Fresh new flavour for Marmalade
As part of a wider programme to refresh their unique portfolio of boutique hotels on the lsle of Skye and West Coast of Scotland, Perle Hotels have carried out a full refurbishment of The Marmalade Hotel in Portree.
Main contractors for the scheme were RK Joinery Ltd; interior designers were ICA.
The original Grade B listed Georgian house, built in 1810 by Lord MacDonald of Sleat, is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the orange trees planted in the garden, which have given the hotel its name.
Internally, there is an eclectic mix of high ceilings, coving and coombes. The guest room accommodation has been increased from nine to eleven boutique rooms.
All the rooms feature incredible picturesque views of the harbour town of Portree or the surrounding countryside. Every aspect of the interior design, from the natural colour palettes to the tactile textiles, have been designed to promote a sense of luxurious escape.
The unique nature of the building has been emphasised by the new design, which utilises materials and colours that are earthy and warm to promote a restful atmosphere. This is carried through to the public areas of the hotel, including the restaurant, where the intimate atmosphere and locally sourced fare is set against the stunning backdrop of Portree Harbour and the Cuillin mountains beyond.
Perle Hotels recognise that there is an appetite among their guests for contemporary, luxurious accommodation, while experiencing a true sense of place and authentic Skye hospitality, and it has been ICA’s ambition to instil this into The Marmalade.
ICA have featured bespoke pieces from local suppliers throughout, including bed throws from Skye Weavers, artwork in the dining room from local artist Diana Mackie and guest room artwork from textile artist Jane Hunter, all of which add personality and character to the hotel.
Serving breakfast and dinner, the restaurant at Marmalade is one of the best on Skye, and specialises in locally sourced seafood.
Focussing on steak and oysters, the menu includes a selection of mouth-watering dishes created using fresh ingredients from the best suppliers, and also features a selection of pasta dishes, salads and vegetarian meals.
Throughout the menu, the focus is on healthy, well-sourced ingredients and preparation that highlights the flavours of Scotland.
As a popular small harbour town, Portree is the perfect location to explore the rest of the Isle of Skye.
Surrounded by cliffs and hills, Portree Harbour is the life and soul of the town and still hosts a range of sea vessels including lifeboats, pleasure crafts, and, of course, fishing boats. On the south-west side of the harbour sit the iconic, brightly coloured cottages positioned next to each other alongside the water – an image that is often used to illustrate the picturesque town.
Portree is the largest town in the Isle of Skye and is a bustling port and the cultural centre of the island. Despite this, the town is still very small and provides the ideal location in which to retreat.
Filled with harbourside pubs and boutique shops, the town lends itself as an idyllic place for an afternoon stroll, with a range of leisure facilities available including a swimming pool, cruises, water sports and pony trekking.
