside sauna has panoramic windows and I can't think of a better way to enjoy the scenery.  Complimentary use of The Hot Box was included in my accommodation package.

Outside there is a fire pit, loungers, a water slide and bar so you can totally immerse yourself in holiday mode.  The range of indoor and outdoor facilities means that there is always something to do no matter what season you visit.

Further attractions due to open soon include CakeBox cafe and a steam-room style SteamBox.

EATING OPTIONS

​The beauty of self-catering is the ability to cook and eat at your accommodation which is what I did on one of the evenings.  Unfortunately the on-site restaurant at the resort was destroyed in a fire earlier this year, however if you would prefer to eat out, here are the places I tried -

• The Courtyard Bar & Restaurant, Kenmore - I ate dinner in the bar area which was busy and dog friendly.  The menu was casual, think burgers, pizzas etc and I was delighted that gluten free pizzas were an option.  That was me sorted!
• The Watermill, Aberfeldy - This is a lovely lunch spot with a great wee bookshop upstairs
• Habitat Cafe, Aberfeldy - Another great wee place for lunch

​WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA

​As I mentioned there are plenty of Munros you can bag and forest trails to follow.  However, there are also historical sites, gardens, galleries, museums and shops on the doorstep.

On my travels I like to do a mixture of activities and these are some of the places I visited

• The Scottish Crannog Centre - A living museum right next to Taymouth Marina
• St Mary's Chapel - A wee hidden gem near Aberfeldy with a painted ceiling dating back to the 1600s
• Birks of Aberfeldy - A fantastic circular walk around an area made famous by Robert Burns
• Castle Menzies - A fascinating and slightly spooky 16th century castle
• Old Kirk of Weem - Inside is the atmospheric and unique Menzies Mausoleum
• Cluny House Gardens - Get there in the morning and you are guaranteed a close up view of red squirrels.  A real treat!
• Fortingall Yew - An ancient yew tree thought to be at least 3000 years old, although some experts reckon it is much older than that
• Glen Lyon - Often described as Scotland's longest, loneliest and loveliest glen, it is definitely one of my favourites

Need more Perthshire ideas?
​Read this blog post with some of my favourite walks, viewpoints and photo stops

HOW TO BOOK

Hopefully this blog post has given you lots of inspiration and you are all ready to book your own Perthshire adventure.  If so, pop over to the Taymouth Marina website to check availability.

​Disclaimer - As stated, I was invited to stay at Taymouth Marina for the purposes of a review and my opinions are based on my own experience.  However, I always carry out additional independent research to ensure my own experience matches up with that of other guests.  This way I feel I can confidently recommend featured accommodation to my readers.

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