The Torridon Named AA Hotel of the Year for Scotland

The awards, which are judged by AA inspectors and industry professionals, are among the most prestigious national honors in the British hospitality industry. Winners are recognized for excellence, success, a dedication to raising industry standards, and a commitment to the overall guest experience. The Torridon is especially honored to have received the award this year, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of family ownership. Owners Daniel Rose-Bristow and his wife, Rohaise, whose family has operated the property since 1992, were at the AA ceremony in London to collect the award, but they credited the entire Torridon team for this achievement.

Nestled on 58 acres of parkland overlooking a magnificent sea loch, The Torridon is set in one of the most enviable locations of the western Highlands of Scotland. Its 19 spacious bedrooms are focused on luxury and comfort. Each features Egyptian cotton sheets, duck-down feather duvets, pillow selections, flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, free WiFi, a tea and coffee maker, sparkling and still water, and Tunnock's teacakes. (A popular treat in the United Kingdom, a Tunnock's teacake is a round shortbread biscuit covered with Italian meringue and encased in a thin layer of chocolate). For those interested in the property's full culinary experience, The Torridon Restaur ant has earned three AA Rosettes as a fine-dining establishment, and its Whisky Bar features 350 varieties.

The Torridon is equally ideal for a romantic getaway (it's a popular wedding and honeymoon destination), a family holiday or even a corporate retreat, and there are plenty of activities on property and nearby to keep guests of any age and interest occupied. On-site activities include archery, clay pigeon shooting, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. Nearby attractions include Eilean Denan Castle, Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve and the Isle of Skye. Those interested in wildlife can keep their eyes open for sea otters, seals, red deer, martens and eagles … and those who prefer more domesticated animals will take delight in visiting The Torridon's herd of Highland cattle (also known as &l dquo;coos”).

Rates start at £220 for a classic bedroom and breakfast, but vary by room type, season and length of stay. The Torridon offers a variety of packages throughout the year, focusing on everything from family fun to romantic retreats and from adventure-filled days to relaxed evenings. Current specials focus on Christmas and Hogmanay, the Scottish new year.

Like The Torridon, Connoisseurs Scotland is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Its collection of 30 members includes four of the world's finest golf resorts (Cameron House, Gleneagles, Turnberry and St. Andrew's Old Course) and several outstanding city-center properties, including Prestonfield, one of only two 5 Red Star Hotels in Edinburgh, and Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow. Other members include The Royal Scotsman, the ultimate luxury train; MV Hebridean Princess, the finest hotel afloat; Blanefield, an exclusive-use property; and a collection of intimate country house hotels that includes Inverlochy Castle. Seven of the members boast Michelin-starred restaurants, including Gleneagles, whose Andrew Fairlie dining room is the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Scotland. Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk.