A PERFECT AWAY TAY; Enjoy a touch of South Africa in heart of Scotland.

Byline: Tony Donnelly 

AS you drive up to Ardeonaig Hotel & Restaurant, it looks like a typical Scottish country inn with a traditional style that suggests it's been there for centuries.

In fact, there has been an inn at Ardeonaig for more than 450 years and apart from the odd 4x4 going past on the single track road, it doesn't seem as if that much has changed down the decades.

Even after you check in, it's just what you expect from an upmarket, small country hotel - immaculately refurbished, but with some original features to keep the traditional feel.

However, as you walk through to the back, there's a surprise in store. The first thing you notice from a huge picture window is the stunning backdrop of Ben Lawers across on the northern shore of Loch Tay.

Then you spot the rondawels, which are traditional Southern African circular thatched cottages. They would usually be found in rural areas, perhaps dwarfed by a vast plain with herds of wildebeest roaming in the distance.

So why is there a cluster of them dotted around the grounds of a hotel in the middle of Perthshire? Owner Pete Gottgens has spent five years creating his vision of a first-class country retreat with a South African twist in the heart of Scotland.

He is from a family of South African hoteliers with Scottish roots, and his aim at Ardeonaig was to blend the best of both cultures.

The rondawels may look rustic on the outside but inside they are surprisingly spacious and tastefully decorated.

And because of their shape, you are surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and loch, whichever window you look out of. The South African theme is about more than just the architecture, though.

Most of the staff at Ardeonaig are from Gottgens' homeland, and all are enthusiastic and incredibly helpful.

Along with rest and relaxation, the hotel also offers guests guided walks, off-road cycling, lunch and dinner at a bothy and a self-catering cottage.

Another activity the hotel offers is photographic wildlife stalking, where an experienced gamekeeper will endeavour to get you close to red stags for that once in a lifetime picture.

Gottgens, as well as being a businessman, is an accomplished chef and the hotel regularly has gourmet nights serving up some amazing dishes.

He uses local produce, such as lamb from a farm just up the hill and vegetables and herbs grown in the grounds at Ardeonaig, whenever possible.

It's no surprise to learn the hotel has been given a Michelin star for its cuisine.

When it comes to the wine, the South African theme returns. The hotel has a cellar packed with interesting reds and whites from Gottgens' homeland.

After dinner, guests are given the run of the hotel to have coffee and I enjoyed a peaceful hour in the library before the best night's sleep I'd had in months.

And when I awoke and looked out of the window at the stunning view, just for a moment I thought I was in South Africa.

CAPTION(S):

QUAINT: Ardeonaig Hotel and one of its cosy but stylish bedrooms TRANQUIL: Beautiful Loch Tay in Perthshire