Ardbeg House, the boutique whisky hotel on Islay that opened in September 2025, has been named the overall winner of The Times and The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2026 list for both the UK and Scotland. The recognition comes just six months after the 12-room property welcomed its first guests.
The hotel sits on the shores of Port Ellen, close to Ardbeg Distillery, and topped the publication’s definitive guide to the 50 Best Places to Stay across the UK.
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Judges praised the property as “a whisky wonderland, with playful, maximalist interiors; and a convivial, well-stocked bar that’s priced for locals.”
The rooms, suites, food, and drink all received an impressive 9/10 score. Judges highlighted the “eye-popping interiors” and “playful, personality-packed” hotel rooms.
The Whiskey Wash Editor In Chief, Mark Littler, reviews his visit in this video:
Ardbeg House was designed in collaboration with interior storymakers Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the best of Islay. The property features handcrafted pieces from more than 20 Scottish and Islay artisans, blending Ardbeg’s signature smoky character with the island’s warmth, creativity, and community.
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Ellie Goss, comms and hospitality director at Ardbeg, said: “We’re incredibly honored 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,” Goss added.
She continued: “This recognition marks a major milestone for Ardbeg House, cementing its place as one of the most exciting new destinations in the UK.”
Ardbeg is owned by LVMH-backed The Glenmorangie Company. The Islay distillery has long been celebrated for its intensely peated single malt Scotch whisky and has cultivated a devoted global following among whisky enthusiasts.
The investment in hospitality reflects a broader trend among Scotch whisky producers expanding into luxury tourism experiences. Several distilleries across Scotland have made significant commitments to visitor infrastructure in recent years, recognizing the value of immersive brand destinations in driving consumer engagement and premium positioning.
The award further strengthens Islay’s reputation as a world-class whisky tourism destination, with the island home to more than a dozen working distilleries.
